WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.459 And if you would open up your Bibles to Luke chapter 2. 00:00:04.600 --> 00:00:09.480 So children, get your mums or dads or whoever you're sending by to get them to open their Bibles up to Luke chapter 2. 00:00:12.040 --> 00:00:19.460 Who's up the earliest this morning? Any 7 o'clock? 7 o'clock? Hands up if you're up at 7 o'clock. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:29.140 Half 6? Half 6? 6 o'clock? Chris Crannock! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.159 Half 5? 5? 00:00:36.780 --> 00:00:39.240 See you, me soon as you've bounced. Half 4? 00:00:40.980 --> 00:00:46.079 Dawood, I'm impressed, I'm impressed, I'm impressed. Well done. Dawood gets the sweets. 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:47.219 Come and see me later if I'm sweet. 00:00:50.019 --> 00:00:52.439 That's good. That's very, very good. 00:00:52.820 --> 00:00:55.000 Okay, so look at verse 8. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:55.840 Look at verse 8. 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:01.759 And the angel of the Lord appeared to them, that's the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:04.379 and they were filled with great fear. They were terrified. 00:01:05.519 --> 00:01:06.899 Now that's no surprise, is it? 00:01:07.179 --> 00:01:12.640 And when you see angels in the Bible, angels give people the shock of their lives. 00:01:12.739 --> 00:01:14.519 They're afraid. People are afraid. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:17.939 So the angels say the most common command in the Bible. 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:19.659 Fear not. 00:01:20.180 --> 00:01:21.900 Do not be afraid. That's what angels always say. 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:23.320 Do not be afraid. 00:01:24.320 --> 00:01:25.420 Do not be afraid. 00:01:26.480 --> 00:01:30.460 For behold, I bring good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:39.600 For unto you is born this town in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:41.559 Now that is a really, really important statement. 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:47.179 It tells us, really, the who of Christmas and the why of Christmas. 00:01:48.039 --> 00:01:53.500 It tells us why Jesus came, and it tells us who Jesus is. 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:55.119 So look at the verse again. 00:01:55.299 --> 00:01:58.780 Any of the children, can you tell me here, he is born, what is he? 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:02.280 Born in the city, the town of David a... 00:02:02.280 --> 00:02:03.699 What is he? Have a look what he is. 00:02:03.780 --> 00:02:04.560 Can anybody tell me? 00:02:04.659 --> 00:02:05.780 It begins with... 00:02:05.780 --> 00:02:07.780 Ah, Jeremiah. 00:02:07.780 --> 00:02:10.080 That's right. A Saviour. 00:02:10.400 --> 00:02:12.879 Now the word Saviour, it's hard for some people. 00:02:12.979 --> 00:02:14.120 It's not easy for some people. 00:02:14.420 --> 00:02:17.719 But all it really means is rescuer. 00:02:18.039 --> 00:02:18.199 Alright? 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:21.259 And how many of you have seen the teleporter? 00:02:21.319 --> 00:02:23.379 There's a teleporter called Helicopter Heroes. 00:02:24.300 --> 00:02:25.120 Has anybody seen it? 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:27.620 One person has seen it. 00:02:27.680 --> 00:02:29.020 That ruins this illustration. 00:02:29.680 --> 00:02:30.639 They're not even a child. 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:31.800 Helicopter Heroes. 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:33.759 Well, let me tell you, it's pretty simple, okay? 00:02:33.759 --> 00:02:39.280 A helicopter flies out at an air ambulance to rescue people. 00:02:39.359 --> 00:02:43.979 So maybe there's an accident on the motorway, and it's all jammed up, like it's been this week. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:46.679 And the cars and the ambulances can't get through. 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:53.419 So the helicopter flies, flies to the M1, and lowers down a rope, and lowers down a crew. 00:02:53.500 --> 00:02:54.859 And they do an amazing work. 00:02:55.239 --> 00:02:57.060 And they rescue people. 00:02:57.259 --> 00:02:58.319 They lift people up, is it? 00:02:59.180 --> 00:03:00.199 They're like a saviour. 00:03:00.759 --> 00:03:06.719 Or maybe you've been at the seaside, and you see a helicopter, and fly out to the sea. 00:03:07.199 --> 00:03:13.199 And you see him lower a winch down, and there's a man on the end of the rope, and he grabs the person, 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:16.699 and then they lift him back up to the helicopter, and they rescue him. 00:03:17.159 --> 00:03:18.599 They are saviours. 00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:20.079 Maybe you've even seen that at the beach. 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:21.819 It's quite amazing, isn't it? 00:03:21.819 --> 00:03:22.979 It's an amazing job. 00:03:23.099 --> 00:03:26.959 And afterwards, they interview the people, and the people are so pleased that they've been rescued. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:28.860 Somebody's in trouble. 00:03:29.500 --> 00:03:30.760 Somebody's in danger. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:33.960 And somebody else is their saviour. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:34.659 Okay? 00:03:35.420 --> 00:03:38.520 And that helps us understand why Jesus came. 00:03:38.700 --> 00:03:40.420 He came to people who are in trouble. 00:03:40.900 --> 00:03:42.879 He came to people who are in danger. 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:45.480 And he comes as a rescuer. 00:03:46.219 --> 00:03:52.180 So Christmas is not just a nice story about a crib, and a stable, and the animals there. 00:03:52.219 --> 00:03:53.300 It's far more important than that. 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:58.200 Because it is all about God's rescue for the world. 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:01.360 Now, have you ever thought about how strange it is? 00:04:02.260 --> 00:04:07.860 If you were in danger, and if you were in trouble, who would you send? 00:04:08.580 --> 00:04:14.020 If you were thinking of sending somebody to do a rescue, who would you send? 00:04:14.480 --> 00:04:18.040 Who would you want to come and rescue you from danger? 00:04:18.040 --> 00:04:23.240 You wouldn't really want, would you, a little baby. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:26.680 So imagine you're trapped out at sea, alright? 00:04:27.400 --> 00:04:31.439 And you're there on the waves, and you're in danger. 00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:35.160 And out comes a tiny little baby. 00:04:36.120 --> 00:04:37.759 Little Rebecca on her own. 00:04:38.480 --> 00:04:40.500 No, it's Rachel, isn't it? 00:04:40.540 --> 00:04:42.320 Just hold Rachel up for us, Maddie. 00:04:42.640 --> 00:04:43.500 Hold Rachel up for us. 00:04:44.200 --> 00:04:45.180 Oh, that's Rebecca, is it? 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:45.600 I got it wrong. 00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:46.319 That's Rebecca. 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:50.780 So imagine you saw Rebecca paddling along on a little boat. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:52.699 It would be no help, would it? 00:04:52.720 --> 00:04:54.600 That wouldn't be a good saviour, would it? 00:04:55.259 --> 00:05:01.100 And yet, this baby is sent into the world to rescue. 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:04.340 Now, there's plenty of rescuers, aren't there? 00:05:05.160 --> 00:05:05.740 Who can tell me? 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:06.560 This isn't a very good picture. 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:07.160 I've got another one. 00:05:07.500 --> 00:05:08.740 Can anybody tell me who that is? 00:05:09.160 --> 00:05:09.800 Do you know who that is? 00:05:10.860 --> 00:05:11.259 Indiana. 00:05:11.579 --> 00:05:12.220 Oh, what? 00:05:12.220 --> 00:05:15.680 Who is it? 00:05:15.700 --> 00:05:16.800 Can you see who it is, Marius? 00:05:17.900 --> 00:05:18.640 Who do you think that is? 00:05:18.960 --> 00:05:19.860 He's got a whip. 00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:22.100 Indiana Jones. 00:05:22.140 --> 00:05:22.840 Have you seen the films? 00:05:23.640 --> 00:05:24.340 They're very good. 00:05:24.380 --> 00:05:26.120 They're better than The Hobbit, honestly, alright? 00:05:26.280 --> 00:05:28.280 They're great films, okay? 00:05:28.860 --> 00:05:30.560 They are great films. 00:05:30.960 --> 00:05:31.920 And he rescues people. 00:05:31.920 --> 00:05:35.920 He's got a whip, and there's a big stone that... 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:39.800 He runs away from big stones, and he wears a hat, and he always rescues his hat. 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:41.080 He's a great character. 00:05:41.079 --> 00:05:45.359 He said, if I was in danger, that's who I'd want to come and rescue me. 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:46.560 Indiana Jones. 00:05:47.579 --> 00:05:48.899 What about this guy? 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:51.539 Who is that? 00:05:53.159 --> 00:05:53.639 Who is that? 00:05:54.500 --> 00:05:55.300 Spider-Man. 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:57.959 And what's Spider-Man's superpowers? 00:05:58.019 --> 00:05:58.919 He's got any superpowers? 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:00.740 What can Spider-Man do? 00:06:00.779 --> 00:06:01.240 What does he do? 00:06:02.860 --> 00:06:04.199 He can climb walls. 00:06:04.399 --> 00:06:05.680 What else does he do? 00:06:07.219 --> 00:06:08.000 Shoot webs. 00:06:08.180 --> 00:06:09.519 It's a funny superpower, isn't it? 00:06:09.519 --> 00:06:11.620 But he can rescue people, can't he? 00:06:11.759 --> 00:06:12.120 Can't he? 00:06:12.359 --> 00:06:13.259 Peter Parker. 00:06:13.779 --> 00:06:15.859 And he comes and he rescues the woman who... 00:06:15.859 --> 00:06:16.939 I can't remember her name. 00:06:16.979 --> 00:06:18.279 He comes and rescues her, alright? 00:06:18.859 --> 00:06:19.859 Then... 00:06:19.859 --> 00:06:21.099 What about this man? 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:24.659 Who's that? 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:25.120 Who's that? 00:06:27.339 --> 00:06:27.740 No. 00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:28.279 Wait. 00:06:28.439 --> 00:06:28.799 Wait. 00:06:29.159 --> 00:06:30.379 It's not a very good book. 00:06:30.439 --> 00:06:30.779 Can you... 00:06:30.779 --> 00:06:31.439 Who's that, don't you? 00:06:32.199 --> 00:06:32.639 Superman. 00:06:33.039 --> 00:06:34.439 And what can Superman do? 00:06:35.240 --> 00:06:35.599 Anything. 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:37.399 Anything. 00:06:37.399 --> 00:06:39.459 David says no. 00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:41.639 What can Superman do? 00:06:41.979 --> 00:06:42.219 Okay. 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:44.019 He can... 00:06:44.019 --> 00:06:46.359 He can save people. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:47.479 What else can he do, though? 00:06:47.620 --> 00:06:47.759 Yeah. 00:06:47.859 --> 00:06:49.699 He can fly. 00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:51.299 Can you do anything else? 00:06:51.419 --> 00:06:52.739 He's quite strong, isn't he? 00:06:53.159 --> 00:06:54.139 If you were going to... 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:56.539 If you were going to have someone to rescue you... 00:06:56.539 --> 00:06:57.919 Superman would be good, isn't he? 00:06:57.939 --> 00:06:58.299 You'd want him. 00:06:58.399 --> 00:06:58.620 Okay. 00:06:58.739 --> 00:06:59.259 What about this one? 00:06:59.279 --> 00:07:00.500 This is the last one. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:01.000 Who's that? 00:07:01.159 --> 00:07:01.299 This is. 00:07:02.500 --> 00:07:04.079 Do you see that? 00:07:04.159 --> 00:07:04.599 Who's it, Noah? 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:06.720 Mr. Incredible. 00:07:07.240 --> 00:07:08.820 That is right, isn't it? 00:07:09.060 --> 00:07:11.020 And what can Mr. Incredible do? 00:07:11.300 --> 00:07:12.820 What can Mr. Incredible do, let's see. 00:07:14.700 --> 00:07:20.760 He can push the train back. 00:07:20.820 --> 00:07:21.860 He's very, very strong. 00:07:21.960 --> 00:07:24.220 And if you were in trouble... 00:07:24.220 --> 00:07:25.680 If you were in trouble, that's why... 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:28.760 I think he would be even better than Indiana Jones, wouldn't he, Mr. Incredible? 00:07:28.860 --> 00:07:30.439 He would come and he would rescue. 00:07:30.740 --> 00:07:31.840 Now, let me tell you this. 00:07:32.020 --> 00:07:32.240 Okay? 00:07:32.460 --> 00:07:33.080 Listen to this. 00:07:33.079 --> 00:07:35.079 Indiana Jones... 00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:37.079 Spider-Man... 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:39.079 Superman... 00:07:40.339 --> 00:07:42.079 And Mr. Incredible... 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:47.219 Are absolutely no use to rescue you. 00:07:47.899 --> 00:07:48.279 Or me. 00:07:49.039 --> 00:07:53.519 They are absolutely useless to save us. 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:55.399 For a lot of good reasons. 00:07:55.579 --> 00:07:57.919 One really, really important reason is this. 00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:00.079 Can you guess what reason it is? 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:00.560 All right? 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:02.560 Mr. Incredible... 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:03.560 Mr. Incredible... 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.560 Superman... 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:05.560 And... 00:08:06.800 --> 00:08:07.560 Spider-Man... 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:09.560 And Indiana Jones... 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:10.160 Are all... 00:08:10.160 --> 00:08:10.839 What are they all? 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:11.980 Alistair. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:13.340 Fictional. 00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:13.819 That's right. 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:14.720 They're made up, aren't they? 00:08:14.720 --> 00:08:16.120 I'm sorry if that ruins things. 00:08:16.840 --> 00:08:18.560 But they're not real, are they? 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:20.699 They are on films... 00:08:20.699 --> 00:08:21.560 Or they're on comics... 00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:24.100 But the big difference is this. 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:28.700 What God's rescuer that we have come to celebrate and rejoice in today is real. 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:30.720 He's real. 00:08:32.040 --> 00:08:32.980 He's not made up. 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:36.159 Some people think that the Christmas story is made up. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:39.000 That it's invented by somebody who thought up a kind of nice story. 00:08:39.240 --> 00:08:42.620 And over time, some strange people like us think of it now that it's real. 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:44.100 But this really happened. 00:08:44.100 --> 00:08:47.519 Jesus was really born. 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:49.100 If you look at chapter 2 and verse 1... 00:08:49.680 --> 00:08:55.120 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:58.720 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:08:59.840 What's that telling you? 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:01.460 It happened in real history. 00:09:02.920 --> 00:09:03.639 Jesus was born. 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:04.300 He was a man of history. 00:09:04.580 --> 00:09:05.519 Like Napoleon. 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:07.460 Like William the Conqueror. 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:08.800 Like Winston Churchill. 00:09:08.879 --> 00:09:09.820 He is not invented. 00:09:09.820 --> 00:09:12.800 But he was really born 2,000 years ago. 00:09:13.060 --> 00:09:14.320 So here is a real baby. 00:09:15.280 --> 00:09:16.040 And sometimes... 00:09:16.040 --> 00:09:16.260 You know what? 00:09:16.280 --> 00:09:17.920 In the carols we give a false impression. 00:09:18.800 --> 00:09:20.360 I love Away in a Manger. 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:23.080 I think it's a lovely carol. 00:09:23.280 --> 00:09:23.820 I really do. 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:25.879 But Jesus did cry, didn't he? 00:09:26.660 --> 00:09:29.820 And when it says no crying, he makes... 00:09:29.820 --> 00:09:30.820 Well... 00:09:30.820 --> 00:09:32.220 Jesus was a real baby. 00:09:33.040 --> 00:09:34.160 Jesus cried. 00:09:34.880 --> 00:09:36.360 And Jesus ate food. 00:09:37.180 --> 00:09:38.280 Jesus sometimes got ill. 00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:40.519 He did other things. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:41.379 Didn't he? 00:09:41.439 --> 00:09:42.379 He was a real person. 00:09:42.839 --> 00:09:44.139 A real physical person. 00:09:44.679 --> 00:09:46.240 But not only was Jesus a real person. 00:09:46.319 --> 00:09:49.339 But there's a second reason why Jesus is the only one that can be a saviour. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:51.100 And that is because of what the angel said. 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:52.639 So can you look at the verse again with me? 00:09:53.299 --> 00:09:54.100 Look what it says. 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:55.220 Verse 11. 00:09:55.860 --> 00:09:59.459 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour who is... 00:09:59.459 --> 00:10:01.079 Christ the Lord. 00:10:02.019 --> 00:10:02.819 What does that mean? 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:05.579 Christ means God's King. 00:10:05.580 --> 00:10:05.639 Christ is a real king. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:09.259 And the Lord means that he is God. 00:10:09.900 --> 00:10:12.300 So he is God's King. 00:10:13.020 --> 00:10:14.080 And he's God himself. 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:18.180 And that is why Jesus could save human beings, men and women. 00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:23.440 He was a real man and yet he was also really God. 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:25.520 And that is what Christ is all about. 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:31.100 It's all about the real God becoming a real man. 00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:34.520 And really coming to be our saviour. 00:10:35.280 --> 00:10:36.680 And that is why Jesus came. 00:10:36.920 --> 00:10:41.280 And if he had not been a real man and really God he wouldn't have been able to save anyone. 00:10:42.260 --> 00:10:43.560 So let's think about it for a minute. 00:10:43.800 --> 00:10:44.200 Let's think. 00:10:44.300 --> 00:10:47.960 If Jesus had just been a real man. 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:48.940 Could he have saved us? 00:10:49.900 --> 00:10:51.120 If he was just a man? 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:53.940 Now if he was just a real man he couldn't have saved us. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:54.679 Let me tell you why. 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:57.200 Because he would have needed saving. 00:10:58.600 --> 00:11:03.639 Because all just people, all just men and women are sinners. 00:11:03.779 --> 00:11:06.060 We've fallen short of God's glory. 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:08.919 Jesus would have needed saving. 00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:12.360 Because all just people are just sinners. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:16.120 If Jesus hadn't really been God. 00:11:16.759 --> 00:11:18.240 Then he would have told lies. 00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:20.240 He would have lost his temper. 00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:22.940 He would have disobeyed his mum and dad. 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:25.120 He would have been selfish with his toys. 00:11:26.279 --> 00:11:28.560 And when he grew up he would have been nasty to other people. 00:11:28.700 --> 00:11:29.720 Like we all are sometimes. 00:11:30.899 --> 00:11:32.580 But Jesus never was a liar. 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:34.440 He was never selfish. 00:11:35.259 --> 00:11:36.279 He was never greedy. 00:11:36.420 --> 00:11:37.740 He always loved people. 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:42.200 Because he wasn't just a real man. 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:44.620 He was a real man. 00:11:45.060 --> 00:11:47.460 And he was also really God. 00:11:48.419 --> 00:11:48.940 But listen. 00:11:49.680 --> 00:11:50.659 Let's think for a minute. 00:11:51.159 --> 00:11:53.560 Supposing he'd just been God. 00:11:54.440 --> 00:11:55.580 And not a real man. 00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:59.340 Supposing he hadn't been born in Bethlehem. 00:11:59.799 --> 00:12:02.919 He just kind of came down from heaven like the angels did. 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.720 He could have done that, couldn't he? 00:12:04.799 --> 00:12:05.539 Could have done that. 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:07.699 He didn't have to be born. 00:12:09.199 --> 00:12:11.919 But if Jesus had just been God. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:12.659 Really God. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:13.679 And not a real man. 00:12:13.719 --> 00:12:15.139 He couldn't have been our saviour. 00:12:16.319 --> 00:12:19.279 You see Jesus has got to be our substitute. 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:22.639 So if you've got somebody who's going to be your substitute. 00:12:22.819 --> 00:12:24.099 He's got to be like you hasn't he? 00:12:24.819 --> 00:12:25.799 He's got to be like you. 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:27.039 Let's think. 00:12:27.099 --> 00:12:28.199 Next summer is the World Cup. 00:12:28.319 --> 00:12:28.459 Is it? 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:29.099 Football World Cup. 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:31.179 And let's imagine England gets to the final. 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:34.699 And they're playing Brazil in the final. 00:12:34.700 --> 00:12:37.800 And they're losing 3-0 in the final. 00:12:38.040 --> 00:12:38.700 The World Cup final. 00:12:39.660 --> 00:12:42.360 And let's imagine the manager Roy Hodgson. 00:12:42.740 --> 00:12:45.080 He decides this team is hopeless. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:46.940 I'm going to make a substitute. 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:50.560 So he puts up Wayne Ruby's number on the board. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:52.340 And takes him off. 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:55.160 And he sends on a dog. 00:12:55.159 --> 00:12:59.459 The dog runs onto the field. 00:12:59.819 --> 00:13:01.079 And starts chasing the ball around. 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:02.120 Would that work? 00:13:02.439 --> 00:13:03.379 Would that work James? 00:13:04.059 --> 00:13:04.980 No it wouldn't would it? 00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:06.120 There'd be lots of trouble. 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:08.039 Or supposing he holds up. 00:13:09.039 --> 00:13:11.519 He holds up Wayne Ruby's number. 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:14.059 And Wayne Ruby walks off. 00:13:14.500 --> 00:13:15.539 And he goes to put his hand out there. 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:16.500 And there's a donkey. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:17.879 Dressed in an English shirt. 00:13:17.939 --> 00:13:19.159 And the donkey comes onto the field. 00:13:19.159 --> 00:13:22.019 And he trots onto the field. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:22.959 With an England shirt. 00:13:23.059 --> 00:13:24.039 An England shorts on. 00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:25.279 And you say. 00:13:25.919 --> 00:13:27.179 That is ridiculous isn't it? 00:13:27.199 --> 00:13:28.199 It's such a silly illustration. 00:13:28.279 --> 00:13:29.579 It would never work. 00:13:30.459 --> 00:13:31.539 Because a donkey. 00:13:31.980 --> 00:13:33.259 Or a dog. 00:13:33.439 --> 00:13:34.399 Cannot be a substitute. 00:13:35.059 --> 00:13:36.939 For a real human being. 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:40.280 Only a real person. 00:13:41.100 --> 00:13:42.500 Can be a substitute. 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:44.640 To save real people. 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:47.220 Only a real person. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.280 Can save real people. 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:51.000 So he had to be a real person. 00:13:51.940 --> 00:13:53.600 But he also had to be God. 00:13:53.680 --> 00:13:54.940 To be a perfect person. 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:57.440 And that is why Jesus. 00:13:58.160 --> 00:14:00.240 Is the only one who can be our saviour. 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:02.820 Because nobody else can save you. 00:14:03.680 --> 00:14:04.900 Your mum and dad. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:07.120 Well they love you very much. 00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:07.480 Don't they? 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:11.259 And they might want to rescue you. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:13.659 But because ultimately. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:15.240 They are humans. 00:14:16.439 --> 00:14:17.699 Just like you and me. 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:19.000 They need saving too. 00:14:20.600 --> 00:14:22.620 Let me let you into a secret. 00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:23.959 Your mum and dad. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:26.319 They do bad things. 00:14:27.100 --> 00:14:27.579 As well. 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:29.699 Like you and like me. 00:14:29.699 --> 00:14:30.919 I can't save you. 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:32.220 No priest. 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:33.259 No vicar. 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:34.919 No religious leader. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:35.519 Can save you. 00:14:36.419 --> 00:14:38.340 The only one who can save you. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:40.279 Has to be both God. 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:41.019 And man. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:43.259 And that is the Lord Jesus. 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:45.639 So how did Jesus save us? 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:47.740 Well the perfect man. 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:49.679 Was nailed to a cross. 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:51.679 They put nails. 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:52.580 Through his hands. 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:53.139 And his feet. 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:55.960 So the little baby. 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:58.299 Who was born on the crib. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:00.299 Was born to die. 00:15:00.299 --> 00:15:02.659 And it's hard to think like that. 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:03.000 Isn't it? 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.919 We look at a little baby. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:06.399 Hopefully Martin will have that baby. 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:07.559 Maybe she'll be in church on Sunday. 00:15:07.599 --> 00:15:08.039 Who knows. 00:15:08.839 --> 00:15:09.459 And you think. 00:15:09.539 --> 00:15:09.839 Oh. 00:15:09.939 --> 00:15:10.339 Aren't they living. 00:15:10.419 --> 00:15:11.299 They look so innocent. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:11.740 Don't they? 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:14.379 Well the Lord Jesus. 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:15.159 He is innocent. 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:17.599 But those arms. 00:15:17.719 --> 00:15:19.240 Those tiny little arms. 00:15:19.319 --> 00:15:20.299 With those tiny. 00:15:20.439 --> 00:15:21.799 Tiny little fingers. 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:23.639 That babies have. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:25.519 Those arms. 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:26.240 Would eventually. 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:27.919 Be nailed to a cross. 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:30.620 And that wasn't a mistake. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.319 It wasn't a mistake. 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:34.500 God planned it that way. 00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:36.620 That was how God. 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:38.100 Was going to rescue. 00:15:38.539 --> 00:15:39.120 You and me. 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:40.419 Through the Lord Jesus. 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.539 And Jesus died there. 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.500 The perfect man. 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.439 Who could take our place. 00:15:44.559 --> 00:15:45.799 Because he was perfect. 00:15:45.919 --> 00:15:46.919 He could die for our sins. 00:15:47.799 --> 00:15:48.840 And the real God. 00:15:48.899 --> 00:15:49.840 Was so amazing. 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:51.919 So strong. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:53.659 That he could take on himself. 00:15:53.819 --> 00:15:55.240 All the wrong of his people. 00:15:56.199 --> 00:15:57.000 And because he was God. 00:15:57.039 --> 00:15:57.679 He was able to do that. 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:59.439 He was able to bear the punishment. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:01.639 Because he was God. 00:16:01.699 --> 00:16:02.879 And only God could do that. 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:05.799 He became the rescuer. 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:08.139 By laying down his life for us. 00:16:08.319 --> 00:16:09.339 What an amazing God. 00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:10.139 Doesn't he love us? 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:12.339 How could we ever doubt. 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.120 That he loves us. 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:15.699 Sometimes we do don't we? 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.439 Does God care about me? 00:16:18.319 --> 00:16:19.480 Does God care about my life? 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:21.199 And the things that have gone wrong? 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.879 The stuff that I'm going through. 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:24.040 How could God love me? 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:26.860 Well look back to the stable. 00:16:27.780 --> 00:16:29.240 And look back to the cross. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.580 And you will know that God loves you. 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:33.020 Because he came all the way from heaven. 00:16:33.100 --> 00:16:33.800 To rescue you. 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:35.720 And it cost him everything. 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:38.020 That is how much he loves you. 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:40.360 Now here is my question. 00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:41.160 As I finish on it. 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:44.160 Jesus is the saviour of the world. 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:48.059 But the question I want to ask you this Christmas day is this. 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.779 Is he your saviour? 00:16:50.839 --> 00:16:52.279 Is he your saviour? 00:16:53.339 --> 00:16:54.719 Let me tell you a very sad story. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:54.980 Okay? 00:16:55.959 --> 00:16:57.079 We are going to go back to the helicopter. 00:16:57.419 --> 00:16:58.439 Rescuing in the sea. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:58.759 Alright? 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:01.639 And there was a man with a very big posh yacht. 00:17:02.339 --> 00:17:04.579 And he was sailing off the coast of Cornwall. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.440 Let's meet you at Cornwall. 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:06.180 You've been to Cornwall. 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:06.200 You've been to Cornwall. 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:07.700 Lots of people have been to Cornwall. 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:09.640 And there was a terrible storm. 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:11.080 We've got a storm in the last few days. 00:17:11.840 --> 00:17:13.200 And the yacht got damaged. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.400 It was a very expensive yacht. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.480 And the yacht began to sink. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.480 So he radioed at the heart. 00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:17.200 He sent an SOS. 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:19.279 And the coast guard got the message. 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:20.680 And the message sent. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:23.740 And the coast guard sent the air rescue team. 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:26.019 And in the midst of this terrible storm. 00:17:26.080 --> 00:17:27.860 The helicopter flew out to where they were sinking. 00:17:28.620 --> 00:17:30.279 And they lowered down a man on a cable. 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:30.900 You've seen it. 00:17:31.340 --> 00:17:33.240 And they were going to grab the man on the yacht. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:35.720 And they said grab hold of the rescuer. 00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:36.700 And we'll lift you to safety. 00:17:37.940 --> 00:17:39.140 The man on the yacht said. 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:40.000 But what about my yacht? 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:42.960 It cost me hundreds of thousands of pounds. 00:17:43.059 --> 00:17:44.500 I can't leave my yacht. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.779 I can't leave my yacht. 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:47.100 Can you see my yacht? 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:49.860 The man on the way said. 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.500 Of course. 00:17:50.600 --> 00:17:50.840 He said. 00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:51.580 Of course not. 00:17:51.600 --> 00:17:52.160 We can't. 00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:52.600 We can't. 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:53.319 It's too dangerous. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:54.960 If you don't get off the yacht. 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:55.600 You will drown. 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:01.220 And this man who was on the yacht. 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:02.019 Decided. 00:18:02.120 --> 00:18:03.279 I didn't want to go with the helicopter. 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:04.980 He stayed with the yacht. 00:18:05.440 --> 00:18:07.480 He hoped his yacht would survive. 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:09.880 And he hoped that he wouldn't lose it. 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:11.559 But tragically the yacht sank. 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:13.759 And he was lost along with it. 00:18:13.840 --> 00:18:14.840 How foolish is that? 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.720 It's really silly isn't it? 00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:18.059 Really silly man. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:20.059 Can you imagine? 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.339 The rescuer came. 00:18:22.139 --> 00:18:23.139 And he offered him. 00:18:23.339 --> 00:18:24.079 A wave of skin. 00:18:24.139 --> 00:18:25.200 He offered him life. 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:26.639 He offered to save him. 00:18:27.179 --> 00:18:28.519 But the man turned it down. 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:29.679 You say that's unbelievable. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:31.659 But it did happen. 00:18:31.899 --> 00:18:32.419 It was true. 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:34.639 Well let me tell you something. 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:36.039 Even more unbelievable. 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.559 Even more unbelievable. 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.299 And this is true. 00:18:39.299 --> 00:18:41.579 There are people all over the world. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:44.460 Who sit in churches like this today. 00:18:45.159 --> 00:18:48.919 And they know that Jesus came to rescue. 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.619 And they know. 00:18:50.700 --> 00:18:51.500 They sing the carols. 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:52.279 They read the readings. 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:54.259 That Jesus is the saviour of the world. 00:18:56.159 --> 00:18:57.720 That he came all the way down from heaven. 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:59.240 And it cost him his life on the cross. 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.220 But do you know what? 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:02.180 They say. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:04.500 I can't leave my sin behind. 00:19:05.620 --> 00:19:07.740 I can't leave all this other stuff behind. 00:19:08.920 --> 00:19:09.559 And they say. 00:19:09.600 --> 00:19:10.180 I'll stick with it. 00:19:11.100 --> 00:19:11.819 I'll be okay. 00:19:11.900 --> 00:19:12.460 Leave me alone. 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:15.140 And they never ever ever. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.839 Put their trust in the rescuer. 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:17.579 And the saviour. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:21.420 And you know what the bible says? 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:23.940 Jesus died. 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:26.120 To save sinners. 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:26.759 Wonderfully. 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:30.079 But you must choose to be saved. 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:32.839 Like a man on the yacht. 00:19:32.920 --> 00:19:33.539 We have to say. 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:34.640 Yes Lord Jesus. 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:36.200 I want you to rescue me. 00:19:37.120 --> 00:19:39.279 I'm sorry for the wrong things that I've done. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:41.460 I thank you for living and dying for me. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:43.279 I want you to rescue me. 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.480 And do you know. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:48.880 You can say that when you're really little. 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:50.960 As little as Ethan. 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:53.779 As little as Martin's little baby. 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.940 Or you can say that when you're as old as. 00:19:57.339 --> 00:19:58.600 Well I won't say who's the oldest. 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:07.160 It's a stupid thing isn't it. 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.779 To say no. 00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:09.960 To the rescue. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.640 It's never too late. 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:13.279 It's not too late today for you. 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:15.500 The rescuer has come. 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.180 And Jesus says. 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:16.880 Trust in me. 00:20:17.140 --> 00:20:18.019 Have faith in me. 00:20:18.140 --> 00:20:18.860 Take hold of me. 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:20.860 Yeah. 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:22.380 You're going to have to leave some things behind. 00:20:22.380 --> 00:20:24.460 But it's so important. 00:20:24.560 --> 00:20:25.660 Eternal life is on offer. 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.580 Put your trust in me. 00:20:27.640 --> 00:20:28.660 And I will rescue you. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:30.440 Don't be like the guy in the yacht. 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.500 You know. 00:20:32.600 --> 00:20:33.460 Lots of you this morning. 00:20:33.580 --> 00:20:35.340 You know what Jesus has done for you. 00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:37.840 And yet you stubbornly refuse to trust him. 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.760 Well let me say this. 00:20:39.840 --> 00:20:40.260 Like finish. 00:20:41.280 --> 00:20:42.120 Nobody else. 00:20:43.160 --> 00:20:44.340 Is going to come and rescue you. 00:20:44.339 --> 00:20:46.799 You cannot save yourself. 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:49.359 And nobody else can save you but Jesus. 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:52.399 It's a desperate thing this Christmas day. 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:53.500 If you've not trusted in him. 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:56.259 And he is there. 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:56.879 He's waiting. 00:20:57.919 --> 00:21:00.539 Why not put your trust this Christmas day in the rescuer? 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:02.980 That is why. 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:05.759 The angels say to each one of us this morning. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.200 They bring us. 00:21:07.920 --> 00:21:08.539 Don't they? 00:21:09.099 --> 00:21:10.220 They bring us. 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.659 Good news. 00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.480 Of great joy. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:16.379 It's great news when you're rescued. 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:19.000 See after those shows. 00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:20.379 You don't want helicopter heroes. 00:21:20.579 --> 00:21:21.180 Well you don't know. 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:24.339 But after it they interview different people. 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:26.680 And those people they are so thankful. 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:29.539 They are so overjoyed. 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.519 They are so grateful. 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.599 Because they've been rescued. 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.619 They are relieved. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.539 Yes they're relieved. 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.639 And so this Christmas day. 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.839 Those of us who have been rescued. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:40.859 Rejoice. 00:21:42.039 --> 00:21:43.379 It is a wonderful joy. 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:46.079 It is a wonderful relief. 00:21:47.139 --> 00:21:49.240 To know that you are right with God. 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:51.359 And you're ready to meet him. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:54.279 And no matter what this year brings in. 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:56.139 You're right with God. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.899 And you're ready to meet him. 00:21:59.180 --> 00:22:00.000 And maybe today. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:02.139 If you realise that you need rescuing. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:02.819 What you need to do. 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:04.159 You need to say sorry to God. 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.420 To say sorry. 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:08.359 For all the sin and rebellion. 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:10.119 To say thank you. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:12.759 For God sending his son. 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:15.079 And the Lord Jesus living a perfect life. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:17.240 And dying a death in your place. 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:19.319 And say please God. 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:20.440 Send your Holy Spirit. 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:22.220 Into my life. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.319 And make me a Christian. 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:26.099 And help me to live for you. 00:22:26.099 --> 00:22:27.319 Let's pray.