WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.040 Do we still need Christmas? There are so many good things about Christmas, 00:00:08.720 --> 00:00:15.939 but they often bring out problems too. As a couple of people on the video said, 00:00:16.179 --> 00:00:22.379 it's such a great time to give gifts. And I love giving gifts to my kids, but the flip side of that 00:00:22.379 --> 00:00:29.339 is I see their struggle thinking this season is all about getting presents. And they struggle 00:00:29.339 --> 00:00:34.019 and wrestle with selfishness. Another person said on the video how much they love celebrating 00:00:34.019 --> 00:00:40.679 Christmas with family. And I love celebrating Christmas with family, but there is always pain 00:00:40.679 --> 00:00:46.799 with those who are not there. And family gatherings can be such a breeding ground for conflict 00:00:46.799 --> 00:00:54.260 and division. Old hurts rising to the surface. Even just yesterday, we were setting up our Christmas 00:00:54.259 --> 00:01:01.579 tree, put the decorations up, and it was all looking pretty good so far. I know it's Christmas 00:01:01.579 --> 00:01:06.400 when our Christmas-themed coffee mugs come out, so I had a really big one this morning. But even 00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:14.479 yesterday, conflict over who got to put the star on the top of the tree. What should be a good thing 00:01:14.479 --> 00:01:19.719 can bring out pain and conflict. And right now, at this point, on the 1st of December, 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:27.379 I don't hate Christmas carols. But I can imagine when it's the 24th of December, and I've just 00:01:27.379 --> 00:01:32.920 started my Christmas shopping, it's going to be a little different. I've been hunting around in 30 00:01:32.920 --> 00:01:39.579 different shops looking for a very specific robot dinosaur for one of my children. And I finally 00:01:39.579 --> 00:01:46.739 found it, and I'm standing in the line at the checkout, and it's 40 minutes deep. And I'm just hearing 00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:54.719 those same Christmas songs on loop. And it's grating. And it brings outrage at those songs, 00:01:54.959 --> 00:02:01.859 and impatience and anger towards everyone else. This season of Christmas has so much promise. 00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:09.000 We have this hope that Christmas will be a wonderful time, but it can also bring out the 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:15.919 worst in us. Would it just be better if we cancelled Christmas, save some money, save some pain? 00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:23.959 Why do we still need Christmas? That is the question that we are seeking to answer all throughout 00:02:23.959 --> 00:02:29.279 December. And as we seek to answer this, we're going to be looking at a couple parts of the Old 00:02:29.279 --> 00:02:35.099 Testament, the prophecies that are pointing to Jesus' coming. And then we're going to have a look 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:42.699 at the story of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke. But today, we're starting in Genesis 3. We're going 00:02:42.699 --> 00:02:50.539 back to the root of all of our problems. And this also points to how our problems are fixed at Christmas. 00:02:51.179 --> 00:02:54.459 So, to understand Christmas, we're going to go back to the very start of the Bible, 00:02:55.099 --> 00:03:00.479 to the start of when the whole world was made. So please have your Bibles open at Genesis 3. 00:03:01.679 --> 00:03:09.620 Genesis 1 and 2 tells us the story in Hebrew poetry of how God made the universe, 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:18.200 how he made earth and us humans in God's image. And then Genesis 3 shows this all fall apart. 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:25.159 God made men and women and they were united and they had no shame. They followed God with no fear. 00:03:26.099 --> 00:03:31.400 And then the serpent, the deceiver, comes and questions Adam and Eve. Have a look with me at 00:03:31.400 --> 00:03:32.680 Genesis 3, verse 1. 00:03:32.680 --> 00:03:39.140 Now, the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. 00:03:39.819 --> 00:03:46.140 He said to the woman, did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden? 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:52.480 The woman said to the serpent, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say 00:03:52.480 --> 00:03:57.460 you must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden and you must not touch it 00:03:57.460 --> 00:04:06.540 or you will die. Adam and Eve who were united, Adam likely nearby, are about to be divided. 00:04:07.920 --> 00:04:13.819 Eve twists God's word and she remembers it incorrectly. God didn't actually command that 00:04:13.819 --> 00:04:19.319 they weren't allowed to touch the tree. And the serpent suggests an alternate gospel. 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:27.259 A good news, not based on obeying God in his love, but one that would make them like God through 00:04:27.259 --> 00:04:28.920 disobedience. Verse 4. 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:34.819 You will not certainly die, the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat from it, 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:39.779 your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:47.199 You can be like God, not by following God and obeying him, but by disobeying him. 00:04:47.199 --> 00:04:54.199 On the back of the handouts, when we came in, you can read about what the gospel is, the good news is, 00:04:54.259 --> 00:05:02.079 but here, Satan is suggesting his own version of the good news. Disobeying God to become like him. 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:11.279 And so Adam and Eve, they both disobey God and in an instant, the perfect garden is destroyed. 00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:17.899 The garden where husband and wife were perfectly united, that's destroyed. They're no longer united. 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:24.179 Our God is no longer obeyed as the perfect and generous God. Work is no longer a good gift. 00:05:25.239 --> 00:05:32.859 A small, weak moment of disobedience causes thousands of years of devastation and destruction. 00:05:33.659 --> 00:05:34.339 Verse 7. 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:42.459 Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realized they were naked, so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 00:05:43.659 --> 00:05:47.459 They were united and comfortable, naked in the presence of each other. 00:05:48.199 --> 00:05:54.919 Naked in both the literal sense and in the sense that they were completely open and knowable to the other person. 00:05:54.920 --> 00:06:04.520 But immediately after they have sinned, they are aware of the nakedness between each other and they seek to hide their shame. 00:06:04.640 --> 00:06:05.800 They make coverings. 00:06:06.740 --> 00:06:08.520 Their marriage is broken. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:10.740 They can't stand the sight of each other. 00:06:11.040 --> 00:06:14.080 They can't be vulnerable and open with each other. 00:06:15.200 --> 00:06:19.860 In this moment, not only is their perfect relationship destroyed, 00:06:19.860 --> 00:06:21.800 so too with God. 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:25.400 No longer close and obedient to their God. 00:06:25.639 --> 00:06:28.780 Now they see God as a tyrant to be feared. 00:06:29.020 --> 00:06:34.520 They run and hide behind a tree, which was supposed to be beautiful and fruitful for them. 00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:38.340 But now they are hiding behind a good gift from God. 00:06:38.340 --> 00:06:39.960 And God comes calling to them. 00:06:41.280 --> 00:06:43.400 And only selfishness is seen. 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:44.520 Verse 9. 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:47.720 The Lord God called to the man, 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:48.960 Where are you? 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:51.259 He answered, 00:06:51.400 --> 00:06:52.540 I heard you in the garden, 00:06:52.699 --> 00:06:54.900 And I was afraid because I was naked, 00:06:54.980 --> 00:06:55.639 So I hid. 00:06:56.939 --> 00:06:58.080 I heard. 00:06:58.340 --> 00:06:59.540 I was afraid. 00:07:00.240 --> 00:07:01.480 I was naked. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:02.920 I hid. 00:07:04.400 --> 00:07:08.180 Adam plunges himself into selfishness. 00:07:09.080 --> 00:07:11.139 Revealing the heart of his problem. 00:07:11.319 --> 00:07:12.480 His disobedience. 00:07:13.460 --> 00:07:16.500 Causing him to feel shame at his nakedness. 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:19.800 And so God, knowing what's happened, asks, 00:07:19.899 --> 00:07:21.959 Oh, how did you know you were naked? 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:30.579 And Adam's selfishness and desire to protect himself makes him blame Eve and God in the one breath. 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:31.259 Verse 12. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:33.500 The man said, 00:07:34.039 --> 00:07:35.779 The woman you put me here with, 00:07:36.300 --> 00:07:38.300 She gave me some fruit from the tree, 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:39.579 And I ate it. 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:43.539 Now I think this is a lot to do for Adam in one breath. 00:07:43.860 --> 00:07:47.360 He blames both God and the woman in one go. 00:07:47.459 --> 00:07:49.480 The woman you put here with me. 00:07:51.339 --> 00:07:54.060 God, this is your fault and it's her fault. 00:07:54.060 --> 00:07:58.459 And he shifts the blame to somebody else out of fear to protect himself. 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:01.399 The woman, Eve, does the same thing in verse 13. 00:08:02.339 --> 00:08:03.720 Then the Lord God said to the woman, 00:08:03.939 --> 00:08:05.040 What is this you have done? 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:06.780 The woman said, 00:08:06.860 --> 00:08:09.120 The serpent deceived me and I ate. 00:08:10.500 --> 00:08:12.079 Again, she shifts the blame. 00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:13.220 She doesn't admit fault. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:17.120 Can you imagine how God would have felt in this moment? 00:08:18.040 --> 00:08:20.040 I've given you this good gift. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:23.860 And now you three, the serpent, Adam and Eve, 00:08:23.900 --> 00:08:26.640 Now you are fighting and blaming each other. 00:08:27.340 --> 00:08:28.939 I've given you everything. 00:08:29.520 --> 00:08:31.280 And this is how you respond? 00:08:32.980 --> 00:08:36.759 God can't let this act of disobedience go on punishment. 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:40.639 And so he curses the snake and sets consequences for Adam and Eve. 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:41.420 Verse 14. 00:08:42.420 --> 00:08:44.680 So the Lord God said to the serpent, 00:08:45.399 --> 00:08:46.940 Because you have done this, 00:08:47.720 --> 00:08:49.899 Cursed are you above all livestock, 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.240 And all wild animals. 00:08:51.439 --> 00:08:52.860 You will crawl on your belly, 00:08:53.059 --> 00:08:55.059 And you'll eat dust all the days of your life. 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:55.939 Down to verse 16. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:56.839 To the woman he said, 00:08:57.139 --> 00:08:59.639 I'll make your pains in childbearing very severe. 00:09:00.279 --> 00:09:02.360 With painful labor you will give birth to children. 00:09:02.679 --> 00:09:04.339 Your desire will be for your husband, 00:09:04.599 --> 00:09:05.939 And he will rule over you. 00:09:06.559 --> 00:09:07.159 To Adam, 00:09:07.819 --> 00:09:09.199 Cursed is the ground because of you, 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:10.699 Though through painful toil, 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:14.159 You will eat food from it all the days of your life. 00:09:15.339 --> 00:09:18.719 The united and perfect relationship is no more. 00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:20.360 This man and this woman, 00:09:20.420 --> 00:09:21.580 They were created equal, 00:09:22.279 --> 00:09:26.759 But now she will long for her husband's position of authority. 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.500 And because man is now sinful, 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:32.540 He will abuse and exploit his position of authority. 00:09:32.960 --> 00:09:35.320 These two who were created to be one flesh, 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:37.379 And now tearing each other apart. 00:09:39.060 --> 00:09:41.940 Those who had no shame before each other, 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:45.500 They can't stand the sight of each other. 00:09:45.500 --> 00:09:49.379 They're both selfishly protecting themselves, 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:51.580 And blaming others for their actions. 00:09:52.539 --> 00:09:54.139 Work that God had given them, 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:55.700 As a good gift is now toil. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:58.139 Man who had come from the dust, 00:09:58.220 --> 00:09:59.460 Is going to toil in the dust, 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:00.820 Till he goes back to the dust. 00:10:02.679 --> 00:10:05.240 Instead of finding fulfillment in God, 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:08.039 Together they've chased other things, 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:10.419 Trying to rule over each other, 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:12.379 And it is a mess. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:14.360 Work is damaged, 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:16.439 Relationship with each other is damaged, 00:10:16.659 --> 00:10:18.460 Relationship with God is damaged. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:21.500 The consequences of this moment, 00:10:21.860 --> 00:10:23.559 Just ripple throughout human history. 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:27.500 People chasing knowledge and power for themselves, 00:10:27.860 --> 00:10:29.159 Not taking responsibility, 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:30.399 But shifting blame, 00:10:30.939 --> 00:10:33.240 Fear leading to damaging people, 00:10:33.340 --> 00:10:34.480 That are the closest to you, 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:36.120 Power plays, 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:38.080 This is every drama, 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:39.560 In movie and TV. 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:41.799 But it's also the drama, 00:10:41.799 --> 00:10:43.159 Of our lives. 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:45.740 We relate to each other, 00:10:46.139 --> 00:10:48.200 From places of sinful fear, 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:49.659 And anxiety, 00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:52.000 Causing us to defend ourselves, 00:10:52.580 --> 00:10:53.659 And not admit fault. 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:57.100 Not secure in the unending love, 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:58.320 Of God as his children, 00:10:58.659 --> 00:10:59.980 We're tempted by more, 00:11:00.299 --> 00:11:02.100 And when we're caught out, 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:03.080 We shift blame, 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:05.259 We care about only ourself. 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:07.939 It causes problems, 00:11:07.939 --> 00:11:09.600 At Christmas, 00:11:10.319 --> 00:11:12.059 Because our desires, 00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:13.840 Are so often clear, 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:14.860 At Christmas time. 00:11:15.519 --> 00:11:17.120 You just think of the kid, 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:18.240 Who opens the present, 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:19.100 On Christmas morning, 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:20.860 And it's not the right colour, 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:22.639 They will tell you, 00:11:23.200 --> 00:11:25.840 I wanted the purple one, 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:26.840 Not the pink one. 00:11:28.539 --> 00:11:30.419 The heart is so clear. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:32.479 We, 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:34.000 On the other side, 00:11:34.059 --> 00:11:35.039 We want someone to, 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:36.599 We give them a gift, 00:11:36.699 --> 00:11:37.639 And we want to see, 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:38.439 How joyful, 00:11:38.679 --> 00:11:40.159 And how much gratitude, 00:11:40.159 --> 00:11:40.799 They have. 00:11:41.019 --> 00:11:41.679 And so we have, 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:42.959 A sinful response as well. 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:43.939 How come you're not, 00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:44.500 More thankful? 00:11:45.219 --> 00:11:46.059 I spent $15, 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:46.919 On that present. 00:11:48.699 --> 00:11:49.879 We want our family, 00:11:49.879 --> 00:11:50.539 To be happy. 00:11:50.839 --> 00:11:52.279 These are good desires, 00:11:52.279 --> 00:11:53.199 To have. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:54.719 But so often, 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:55.879 Our good desires, 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:56.919 Especially at Christmas, 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:59.539 Get expressed selfishly. 00:12:00.839 --> 00:12:02.000 So what do we do? 00:12:02.719 --> 00:12:03.779 Christmas is, 00:12:03.839 --> 00:12:06.779 Only 24 sleeps away. 00:12:09.179 --> 00:12:10.259 Should we just get, 00:12:10.500 --> 00:12:11.099 Rid of Christmas? 00:12:12.099 --> 00:12:13.099 How does God, 00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:14.679 Speak into this season, 00:12:14.979 --> 00:12:16.599 And guide us through it? 00:12:17.719 --> 00:12:18.379 Well let's see, 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:19.740 What God's solution is, 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:21.240 To this issue of selfishness, 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:22.639 And disobedience, 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:23.500 And blame shifting. 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:25.259 He's going to cover, 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:27.179 Over their shame, 00:12:27.379 --> 00:12:28.700 And promise a solution. 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:31.500 It seems that, 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:32.899 A terrible wedge, 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:33.580 Would have been driven, 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:34.259 Between God, 00:12:34.299 --> 00:12:35.319 And his people at this point. 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:36.879 But God is still, 00:12:36.939 --> 00:12:38.480 Amazingly compassionate, 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:39.480 And loving, 00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:40.259 And caring. 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:41.539 He is still a, 00:12:41.539 --> 00:12:42.819 Compassionate creator God. 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:43.720 Verse 21, 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:45.519 The Lord God, 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:47.000 Made garments of skin, 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:47.700 For Adam, 00:12:48.059 --> 00:12:48.939 And his wife, 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:49.799 And clothed them. 00:12:50.559 --> 00:12:51.939 God meets his, 00:12:52.539 --> 00:12:53.299 Ashamed, 00:12:53.659 --> 00:12:54.819 And guilty people, 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:55.540 In their need. 00:12:55.680 --> 00:12:57.000 He provides, 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:57.620 He provides covering, 00:12:57.620 --> 00:12:58.200 For them, 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.140 More effective, 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:00.660 Than the leaves. 00:13:02.080 --> 00:13:03.500 Animals are sacrificed, 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:05.480 To cover their shame, 00:13:05.800 --> 00:13:06.680 And disgrace. 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:09.160 One has died, 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:10.540 To cover their sin. 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:12.440 These people, 00:13:12.540 --> 00:13:13.140 Who were united, 00:13:13.280 --> 00:13:14.040 Following God, 00:13:14.900 --> 00:13:16.840 Divided from each other now, 00:13:17.660 --> 00:13:19.080 But God has covered them. 00:13:19.760 --> 00:13:20.780 God's provision, 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:22.740 Allows them to stand, 00:13:22.900 --> 00:13:24.080 Before each other. 00:13:24.080 --> 00:13:27.700 God is still for them. 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:30.120 He has not separated himself, 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:31.240 From his damaged creation. 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:31.960 He hasn't gone, 00:13:32.420 --> 00:13:32.620 Oh, 00:13:32.660 --> 00:13:33.379 Well you guys ate, 00:13:33.540 --> 00:13:34.700 From the wrong tree. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:35.620 I'm out of here. 00:13:35.680 --> 00:13:35.820 No, 00:13:35.860 --> 00:13:36.720 He is still, 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:37.700 Caring. 00:13:38.820 --> 00:13:40.160 He separated from the tree, 00:13:40.340 --> 00:13:42.160 Separated them from the tree of life, 00:13:42.800 --> 00:13:43.480 Because they've, 00:13:43.480 --> 00:13:44.759 Eaten of the tree of good and evil. 00:13:44.940 --> 00:13:46.580 If they ate from the tree of life, 00:13:46.860 --> 00:13:48.040 They would be stuck, 00:13:49.040 --> 00:13:51.220 In eternal life, 00:13:51.680 --> 00:13:52.340 In sin. 00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:55.680 So he separates them, 00:13:55.800 --> 00:13:57.040 As an act of grace, 00:13:57.280 --> 00:13:59.200 But he doesn't separate himself. 00:13:59.920 --> 00:14:01.080 He is still present, 00:14:01.180 --> 00:14:03.000 Despite all that we do, 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:04.620 Our God is still present, 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:06.200 And he compassionately cares, 00:14:06.280 --> 00:14:06.879 For Adam and Eve, 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:07.620 In their fear, 00:14:08.040 --> 00:14:08.899 In their anxiety, 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:09.840 And in their shame. 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:11.740 He allows them, 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:13.420 To continue in relationship, 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:15.200 Now that they're covered up. 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:17.280 But they are not whole. 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:19.100 Their clothes point, 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:19.959 To the distance, 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:21.139 Between themselves, 00:14:21.339 --> 00:14:21.939 And God. 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:24.059 But God is still working, 00:14:24.839 --> 00:14:25.559 To see, 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:27.019 Their relationship restored. 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:29.799 God has made a way, 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:30.740 For them to continue, 00:14:30.919 --> 00:14:31.720 In the short term, 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:33.500 But he also promises, 00:14:33.699 --> 00:14:34.759 A final solution. 00:14:35.899 --> 00:14:37.459 When God cursed the snake, 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:39.019 He also promised, 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.159 That someone would come, 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:41.240 And deal with this problem. 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:42.399 Verse 15, 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:43.220 And this has got to be, 00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:44.100 One of my favorite parts, 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:44.559 Of the Bible. 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:45.500 Verse 15, 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:47.340 And I will put enmity, 00:14:47.600 --> 00:14:48.980 Between you and the woman, 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.039 And between your offspring, 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:51.659 And hers, 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:53.259 He will crush your head, 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:55.159 And you will strike his heel. 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.740 God promises, 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:58.379 A head crusher. 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:00.539 He promises to Adam and Eve, 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:01.399 That one day, 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:02.919 One of their children would come, 00:15:03.059 --> 00:15:04.579 And crush the snake's head. 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.679 To right the wrong, 00:15:06.679 --> 00:15:08.720 That has caused so much devastation. 00:15:09.819 --> 00:15:10.939 And it points to a day, 00:15:10.940 --> 00:15:12.940 That the one who was instrumental, 00:15:12.940 --> 00:15:13.960 In the fall, 00:15:14.440 --> 00:15:15.400 Would be crushed. 00:15:17.060 --> 00:15:18.820 And so when Jesus comes, 00:15:19.040 --> 00:15:20.500 And he defeats sin, 00:15:21.040 --> 00:15:21.360 Death, 00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:22.440 And the devil, 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:24.340 He is crushing, 00:15:24.340 --> 00:15:26.020 Its head on the cross, 00:15:26.300 --> 00:15:27.560 And in his resurrection. 00:15:28.440 --> 00:15:29.400 And yet as promised, 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:31.500 That the snake would strike his heel, 00:15:31.640 --> 00:15:32.620 Jesus is struck, 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:33.480 He is crucified. 00:15:34.380 --> 00:15:36.320 But he is raised by God, 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:39.120 Enthroned as the long expected, 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:39.960 Snake crusher, 00:15:40.280 --> 00:15:40.900 And king. 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:42.120 He died, 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:43.100 And he was raised, 00:15:43.260 --> 00:15:44.980 Ruling at God's right hand. 00:15:45.740 --> 00:15:46.840 And he will return, 00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:47.960 To take us with him. 00:15:48.600 --> 00:15:50.260 So how does God fix these, 00:15:50.260 --> 00:15:52.000 Issues of sin, 00:15:52.260 --> 00:15:53.060 And selfishness, 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:53.880 And blame shifting? 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:55.880 Well Christmas, 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:58.540 Is the ultimate display, 00:15:58.940 --> 00:16:01.120 Of other person centered love. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:03.620 It's the opposite of selfishness. 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:06.000 God gives, 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.840 His one and only son, 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:10.280 Who was mistreated, 00:16:10.280 --> 00:16:11.280 And killed, 00:16:12.060 --> 00:16:12.879 But raised. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:15.160 His death, 00:16:15.280 --> 00:16:16.160 And resurrection, 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.200 Defeat Satan, 00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:18.019 But also, 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:20.620 Provide a covering for us. 00:16:22.160 --> 00:16:23.519 God's generous gift, 00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:24.000 Covers us, 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:25.120 Not just our skin, 00:16:25.920 --> 00:16:26.960 But our guilt, 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:28.440 And our shame, 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:30.460 And our, 00:16:30.620 --> 00:16:31.620 All of our problems. 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:33.860 Jesus' righteousness, 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:33.879 Jesus' righteousness, 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:35.779 Is the cover, 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:37.039 For our sinfulness. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.299 As Adam and Eve's clothes, 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:41.259 Cover their shame, 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.120 And fear, 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.860 And anxiety, 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.840 So they could continue together, 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:46.899 God does the same for us. 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.320 Jesus, 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:49.379 Is our covering, 00:16:49.879 --> 00:16:51.740 So we can stand before God, 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:52.580 In his sight. 00:16:53.300 --> 00:16:55.000 And we no longer need to be afraid, 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.980 Or to run off and hide behind a tree, 00:16:57.060 --> 00:16:58.220 Like Adam and Eve tried to. 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:01.360 We no longer need to stand, 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:02.100 Like Adam and Eve, 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:03.300 Shifting blame, 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:04.720 Out of self-protection. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:07.079 Jesus' blood, 00:17:07.840 --> 00:17:08.720 Protects us. 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:10.980 And we are forgiven and loved. 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:12.900 So, 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:14.819 It's 2019, 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:16.640 It's another Christmas, 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:17.759 Coming very soon. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:20.860 Why do we still need Christmas? 00:17:22.360 --> 00:17:22.660 Well, 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:24.500 Genesis 3 reminds us of what we are like. 00:17:25.160 --> 00:17:27.059 We're inherently selfish, 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:29.860 We're worried about protecting ourselves, 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:31.759 We shift blame to others, 00:17:31.900 --> 00:17:34.539 We pursue wisdom and knowledge, 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:35.660 And satisfaction, 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:37.380 In all the wrong ways, 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:39.220 That damage us. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.920 And we can be tricked, 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:43.299 Into ignoring or twisting, 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:44.599 God's words to us. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:46.279 So, 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.839 I need, 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.380 Christmas this year. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:50.839 I need it when it, 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:52.539 It brings out that default, 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:53.819 Selfish response. 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:55.099 Because I can get, 00:17:55.380 --> 00:17:56.880 Tricked into thinking that Christmas, 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:57.500 Is, 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:59.000 Is just about food, 00:17:59.079 --> 00:17:59.620 And presents. 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:02.299 And we plan so much of our year, 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:03.779 And so much of the month, 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:05.160 About Christmas day. 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:05.420 You know, 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:06.839 It can just be about family, 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.579 And food. 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:09.259 And I can get tricked, 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.000 Into thinking that, 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.140 That's all Christmas is. 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.779 I can get, 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:14.799 Selfish and impatient, 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:16.960 Blaming others, 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:17.940 For doing their shopping, 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:18.859 At the last minute, 00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:20.319 And getting in my way, 00:18:20.380 --> 00:18:21.220 When I'm doing shopping, 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.140 At the last minute. 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:23.180 I really, 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:24.120 I really shouldn't do that, 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:25.180 Now that I've said this, 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:26.120 So far in advance. 00:18:27.120 --> 00:18:27.940 I can forget, 00:18:28.040 --> 00:18:28.880 Christmas is about, 00:18:29.060 --> 00:18:29.940 The God who gave us, 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:30.720 The best gift. 00:18:31.580 --> 00:18:32.220 His son, 00:18:32.300 --> 00:18:33.340 Who entered the world, 00:18:33.420 --> 00:18:34.040 To save us. 00:18:34.820 --> 00:18:35.759 I think Christmas, 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:37.200 Is God's best, 00:18:37.300 --> 00:18:38.180 On display. 00:18:39.320 --> 00:18:40.200 His generosity, 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:40.920 To us, 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:42.060 In his only son. 00:18:42.140 --> 00:18:43.280 His grace, 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:44.300 Giving us, 00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:45.600 What we don't deserve. 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:47.000 This mercy, 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:48.079 That he would cover, 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:49.539 Our sin, 00:18:49.679 --> 00:18:50.399 And shame, 00:18:50.399 --> 00:18:51.859 With his son's blood, 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.799 On the cross. 00:18:53.939 --> 00:18:55.339 We need Christmas, 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:55.899 Now, 00:18:56.099 --> 00:18:56.919 In 2019, 00:18:57.399 --> 00:18:58.379 To remember, 00:18:58.619 --> 00:18:59.199 God's, 00:18:59.199 --> 00:19:00.359 Present goodness, 00:19:00.939 --> 00:19:02.379 His love for us, 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:03.099 In Jesus. 00:19:03.939 --> 00:19:04.819 And how, 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:06.379 He is uniting, 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:08.399 A diverse community, 00:19:08.399 --> 00:19:09.219 In Jesus. 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:10.019 What was, 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:11.299 Divided at the fall, 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.179 He is, 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:13.059 Reuniting, 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:14.079 In Jesus. 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:16.339 We need, 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:16.960 This Christmas, 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:17.859 More than, 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:18.740 Anything else, 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.299 Right now. 00:19:19.419 --> 00:19:20.379 Because we all, 00:19:20.419 --> 00:19:21.000 Need to remember, 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:21.679 God's, 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:23.000 Goodness to us, 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.579 In his son. 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:25.220 And expect, 00:19:25.339 --> 00:19:25.819 Our God, 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:26.460 To work, 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:27.339 In our hearts too. 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.039 Now, 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:29.700 Instead of letting, 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.500 A busy, 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:31.839 And expect, 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.639 Expensive, 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:33.339 And tiring, 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:33.960 Christmas, 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:34.879 Season, 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:35.779 Bring you down, 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.460 Remember, 00:19:36.919 --> 00:19:38.019 All that God, 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:38.519 Has done. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:39.879 All God, 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:40.299 Has done, 00:19:40.399 --> 00:19:41.639 Since Adam and Eve, 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:42.440 Through Jesus, 00:19:42.639 --> 00:19:42.899 And he, 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:43.880 Continues to do, 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.300 Today. 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:46.060 Over, 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:47.019 The next couple of weeks, 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:47.519 As the, 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.440 The Christmas season, 00:19:48.540 --> 00:19:49.180 Gets upon us, 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.960 Use this season, 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:51.080 To remind you, 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:52.100 Of why we still need, 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:52.560 Christmas. 00:19:53.060 --> 00:19:53.620 When you're, 00:19:53.620 --> 00:19:54.700 Buying gifts, 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.120 Remember that, 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:56.759 It's not about, 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.660 Whatever present, 00:19:57.780 --> 00:19:58.480 We are buying, 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.340 But the God, 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:00.040 Who gave us, 00:20:00.120 --> 00:20:01.060 The snake crusher, 00:20:01.840 --> 00:20:02.900 To deal with sin, 00:20:03.340 --> 00:20:03.660 Death, 00:20:03.840 --> 00:20:04.380 And the devil. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:05.980 In the midst, 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:06.759 Of painful times, 00:20:06.820 --> 00:20:07.360 With family, 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:08.360 Remember all that, 00:20:08.360 --> 00:20:08.960 God has done, 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:10.080 To cover our sin, 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:10.940 And shame, 00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:11.980 And mistakes, 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:13.880 So that Jesus' blood, 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:14.799 Covers our sin, 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:15.579 But also, 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.759 Reunites us, 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.240 With people. 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:19.839 Now imagine, 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.099 That it's Christmas Eve, 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.380 I'm down there, 00:20:22.460 --> 00:20:22.900 At Westfield, 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.220 Chatswood, 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:25.960 I'm stuck in that line, 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:27.380 With a trolley of presents, 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.460 Last minute gifts, 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:31.019 I'll be tempted, 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:32.600 To feelings of impatience, 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.380 And anger, 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:34.440 You know, 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.120 I'm going to be late, 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:35.700 For our, 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:37.299 Christmas Eve service, 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.640 Probably, 00:20:38.840 --> 00:20:39.059 You know, 00:20:39.100 --> 00:20:40.000 Standing there frustrated, 00:20:40.180 --> 00:20:41.100 At everyone else, 00:20:42.059 --> 00:20:42.759 Listening to those, 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.559 Christmas carols, 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:43.980 Thinking, 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:44.860 Why, 00:20:45.100 --> 00:20:46.000 Why am I here? 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:46.740 Why do I even, 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:47.559 Still need Christmas? 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:50.039 What a great chance, 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:50.700 For me, 00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:51.740 And for us, 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.559 In these, 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.420 Challenging times, 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:55.019 That lead us, 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:55.700 To selfishness, 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.559 To be reminded, 00:20:57.580 --> 00:20:59.259 That God has planned out, 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:01.059 Jesus' moment of salvation, 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.220 Not the last minute, 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:04.299 But since, 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:06.299 The world began, 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:07.440 Since before that, 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:10.080 God doesn't get impatient, 00:21:10.080 --> 00:21:11.500 Or angry with me, 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:12.360 Or us, 00:21:12.420 --> 00:21:13.360 But he has covered, 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:15.319 Over our sin, 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:16.420 And our impatience, 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:16.900 And anger, 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.799 He has clothed me, 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:19.360 Not with the skin of animals, 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.480 For a short time, 00:21:21.160 --> 00:21:22.460 But he has clothed me, 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.240 With his son, 00:21:23.460 --> 00:21:24.840 And with his son's righteousness, 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:26.840 So why, 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:27.980 Do we still need Christmas? 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.259 Because we still need, 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.440 God's goodness to us, 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:31.920 In Jesus. 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.440 Let me pray for us. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.259 Heavenly Father,