WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.200 We're going to be in Luke chapters 1 and 2 for most of the morning, so I invite you 00:00:09.200 --> 00:00:11.580 to grab a Bible and turn there. 00:00:12.759 --> 00:00:13.839 Children, welcome. 00:00:15.179 --> 00:00:19.960 Glad you're with us this morning as your teachers get a little break. 00:00:19.960 --> 00:00:31.899 When I was in the Navy band stationed in Japan, I used to have this route that I would run 00:00:31.899 --> 00:00:32.780 off the base. 00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:36.439 It was a route that was through this little section of the city. 00:00:37.620 --> 00:00:43.120 There were storefronts and flower gardens and parks and winding hills that led up into 00:00:43.120 --> 00:00:45.040 the neighborhoods where people lived. 00:00:45.540 --> 00:00:47.460 There were interesting people everywhere. 00:00:47.460 --> 00:00:51.640 There was old people that were so hunched over that looked like their foreheads were 00:00:51.640 --> 00:00:52.780 dragging along the ground. 00:00:53.500 --> 00:00:59.020 The hustle and bustle of a city and a culture where everyone walked everywhere all the time. 00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:05.780 Well, my favorite part of this running path was along this seawall. 00:01:05.879 --> 00:01:11.799 It was about a mile and a half or two miles of pavement that went right along the outside 00:01:11.799 --> 00:01:13.740 of this bay of the ocean. 00:01:14.620 --> 00:01:15.620 It was beautiful there. 00:01:15.620 --> 00:01:22.480 You could smell the salt in the air and see the waves gently splashing against the rocks 00:01:22.480 --> 00:01:25.719 along the shore and seagulls gliding along with the wind. 00:01:26.980 --> 00:01:29.620 The good days even could see the water sparkle. 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:34.060 It was just good to be alive when I was along that seawall. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:39.340 Even though I was sweaty from the effort and breathing hard and everything else, I knew that 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:42.219 soon I'd get to turn around and head back towards the base. 00:01:42.219 --> 00:01:48.519 Well, there's one day in particular as I was running along that wall that I will never, 00:01:48.859 --> 00:01:49.079 ever forget. 00:01:51.980 --> 00:01:58.560 When I started my return to the base, I turned and was blown away by one of the most majestic 00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:00.980 things I've ever laid my eyes on. 00:02:02.680 --> 00:02:06.239 It took a few moments to realize what was before me on the horizon. 00:02:06.239 --> 00:02:10.620 There was something different, but I was focused on my pace and my breathing, just enjoying 00:02:10.620 --> 00:02:11.379 the whole experience. 00:02:11.539 --> 00:02:15.759 And then, whoa, Mount Fuji was there. 00:02:16.620 --> 00:02:21.960 This dormant volcano turned into a hiker's delight just dwarfed the rest of the landscape 00:02:21.960 --> 00:02:22.759 in front of me. 00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:24.859 It wasn't just there. 00:02:24.919 --> 00:02:25.439 It was huge. 00:02:26.599 --> 00:02:28.379 It dominated the horizon. 00:02:28.379 --> 00:02:34.400 Now, what's surprising about this is I was nearly 100 miles away from this mountain. 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:41.060 Usually, the air wasn't clear enough for me to be able to see it, but this day, it was 00:02:41.060 --> 00:02:44.519 clear as a bell right before my eyes. 00:02:45.639 --> 00:02:51.599 It was so huge and majestic that I lost track of everything else. 00:02:51.599 --> 00:02:58.840 It was stunning, and I had to stop what I was doing and just behold it. 00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:03.019 Forget about the workout. 00:03:03.879 --> 00:03:08.639 Forget about the interesting people and the sights and sounds of the ocean, the smell of 00:03:08.639 --> 00:03:10.079 fresh fish caught that morning. 00:03:11.459 --> 00:03:12.759 And to think I'd almost missed it. 00:03:13.900 --> 00:03:15.500 I wasn't immediately aware. 00:03:15.599 --> 00:03:21.099 I had been running back with this view in front of me for several seconds before I finally 00:03:21.099 --> 00:03:23.319 realized what I was seeing. 00:03:24.359 --> 00:03:29.039 The overall experience was so enjoyable that even if I had not seen that mountain that day, 00:03:29.099 --> 00:03:30.939 I would have been totally satisfied with my run. 00:03:32.599 --> 00:03:34.819 Everything was going just fine. 00:03:35.659 --> 00:03:40.240 And I had no notion until that day that the mountain could even be visible from this trail. 00:03:42.180 --> 00:03:44.060 Well, Christmas can be like that day. 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:48.939 There's plenty of interesting and wonderful things for us to enjoy. 00:03:48.939 --> 00:03:52.039 We've got food, family, and gifts. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:57.159 Those little frosted sugar cookies in the shape of the stockings. 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:02.960 Sometimes, like today, a fresh coat of snow on the ground for us to enjoy. 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:05.520 The Charlie Brown Christmas special. 00:04:07.759 --> 00:04:10.340 Anticipation of being with friends around the Christmas tree. 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:18.100 But when we see God and His majesty, we're suddenly transfixed. 00:04:19.100 --> 00:04:20.000 Amazed by Him. 00:04:20.280 --> 00:04:24.720 And all of these other delights and joys of the Christmas season sort of just fade into the 00:04:24.720 --> 00:04:28.280 background because of how glorious and awesome God is. 00:04:32.079 --> 00:04:35.079 Christmas is about the God of the universe becoming a man. 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:39.079 He's the Mount Fuji of Christmas. 00:04:40.680 --> 00:04:46.599 He's the picture on the horizon that dwarfs everything else and puts everything else into its proper perspective. 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:50.719 The word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:04:51.959 --> 00:04:56.019 That is the sight to behold at Christmas. 00:04:56.019 --> 00:05:05.099 Well, to help us see our God in all His majesty, in His unsurpassed greatness today, 00:05:05.719 --> 00:05:08.240 we're going to walk through this birth narrative. 00:05:09.719 --> 00:05:13.219 Kind of a little bit of a mashup of Matthew and Luke's account. 00:05:13.339 --> 00:05:17.039 Mostly Luke, but we'll give Matthew a little bit of time as well. 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:20.500 The objective we have is simple. 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:28.180 To show how the birth of Jesus highlights and points to the greatness of God. 00:05:30.640 --> 00:05:35.800 This baby boy, born in Bethlehem, of a virgin. 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:39.620 He's at the center of God's greatness. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:42.820 Christmas is all about Him. 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:52.560 So we're going to look at four realities of the birth story this morning that help us see God in all of His majesty. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:54.180 In all of His greatness. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:06:00.920 And to help us track through this, I've given us four P words. 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:03.899 Words that start with the letter P to listen for. 00:06:04.860 --> 00:06:06.379 My prayer is simply this. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:15.079 That we would all leave this morning with a vision of God that sustains us through this Christmas season. 00:06:16.139 --> 00:06:17.279 It's all about Him. 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:28.019 The first thing about the birth story of Jesus that I want to point us to is the power of God. 00:06:28.019 --> 00:06:44.740 We see right in the beginning of Luke chapter 1, starting in verse 5, and then again in 26, there's these two births on display that we know from the text are impossible. 00:06:45.459 --> 00:06:48.319 Not just improbable, not just unlikely, but impossible. 00:06:49.779 --> 00:06:53.060 See Elizabeth and Zechariah we see starting in verse 5. 00:06:53.060 --> 00:07:00.540 Zechariah is a faithful priest. 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:03.540 And yet Elizabeth is barren. 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:04.720 She has no children. 00:07:05.920 --> 00:07:07.379 Both are advanced in years. 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:09.019 Well advanced in years. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:11.019 Verse 7. 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:14.959 But notice then in verse 13 when the angel shows up to Zechariah. 00:07:16.519 --> 00:07:18.240 It hasn't hindered their prayers. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:22.819 They're still praying for a child that somehow God would work a miracle in their lives. 00:07:23.060 --> 00:07:28.480 What's amazing is the power of God at work in their lives. 00:07:30.860 --> 00:07:33.259 God could have allowed a birth much sooner. 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:38.199 He could have brought a child into the world for this couple a long time ago. 00:07:38.399 --> 00:07:43.060 And yet his prevention fueled their prayers of longing. 00:07:43.060 --> 00:07:50.319 At the right time, God blesses Elizabeth and Zechariah with a child, but not just any child. 00:07:51.519 --> 00:07:53.180 A special child. 00:07:56.579 --> 00:08:04.340 You shall call his name John, the angel says in verse 13, and you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 00:08:04.860 --> 00:08:06.879 For he will be great before the Lord. 00:08:06.879 --> 00:08:10.600 Notice what this special child would do in verse 16. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:15.199 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:26.540 Power of God displayed for this old couple outside of the time to have children. 00:08:26.540 --> 00:08:31.160 But there's another birth. 00:08:31.260 --> 00:08:36.820 It's the birth of the whole Christmas story, and we must not forget to examine this. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:38.259 Verse 26. 00:08:40.560 --> 00:08:43.039 The angel Gabriel comes to Mary. 00:08:43.940 --> 00:08:48.759 This young woman, barely old enough for a learner's permit. 00:08:48.759 --> 00:08:54.120 And Gabriel comes and says, good news Mary. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:59.819 You are blessed of the Lord, and you will bear a son. 00:09:01.740 --> 00:09:03.740 Now, of course, Mary is troubled by this. 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:07.460 She has no idea how this will be in verse 34. 00:09:07.580 --> 00:09:07.799 How? 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:09.159 Since I am a virgin. 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:12.220 And Gabriel's sort of answer is, God. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:13.580 That's how. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:15.000 That's how. 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:17.819 Look what it says in verses 35 and following. 00:09:18.759 --> 00:09:26.159 The angel answered her, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:31.379 Therefore, the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God. 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:35.759 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son. 00:09:36.559 --> 00:09:40.720 And this is the sixth month with her who is called barren. 00:09:41.840 --> 00:09:43.259 Notice verse 37. 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:49.259 For nothing will be impossible with God. 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:56.120 Power of God on display with these two impossible births. 00:09:56.120 --> 00:10:00.340 There's one other thing I want to point us to about the power of God. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:02.460 It's in chapter 2 of Luke. 00:10:03.899 --> 00:10:05.060 Starting in verse 1. 00:10:05.059 --> 00:10:13.000 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 00:10:17.459 --> 00:10:18.959 This is not coincidence. 00:10:19.339 --> 00:10:24.179 This is not something that originates in the mind of Caesar Augustus. 00:10:24.299 --> 00:10:24.459 No. 00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:27.739 Proverbs 21 verse 1. 00:10:27.740 --> 00:10:32.220 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord. 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:34.659 He turns it wherever he will. 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:39.820 The decree to register so Rome can collect taxes 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:47.500 ends up bringing Jesus' mom to the town that the prophet Micah said would be the birthplace of the Messiah. 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:50.680 This is no coincidence. 00:10:50.919 --> 00:10:51.840 God is on the move. 00:10:51.840 --> 00:10:56.680 He's sovereignly and powerfully making all of the arrangements. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:11:01.399 Ensuring that his word comes to pass. 00:11:04.300 --> 00:11:12.940 With amazing power, God saw to every single last detail of this baby boy and his birth. 00:11:14.220 --> 00:11:18.840 Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, of a virgin. 00:11:18.840 --> 00:11:23.240 Because God determined it would be so. 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:29.280 Biology was not going to prevent this event from happening. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:34.680 Neither was Caesar and his senses. 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:38.920 Friends, behold the power of God. 00:11:40.340 --> 00:11:44.440 That the word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:57.520 Second thing I want us to notice in this birth narrative that displays the greatness and wonder of God is the publicity. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:12:07.740 I realize when I say that term we start immediately thinking of billboards and junk emails and over the top commercials 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:13.539 and people standing on corners with going out of business signs beckoning us in to buy things. 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:17.399 The free samples at Costco and Sam's Club. 00:12:17.579 --> 00:12:21.919 And the airplanes with banners flying around the sports stadiums. 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:26.299 But what about God? 00:12:26.360 --> 00:12:29.419 What happens when God wants to make something public? 00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:36.939 To announce the arrival of something so good that everybody is going to want to experience what he is offering. 00:12:38.819 --> 00:12:42.299 When God goes public, he takes a little bit of a different approach. 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:49.139 Having all of creation at his disposal, angels start popping up everywhere. 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:54.080 I just want us to look at two of these. 00:12:55.059 --> 00:12:59.240 The first is right back when Mary gets this good news. 00:12:59.639 --> 00:13:01.360 Verse 26 of chapter 1. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.939 Angel greets her. 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:09.500 Mary is troubled by this greeting and wonders what's going on here. 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:12.399 The angel says, don't be afraid. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.259 Of course, that's easier said than done. 00:13:15.259 --> 00:13:18.379 But Mary gets by, doesn't she? 00:13:19.139 --> 00:13:21.059 And it's an announcement. 00:13:21.819 --> 00:13:27.379 It's a publicization of what's going to happen. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:32.980 Not just for Mary, but in and through Mary, this woman would give birth to a son. 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:38.740 Listen again to verses 30 to 33. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:44.480 God is not here plugging a product, but promising a person. 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:49.940 And the angel said to her, do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:55.379 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 00:13:56.680 --> 00:13:57.560 God saves. 00:13:57.559 --> 00:14:05.500 He will be great and will be called the son of the most high, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David. 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:10.219 And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. 00:14:11.219 --> 00:14:15.199 And of his kingdom there will be no end. 00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:20.840 Who needs Twitter when you've got the angel Gabriel? 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:28.680 If we flip back to chapter 2, we see more angels popping up, this time with shepherds. 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:33.519 This is shortly after Jesus was actually born. 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:38.659 But here again, an angel shows up. 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:47.939 This time at night to some guys who have some smelly clothes on, sleep deprived. 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:50.959 Verse 9, 00:14:50.960 --> 00:15:20.940 Verse 10, 00:15:20.960 --> 00:15:50.940 Verse 10, 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:53.920 That's the one. 00:15:54.300 --> 00:15:55.120 That's the Christ. 00:15:55.120 --> 00:16:00.540 That's the one that all have prophesied about the longing of Israel. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.440 He's born. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:03.460 He's here. 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:07.820 He's not at the Ritz Carlton in the penthouse suite. 00:16:08.639 --> 00:16:09.879 He's in a cattle trough. 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:19.600 And we could go on and talk about these abnormal occurrences when Elizabeth's baby kind of leaps in her womb when pregnant Mary comes into her house. 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:23.300 And then she starts prophesying about all of this amazing stuff. 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:29.959 Then Mary utters this magnificat, which we kind of sung the refrain, oh, my soul magnifies the Lord. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:39.300 Or Zechariah, when he doubts Gabriel's message that his barren wife would give birth, becomes mute for almost a full year. 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:43.199 Because he doubted the messenger of God. 00:16:43.199 --> 00:16:48.839 And his first words are glorifying God for what he has done. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:17:02.060 Isn't it amazing, friends, that for us today, who are on a different continent, a different era, thousands of miles away from this little town of Bethlehem, 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:06.799 what birth is more known to us than that of Jesus? 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:13.839 It seems not so obscure after all. 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:16.799 It's not how we draw it up, right? 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:19.659 It's not how we would announce the birth of the world's Savior. 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:30.119 Little town of Bethlehem, teenage parents, working class shepherds getting the bird's eye view and the first look into the life of this little baby. 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:33.379 But God's way is undoubtedly effective. 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:39.379 We sit here in this room today because of how effective God's publicizing the birth of his son really is. 00:17:40.719 --> 00:17:54.139 We worship Jesus today because God announced him to an obscure few and kept it preserved in this book for all people in all times. 00:17:54.140 --> 00:18:04.520 A great multitude will be in heaven because God ensured people from all nations would hear about this baby. 00:18:06.600 --> 00:18:07.700 It's amazing. 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:14.220 Third P is probably the most obvious. 00:18:16.740 --> 00:18:20.340 It's God's presence with us. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:29.039 God who created the universe became a man without ceasing to be God. 00:18:31.439 --> 00:18:34.059 The word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:37.159 John continues, 00:18:37.659 --> 00:18:39.500 No one has ever seen God. 00:18:40.459 --> 00:18:43.000 The only God who is at the Father's side, 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:45.799 He has made Him known. 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:49.960 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:52.779 And they shall call His name Emmanuel, 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:56.599 Which means God with us. 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:02.419 What does God's presence have to do with His greatness? 00:19:03.879 --> 00:19:05.779 We could answer that with another question. 00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:09.119 How could we, creatures, 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:11.500 Ever know in any real way 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:15.339 A God who remains above and beyond the galaxies? 00:19:18.359 --> 00:19:21.059 He comes, He takes on flesh and makes Himself known. 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:21.579 That's how. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:23.859 His presence 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:26.160 Displays His greatness. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.839 See, space and time prevent us 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:33.319 From ever getting a real clear picture 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:34.940 Of what God is like. 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:36.720 Because He's timeless and He's eternal. 00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:38.119 And unless He comes to us, 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:41.779 We have no hope. 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:43.779 But He has. 00:19:44.899 --> 00:19:46.339 He has come to us. 00:19:47.239 --> 00:19:47.759 Emmanuel, 00:19:48.679 --> 00:19:49.539 God with us. 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:52.879 Two things about His presence 00:19:52.879 --> 00:19:53.719 That I hope will 00:19:53.719 --> 00:19:56.099 Encourage your hearts today. 00:19:58.859 --> 00:20:01.459 This is an act of great humility. 00:20:03.059 --> 00:20:04.399 The limitless Son, 00:20:04.979 --> 00:20:05.679 All-knowing, 00:20:05.959 --> 00:20:06.739 All-powerful, 00:20:06.879 --> 00:20:07.799 Everywhere present, 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.959 Enters creation. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.539 A certain place, 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:12.799 A certain time, 00:20:13.379 --> 00:20:14.599 As a certain human being. 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:17.959 He didn't cling to His divinity 00:20:17.959 --> 00:20:20.079 And demand His rights before the Father. 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:22.699 But He made Himself nothing. 00:20:23.959 --> 00:20:24.839 He became a servant. 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:28.039 Was born in the likeness of men. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.459 The King of the universe 00:20:30.459 --> 00:20:32.019 Needed His diapers changed. 00:20:34.679 --> 00:20:36.319 His humility is His greatness. 00:20:36.319 --> 00:20:38.779 Therefore, 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.319 God is highly exalted in Him 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:41.159 And bestowed on Him 00:20:41.159 --> 00:20:42.619 The name that is above every name 00:20:42.619 --> 00:20:43.980 So that at the name of Jesus 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:45.279 Every knee should bow 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.460 In heaven and on earth 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.200 And under the earth 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:48.839 And every tongue confess 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:50.359 That Jesus Christ is Lord 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:51.759 To the glory of God the Father. 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:55.240 God with us. 00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:55.859 God with us. 00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:58.720 What an act of humility. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:04.460 Display of how great our God is. 00:21:05.379 --> 00:21:07.039 Not only is it a humble act, 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:11.579 It is an act that means that our God can sympathize with us. 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:14.859 Hebrews 4.15 00:21:14.859 --> 00:21:16.699 For we do not have a high priest 00:21:16.699 --> 00:21:19.659 Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:22.039 But one who is in every respect 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:24.960 Who in every respect has been tempted as we are 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.359 Yet without sin. 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:29.599 Jesus knows weariness. 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:31.899 He knows loss. 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:32.779 He knows betrayal. 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:36.059 He knows death and suffering of many kinds. 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:40.259 Though He may not know your particular experience, 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:42.000 He understands. 00:21:43.579 --> 00:21:45.079 He can sympathize. 00:21:46.959 --> 00:21:49.219 For because He, Jesus Himself, 00:21:49.379 --> 00:21:50.619 Has suffered when tempted, 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:52.899 He is able to help those who are being tempted. 00:21:53.899 --> 00:21:55.399 Hebrews 2.18 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:58.040 Our great God 00:21:58.040 --> 00:22:00.960 Experienced human suffering. 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:04.500 He knows and understands our pain. 00:22:06.220 --> 00:22:07.940 He walked the dust of earth. 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:12.519 Breathe the air of an afternoon thunderstorm. 00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:14.540 God with us. 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:15.040 Emmanuel. 00:22:16.560 --> 00:22:17.540 But why? 00:22:20.860 --> 00:22:23.759 Why would the second person of the Trinity, 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.900 Eternal God, 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:27.040 Take on flesh? 00:22:28.040 --> 00:22:30.120 Why would He leave heaven so willingly? 00:22:30.580 --> 00:22:33.120 Why would He experience life in a fallen world? 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:34.800 When He had the glories of heaven? 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:42.940 Well, the final thing I want us to look at this morning 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:44.839 Is the purpose of it all. 00:22:46.159 --> 00:22:46.559 Purpose. 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:48.619 To make no mistake, 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:51.159 God had a very specific purpose 00:22:51.159 --> 00:22:53.659 When Jesus was born. 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:57.119 Why did God become a man? 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:59.700 Why did the Word become flesh? 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:02.299 Why did the Eternal Son become the mortal man, 00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:03.039 Jesus Christ? 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:06.759 We see our answer right in Luke 2. 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:10.440 Verses 8-14. 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:15.240 An angel comes to these third shifters. 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:19.019 These weary-eyed shepherds. 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:21.100 Keep them watch over a bunch of stinky sheep. 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:24.939 God's glory is shining everywhere. 00:23:26.139 --> 00:23:29.079 These shepherds are uber scared of what's going on. 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:33.000 Listen to what the announcement is. 00:23:34.219 --> 00:23:35.319 Fear not, for behold, 00:23:35.419 --> 00:23:36.819 I bring you good news 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:38.740 Of great joy 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:40.319 That will be for all the people. 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:43.000 Not some people. 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:47.099 Not those really popular ones. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:50.559 This news is for each and every person. 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:53.679 And it's news that each and every person needs. 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:59.259 Verse 11 is that news. 00:24:00.939 --> 00:24:01.960 For unto you 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:04.220 Is born this day 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.299 In the city of David 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:05.939 A Savior 00:24:05.939 --> 00:24:08.960 Who is Christ the Lord. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.759 A Savior. 00:24:14.399 --> 00:24:15.599 That's the purpose 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:17.439 Of this little baby boy 00:24:17.439 --> 00:24:19.839 Being born in an obscure town in Israel. 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:22.339 The Word of God 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:24.759 Left the glory of heaven 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:26.240 And came to earth 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:28.539 To rescue sinners 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:30.939 From sin and death. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.939 Christ Jesus came into the world 00:24:34.939 --> 00:24:36.379 To save sinners. 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.899 That's the purpose. 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:42.220 A situation that required that purpose. 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.720 Romans says 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:46.019 All have sinned 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:48.360 And fallen short 00:24:48.360 --> 00:24:49.420 Of the glory of God. 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:52.259 No one is righteous. 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:55.080 No one is seeking after God 00:24:55.080 --> 00:24:55.860 And looking to 00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:57.560 Please Him with their lives. 00:24:59.060 --> 00:25:00.340 Each and every one 00:25:00.340 --> 00:25:01.960 Is a child of wrath. 00:25:03.320 --> 00:25:04.640 By our very nature 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:05.860 And then by our lives 00:25:05.860 --> 00:25:07.060 That we've chosen to live. 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:09.879 So Jesus comes 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:11.779 Born in a manger. 00:25:12.879 --> 00:25:14.119 Lives a sinless 00:25:14.119 --> 00:25:15.000 Perfect 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.279 Human life. 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:18.879 Dies the death 00:25:18.879 --> 00:25:19.460 We deserve. 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:22.359 He substitutes 00:25:22.359 --> 00:25:23.440 Himself for you. 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.259 He takes 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.279 Your death sentence 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:26.879 On Himself. 00:25:28.460 --> 00:25:29.539 He dies 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.659 Is crucified 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:31.599 Is buried 00:25:31.599 --> 00:25:32.879 And three days later 00:25:32.879 --> 00:25:35.919 Is raised from the dead. 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:39.460 He's now in heaven 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.160 Ruling and reigning 00:25:40.160 --> 00:25:40.960 Over all things 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.560 And one day 00:25:41.560 --> 00:25:43.180 Each and every enemy 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.259 That ever opposed Him 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:45.440 Will be made a footstool 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:46.160 Under His feet. 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.759 And now we're waiting 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.500 For His return. 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.600 That's who was born 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:52.279 In Bethlehem 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.300 Two thousand years ago. 00:25:54.860 --> 00:25:56.340 He offers you and me 00:25:56.340 --> 00:25:57.480 Forgiveness of sins 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:58.480 In eternal life. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:26:03.099 That's the overarching purpose 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:04.940 Not just of Jesus' birth 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:06.140 But of this book 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:07.180 And the announcement 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:08.299 That God has made known 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:09.039 Far and wide. 00:26:10.299 --> 00:26:11.759 And it's the very thing 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.880 That makes God so great. 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:18.000 God shows His love for us 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:19.860 And that while we were yet sinners 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:22.059 Christ died for us. 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:27.159 That's why He was born. 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:29.059 To die for you 00:26:29.059 --> 00:26:29.859 So you could live. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.460 As we conclude 00:26:34.460 --> 00:26:35.440 I just want to address 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.539 A few different groups 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.000 Of people 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:38.139 Who may be here today. 00:26:40.879 --> 00:26:42.079 Maybe you're here 00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:43.339 And you've heard this message 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:43.759 And you say 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.799 You know that's really great 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:45.859 This whole forgiveness thing 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.639 It sounds great. 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.200 But you don't know 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.139 How bad I've been. 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:51.840 You don't know 00:26:51.840 --> 00:26:52.800 The sins I've committed 00:26:52.800 --> 00:26:53.240 You don't know 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:54.280 The path I've walked 00:26:54.280 --> 00:26:54.660 You don't know 00:26:54.660 --> 00:26:56.259 The people I've hurt 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:59.440 A friend of the Bible 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:01.040 Does not say 00:27:01.040 --> 00:27:02.120 Jesus died for 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:03.140 Good people 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:04.259 Who need a little help. 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:07.000 Christ died for sinners. 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:08.300 You are in fact 00:27:08.300 --> 00:27:10.000 A perfect candidate 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:12.700 To receive His forgiveness 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.420 Today. 00:27:18.320 --> 00:27:19.120 Church clothes 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:19.860 Can be deceiving. 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:21.020 We all need a Savior. 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.880 And He is Christ the Lord. 00:27:24.880 --> 00:27:25.680 Come to Him 00:27:25.680 --> 00:27:27.220 Today. 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.160 Or maybe you're here 00:27:31.160 --> 00:27:33.660 You've been trusting 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:34.680 In your good works. 00:27:35.600 --> 00:27:37.160 You've attended church 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:38.759 On Christmas every year 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:40.040 And you treat your family 00:27:40.040 --> 00:27:41.240 To generous gifts 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:42.540 For the holidays. 00:27:42.540 --> 00:27:47.420 You're trusting in yourself. 00:27:47.420 --> 00:27:51.120 And on judgment day 00:27:51.120 --> 00:27:52.080 You'll be exposed. 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.860 You don't need a judge 00:27:54.860 --> 00:27:55.940 Who takes all of your works 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.920 And puts them in a balance 00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:57.900 And weighs the scales. 00:27:59.300 --> 00:28:00.480 You need a Savior. 00:28:02.660 --> 00:28:04.220 Your sin is offensive to God. 00:28:04.380 --> 00:28:05.880 You need Jesus now. 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.759 Maybe you're a new believer. 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:13.859 You've just come to realize 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:15.579 That Jesus is Lord. 00:28:15.579 --> 00:28:17.440 You've confessed your sins 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.119 Before Him 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.779 And you've bowed your knee to Him 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:21.259 And you're super excited. 00:28:21.259 --> 00:28:24.440 Let me tell you 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:26.279 Purpose today 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:29.599 To never lose focus 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:32.839 Of who this little baby boy is. 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:36.819 This is the beautiful Savior of the world. 00:28:36.819 --> 00:28:39.139 You've found Him 00:28:39.139 --> 00:28:40.220 And never forget 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:42.119 The joy that you have in Him 00:28:42.119 --> 00:28:43.539 In Him alone. 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:45.259 Let His greatness 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.259 Be what you savor 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:47.439 Forever and ever and ever 00:28:47.439 --> 00:28:49.379 As you wait for His return. 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:52.240 Let Him remain wonderful 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.980 In your eyes. 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.839 Finally, maybe you're 00:28:56.839 --> 00:28:58.220 An old timer. 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.379 Maybe you've been a Christian 00:28:59.379 --> 00:29:01.379 20, 30, 40, 50 years. 00:29:03.399 --> 00:29:04.819 Never forget, friend 00:29:04.819 --> 00:29:07.220 That Christmas is still 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:09.299 All about Him. 00:29:11.700 --> 00:29:12.700 Jesus Christ 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:14.139 Remains 00:29:14.139 --> 00:29:15.679 Your only hope. 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:19.919 For unto us is born this day 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:20.879 In the city of David 00:29:20.879 --> 00:29:21.480 A Savior 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:24.439 Who is Christ the Lord. 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:27.399 After I pray 00:29:27.399 --> 00:29:28.539 Let's all stand together 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:29.559 As the worship team 00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:30.359 Comes back up 00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:32.319 And sing praises 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:33.679 To this majestic God 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.960 Who took on flesh 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:36.700 Died for our sins 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:38.060 He is 00:29:38.060 --> 00:29:40.340 Amazing 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:41.440 And He is great 00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:43.420 And none can compare 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.600 With our Jesus. 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.299 Let's pray together. 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:50.480 Father, You are the God 00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:51.480 Of the impossible 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:54.779 And today we celebrate that 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:56.740 As we marvel at the birth 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:58.039 Of Jesus 00:29:58.039 --> 00:30:00.240 The Word who became flesh 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:01.320 And dwelt among us. 00:30:01.319 --> 00:30:03.339 We thank You so much 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:03.599 God 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:04.519 For this purpose 00:30:04.519 --> 00:30:06.099 For which Jesus came 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:07.579 To save sinners 00:30:07.579 --> 00:30:08.099 From sin. 00:30:09.159 --> 00:30:09.919 God, as we go 00:30:09.919 --> 00:30:10.759 Would we behold 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:13.259 Not some creation 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.919 Around us 00:30:13.919 --> 00:30:14.759 Like Mount Fuji 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.859 But would we behold 00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:17.059 Your majesty 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:18.179 Your greatness 00:30:18.179 --> 00:30:20.399 In this baby boy. 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.339 We worship You 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.379 And delight in You alone. 00:30:24.379 --> 00:30:25.019 In Christ's name. 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:25.539 Amen. 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:25.619 Amen. 00:30:25.619 --> 00:30:25.679 Amen. 00:30:25.679 --> 00:30:27.539 Amen. 00:30:27.539 --> 00:30:27.619 Amen. 00:30:27.619 --> 00:30:27.679 Amen. 00:30:27.679 --> 00:30:27.720 Amen.