[0.00 --> 29.98] We'll be right back. [30.00 --> 59.98] We'll be right back. [60.00 --> 89.98] We'll be right back. [90.00 --> 119.98] We'll be right back. [119.98 --> 149.96] We'll be right back. [149.96 --> 179.94] We'll be right back. [179.94 --> 209.92] We'll be right back. [209.92 --> 239.90] We'll be right back. [239.90 --> 269.88] We'll be right back. [269.90 --> 299.88] We'll be right back. [299.88 --> 301.88] We'll be right back. [329.88 --> 331.88] We'll be right back. [359.88 --> 361.88] We'll be right back. [389.88 --> 391.88] We'll be right back. [391.88 --> 395.88] We'll be right back. [395.88 --> 399.88] We'll be right back. [399.88 --> 429.88] [429.88 --> 435.88] We'll be right back. [435.88 --> 437.88] We'll be right back. [437.88 --> 441.88] We'll be right back. [441.88 --> 443.88] We'll be right back. [443.88 --> 445.88] We'll be right back. [445.88 --> 447.88] We'll be right back. [447.88 --> 451.88] We'll be right back. [451.88 --> 456.22] Praise His holy name. [456.80 --> 463.88] Christ is the Lord. [465.10 --> 471.96] Praise His name forever. [471.96 --> 484.38] His power and glory evermore. [484.38 --> 487.86] Evermore proclaim. [490.00 --> 501.42] His power and glory evermore. [501.96 --> 504.62] Evermore proclaim. [531.96 --> 536.96] His power and glory evermore. [536.96 --> 545.82] Fall on your knees. [545.82 --> 552.82] Oh, hear the angel voices. [554.82 --> 560.82] Oh, night divine. [560.82 --> 565.58] Oh, night. [565.82 --> 570.82] When Christ was born. [570.82 --> 577.82] Oh, night divine. [577.82 --> 584.82] Oh, night divine. [584.82 --> 586.82] Oh, night divine. [586.82 --> 590.82] Oh, night divine. [590.82 --> 605.82] Oh, night divine. [605.82 --> 627.44] Light of the world, treasure of heaven, brilliant like the stars in the wintry sky. [627.44 --> 637.02] Joy of the Father, reach through the darkness, shine across the earth. [637.02 --> 660.02] Joy to the world, the Lord is come. [660.02 --> 667.02] Let earth receive her King. [667.02 --> 677.02] Let every heart prepare Him room. [677.02 --> 684.02] Let heaven and nature sing. [684.02 --> 692.02] Let heaven and nature sing. [692.02 --> 704.02] Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns. [704.02 --> 711.02] Let all their songs and songs. [711.02 --> 726.02] What fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy. [726.02 --> 741.02] Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. [741.02 --> 748.02] Let all our sin and sorrow grow. [748.02 --> 756.02] Your thoughts infest the ground. [756.02 --> 763.02] He comes to make His blessings flow. [763.02 --> 769.02] For as the curse is found. [769.02 --> 775.02] For as the curse is found. [775.02 --> 782.02] For as the curse is found. [782.02 --> 792.02] He rules the world with truth and grace. [792.02 --> 799.02] And makes the nations rule. [799.02 --> 809.02] The glories of His righteousness. [809.02 --> 813.02] And wonders of His love. [813.02 --> 818.02] And wonders of His love. [818.02 --> 827.02] And wonders of His love. [827.02 --> 829.02] You learn to swear to God. [829.02 --> 830.02] You assumed always Hat day slime lives from you. [830.02 --> 831.02] Efenasius of talism. [831.02 --> 836.02] He loved everything in setzen and sleeps the ions it takes down to you. [836.02 --> 837.02] Therefore, when there is an angel. [837.02 --> 838.02] See us Informerniaelah, personal absolutes from you. [838.02 --> 839.02] The Mukurt!!! [839.02 --> 840.02] Miss active has taught me what's proof. [840.02 --> 841.02] What's NBC 95 00489112100AS. [841.02 --> 842.02] It00syeジェクiatwomen,, [842.02 --> 844.02] er offset the truth in the military. [844.02 --> 845.02] It00sye menses in dynamite. [845.02 --> 848.02] But of my own evil, [848.02 --> 849.52] It00sye cms me you cannot det. [849.52 --> 851.52] Despite the Royal Prince the King. [851.52 --> 852.62] For as supernatural services, [852.62 --> 854.02] people may not eat. [854.02 --> 854.52] It00s意 thể이스를 listen. [854.52 --> 855.92] Lo yor Zen and econ 73% [855.92 --> 882.28] We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. [882.28 --> 889.00] We who have lived in a land of deep darkness have had the light of hope, love, joy, and [889.00 --> 891.44] peace shined on us. [891.44 --> 895.20] For the yoke of our burden has been broken. [895.20 --> 899.46] For the rod of the oppressor has been broken. [899.46 --> 903.88] We call him one for a child has been born to us. [903.88 --> 906.88] And all authority rests on his shoulders. [906.88 --> 910.46] We call him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. [910.46 --> 913.90] We call him Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [913.90 --> 917.46] The Lord establishes his kingdom with justice and righteousness. [917.46 --> 920.90] For this is the Christ on whom we have waited. [920.90 --> 924.34] We pray. [924.34 --> 925.34] We pray. [925.34 --> 929.78] Mighty God, you have sent us your son in whom we find our hope, who teaches us love, who [929.78 --> 931.34] teaches us joy, and rules with peace. [931.34 --> 938.34] In this baby we have seen the Christ and his kingdom, which breaks the oppressive powers [938.34 --> 939.34] of this world. [939.34 --> 944.34] May the light of your kingdom shine from this time onward and forevermore. [944.34 --> 945.78] In Jesus' name we pray. [945.78 --> 946.78] Amen. [946.78 --> 971.78] Merry Christmas. [971.78 --> 972.78] Merry Christmas. [972.78 --> 973.78] Merry Christmas. [973.78 --> 975.78] Oh, wow. [975.78 --> 978.22] That was very robotic of you. [978.22 --> 979.22] Well done. [979.22 --> 982.78] Welcome to worship. [982.78 --> 986.22] A special welcome if you are visiting with us this morning. [986.22 --> 987.22] My name is Chris. [987.22 --> 989.22] I'm one of the pastors here. [989.22 --> 996.50] It's my privilege along with these others to lead us in our Christmas worship today. [996.50 --> 1001.42] If you are joining us online, congratulations on not having to make it through the snow to [1001.42 --> 1001.88] get here. [1001.88 --> 1005.52] For those of you who made it through the snow, congratulations on making it here safely. [1006.08 --> 1011.22] If you didn't make it here safely, you can't hear me right now, so we'll talk after. [1011.22 --> 1018.88] This morning, as we come together, we come to celebrate Jesus Christ who came. [1018.88 --> 1023.82] He calls us into his presence this morning. [1023.82 --> 1032.06] He says, all God's people, boys and girls, women and men, come and worship. [1032.98 --> 1038.46] Shepherds, magi, saints and sinners, come and worship. [1038.46 --> 1048.06] Outsiders, outcasts, unlikely witnesses, pagan worshipers, friends and family, come and worship. [1049.26 --> 1055.12] All who need a Savior, all who long for comfort, come and worship. [1055.12 --> 1059.36] Come and worship Christ, the newborn King. [1060.36 --> 1064.42] It's in his name that we come together this morning. [1065.08 --> 1067.18] God welcomes us into this place. [1067.18 --> 1068.68] The Lord be with you. [1072.76 --> 1079.38] Grace, mercy, and peace to you this Christmas day. [1080.28 --> 1087.20] From God our Father, from Lord Jesus Christ, his Son and our Savior, born today through the [1087.20 --> 1089.88] presence and power of the Holy Spirit. [1090.48 --> 1093.02] All God's people said, amen. [1093.38 --> 1095.06] Let's worship our God in song together. [1095.06 --> 1095.16] Amen. [1097.18 --> 1099.18] Amen. [1099.18 --> 1103.10] The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. [1103.76 --> 1105.00] O come, all ye faithful. [1106.02 --> 1110.60] Come, let us adore him, for he is Christ the Lord. [1110.60 --> 1110.68] Amen. [1110.68 --> 1124.10] O come, all ye faithful. [1124.10 --> 1127.46] Joyful and triumphant. [1127.46 --> 1137.40] O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. [1137.40 --> 1147.32] Come and behold him, for the king of angels. [1147.32 --> 1153.22] O come, let us adore him. [1153.22 --> 1157.18] O come, let us adore him. [1157.18 --> 1159.18] Oh [1187.18 --> 1189.18] Oh [1189.18 --> 1191.18] Oh [1195.18 --> 1197.18] Oh [1197.18 --> 1199.18] Oh [1201.18 --> 1203.18] Oh [1205.18 --> 1207.18] Oh [1209.18 --> 1211.18] Oh [1211.18 --> 1213.18] Oh [1213.18 --> 1215.18] Oh [1215.18 --> 1217.18] Oh [1221.18 --> 1223.18] Oh [1223.18 --> 1225.18] Oh [1225.18 --> 1227.18] Oh [1231.18 --> 1233.18] Oh [1233.18 --> 1235.18] Oh [1235.18 --> 1237.18] Oh [1241.18 --> 1243.18] Oh [1243.18 --> 1245.18] Oh [1245.18 --> 1247.18] Oh [1247.18 --> 1249.18] Glory [1249.18 --> 1251.18] In the highest [1251.18 --> 1253.18] Oh [1253.18 --> 1255.18] Come let us adore [1255.18 --> 1257.18] Him [1257.18 --> 1259.18] Oh [1259.18 --> 1261.18] Come let us adore [1261.18 --> 1263.18] Him [1263.18 --> 1265.18] Oh [1265.18 --> 1267.18] Come let us adore [1267.18 --> 1269.18] Him [1269.18 --> 1271.18] Praise [1271.18 --> 1273.18] The Lord [1273.18 --> 1275.18] Yea [1275.18 --> 1277.18] Lord we greet [1277.18 --> 1279.18] Thee [1279.18 --> 1281.18] Born this happy [1281.18 --> 1283.18] Morning [1283.18 --> 1285.18] Jesus [1285.18 --> 1287.18] To Thee [1287.18 --> 1289.18] We all [1289.18 --> 1291.18] Glory [1291.18 --> 1293.18] Give [1293.18 --> 1295.18] Word [1295.18 --> 1297.18] Word [1297.18 --> 1299.18] On the Father [1299.18 --> 1301.18] Now in [1301.18 --> 1303.18] Flesh appearing [1303.18 --> 1305.18] Oh [1305.18 --> 1307.18] Come let us adore [1307.18 --> 1309.18] Him [1309.18 --> 1311.18] Oh [1311.18 --> 1313.18] Come let us adore [1313.18 --> 1315.18] Him [1315.18 --> 1317.18] Oh [1317.18 --> 1319.18] Come let us adore [1319.18 --> 1321.18] Him [1321.18 --> 1323.18] Praise [1323.18 --> 1325.18] The Lord [1325.18 --> 1327.18] The Lord [1327.18 --> 1329.18] The Lord [1329.18 --> 1331.18] The Lord [1331.18 --> 1333.18] The Lord [1333.18 --> 1335.18] Hark [1335.18 --> 1337.18] The [1337.18 --> 1349.18] Hark the herald angels sing [1349.18 --> 1353.18] Glory to the newborn King [1353.18 --> 1359.38] peace on earth and mercy mild [1359.38 --> 1364.18] God and sinners reconciled [1364.70 --> 1369.18] joyful all ye nations rise [1369.90 --> 1374.18] join the triumph of the skies [1375.12 --> 1379.18] with angelic hopes proclaim [1379.18 --> 1385.34] Christ is born in Bethlehem [1385.34 --> 1390.18] Hark the herald angels sing [1390.72 --> 1396.18] Glory to the newborn King [1397.40 --> 1402.52] Christ the highest heaven adored [1402.52 --> 1407.18] Christ the everlasting Lord [1407.18 --> 1412.18] Late in time behold him God [1412.74 --> 1417.18] Offspring of the virgin's womb [1417.98 --> 1422.18] Failed in flesh the Godhead see [1423.18 --> 1427.18] Hail the darned deity [1427.18 --> 1433.30] Pleased his man with us to dwell [1433.30 --> 1437.18] Jesus our Emmanuel [1437.18 --> 1443.18] Lord the herald angels sing [1443.74 --> 1449.18] Glory to the newborn King [1449.18 --> 1455.18] Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace [1455.18 --> 1460.18] Hail the Son of Righteousness [1460.18 --> 1466.18] Light and life to all he brings [1466.18 --> 1471.18] Risen with healing in his wings [1471.18 --> 1476.18] While he lays his glory by [1476.18 --> 1481.18] Born that we no more may die [1481.18 --> 1486.18] Born to raise us from the earth [1486.18 --> 1490.18] Born to sin a second birth [1490.18 --> 1492.18] A second birth [1492.18 --> 1497.18] On the herald angels sing [1497.18 --> 1502.18] Glory to the newborn King [1502.18 --> 1504.18] Lord King [1504.18 --> 1507.18] All right, invite you to be seated [1507.18 --> 1510.18] I was wondering if we could get the kids up here [1510.18 --> 1513.18] We're going to be singing a song that you guys know really well [1513.18 --> 1514.18] Away in the manger [1514.18 --> 1517.18] Does anybody want to come up and help us sing that song? [1518.18 --> 1519.18] Let's come up here [1519.18 --> 1520.18] Let's come up here [1520.18 --> 1522.18] Oh, I see some kids are coming up [1523.18 --> 1524.18] Good [1524.18 --> 1525.18] Come on up [1525.18 --> 1527.18] We can stand up and we can look at our parents [1528.18 --> 1529.18] All right, we can stand up here [1530.18 --> 1533.18] Anybody else want to come up and help us sing it? [1534.18 --> 1535.18] Does anybody know the actions to it? [1537.18 --> 1539.18] No? Do you want to help me do it too? [1540.18 --> 1541.18] Yeah? All right [1542.18 --> 1543.18] Let's sing away with the manger [1549.18 --> 1567.18] Be thosehlian who we sphere [1568.18 --> 1569.18] food [1570.18 --> 1573.18] odge of amazing [1574.18 --> 1575.18] The sullies of of man [1575.18 --> 1577.18] In a manger [1577.18 --> 1580.94] No crib for a bed [1580.94 --> 1584.18] The little Lord Jesus [1584.70 --> 1588.42] He downed his sweet neck [1588.42 --> 1592.48] The stars in the bright sky [1592.48 --> 1595.18] Looked out where he lay [1596.02 --> 1599.18] The little Lord Jesus [1599.70 --> 1603.18] Asleep on the hay [1605.18 --> 1609.26] The cattle are lowing [1609.26 --> 1612.18] The baby awakes [1612.94 --> 1616.18] But little Lord Jesus [1616.70 --> 1620.44] No crying he makes [1620.44 --> 1624.18] I love you Lord Jesus [1624.18 --> 1627.18] Look down from on high [1628.00 --> 1631.18] And stay by my side [1631.18 --> 1636.18] Till morning is night [1636.18 --> 1641.42] Be near me Lord Jesus [1641.42 --> 1644.18] I ask you to stay [1644.18 --> 1648.18] Close by me forever [1648.18 --> 1650.18] And love me [1650.18 --> 1652.18] I pray [1652.18 --> 1656.18] Bless all the dear children [1656.18 --> 1659.18] In your tender care [1659.18 --> 1664.18] Prepare for heaven [1664.18 --> 1669.18] To live with you there [1669.18 --> 1673.18] Thank you so much for helping us [1673.18 --> 1675.18] You can go back to your moms and dads [1675.18 --> 1705.16] Thank you. [1705.18 --> 1708.28] Fires, floods, funerals, and fear. [1709.86 --> 1714.72] Families split in ideology, distance, controversy, and border closures. [1715.66 --> 1719.14] Elders imprisoned in care homes as well as in their own bodies. [1720.12 --> 1723.98] The nightly news erupts into our protected, isolated space. [1724.74 --> 1731.98] Protests, wars, famines, earthquakes, government overspending, deficits, debts, inflation. [1731.98 --> 1739.54] Conflicting voices on social media echo in our ears amidst the daily COVID count. [1741.06 --> 1745.24] Neighboring cities had drive-by shootings as we had drive-by birthdays. [1746.34 --> 1751.32] Yet amidst the mayhem and the masking, the isolation and the weariness, [1752.26 --> 1756.92] another voice long remembered echoes through the chaos of the years. [1757.80 --> 1759.72] The voice of one who knows. [1761.06 --> 1764.18] One who was born into a world of chaos and weariness. [1765.16 --> 1767.94] His voice still speaks with comforting clarity. [1769.02 --> 1772.12] And so, we celebrate his coming once again. [1772.88 --> 1776.48] His coming into a broken world and into broken hearts. [1776.48 --> 1783.12] He stills our anxiousness with words that carry on into eternity. [1784.50 --> 1785.86] Peace I leave with you. [1786.14 --> 1787.74] My peace I give to you. [1788.34 --> 1790.52] I do not give to you as the world gives. [1791.40 --> 1793.52] Do not let your hearts be troubled. [1794.02 --> 1795.54] And do not be afraid. [1795.54 --> 1795.70] Thank you. [1795.70 --> 1797.70] Thank you. [1806.48 --> 1836.46] Thank you. [1836.46 --> 1866.44] Thank you. [1866.46 --> 1896.44] Thank you. [1896.46 --> 1898.46] Thank you. [1898.46 --> 1926.44] Thank you. [1926.44 --> 1928.44] Thank you. [1928.44 --> 1930.44] Thank you. [1930.44 --> 1932.44] Thank you. [1932.44 --> 1934.44] Thank you. [1934.44 --> 1936.44] Thank you. [1936.44 --> 1938.44] Thank you. [1938.44 --> 1940.44] Thank you. [1940.44 --> 1942.44] Thank you. [1942.44 --> 1944.44] Thank you. [1944.44 --> 1945.44] Thank you. [1945.44 --> 1947.44] Thank you. [1947.44 --> 1949.44] Thank you. [1949.44 --> 1951.44] Thank you. [1951.44 --> 1953.44] Thank you. [1953.44 --> 1954.44] Thank you. [1954.44 --> 1956.44] Thank you. [1956.44 --> 1958.44] Thank you. [1958.44 --> 1960.44] Thank you. [1960.44 --> 1962.44] Thank you. [1962.44 --> 1963.44] Thank you. [1963.44 --> 1965.44] Thank you. [1965.44 --> 1972.10] basic nursing, a mobile library, prayer and loving community contact. The continuum of care includes [1972.10 --> 1978.06] ongoing registered Christian counseling with sliding scale fees, men's and women's support [1978.06 --> 1983.50] groups, Bible studies, extreme weather response, a clothing ministry and much more. More recently, [1983.50 --> 1988.12] Night Shift has extended their service to outreach in the Langley area. Our church has committed, [1988.12 --> 1993.04] our church, referring to us, has committed to serving the people of Langley every second month. [1993.04 --> 1998.74] We currently serve 50 to 60 people a hot meal along with snacks and friendly conversation. [1998.74 --> 2003.48] If you would like more information on how to get involved, please contact me. We thank you for [2003.48 --> 2004.38] your donations today. [2023.04 --> 2037.48] God of all creation, here with us in a starlit manger, Emmanuel. [2037.48 --> 2051.48] God of all creation, here with us in a starlit manger, Emmanuel. [2051.48 --> 2054.98] God of all creation, he has nothing to hold. [2054.98 --> 2080.28] Amen, the lebihrea and blaerіль to [2080.28 --> 2095.28] Worship Christ the Lord, that all that is within us adore. [2095.28 --> 2108.28] Wives and bring their treasures, shepherds bow along. [2108.28 --> 2116.28] Angels' voices sing of peace on earth, [2116.28 --> 2126.28] And have I to offer to heaven's King? [2126.28 --> 2135.28] I will bring my life, my love, my heart. [2135.28 --> 2147.28] Adore, come let us adore, come let us adore. [2147.28 --> 2158.28] Hail the Lord, worship Christ the Lord, [2158.28 --> 2170.28] That all that is within us adore. [2170.28 --> 2181.28] Angels sing praises, ring to the newborn King. [2181.28 --> 2186.28] Peace on earth, here with us, joy awakening. [2186.28 --> 2191.28] At your feet we fall. [2191.28 --> 2196.28] Angels sing praises, ring to the newborn King. [2196.28 --> 2201.28] Peace on earth, here with us, joy awakening. [2201.28 --> 2205.28] At your feet we fall. [2205.28 --> 2212.28] Adore, come let us adore. [2212.28 --> 2219.28] O come let us adore Him. [2219.28 --> 2227.28] The Lord, worship Christ the Lord, [2227.28 --> 2240.28] Let all that is within us adore. [2240.28 --> 2245.28] O come let us adore. [2245.28 --> 2246.28] Morning. [2246.28 --> 2266.28] We're gonna spend some time hearing again, or maybe for the first time, the Christmas story. [2266.28 --> 2271.18] We're going to read that in our Bibles from Matthew chapter 1. [2271.78 --> 2280.88] I'm going to read verse 18 through 24, Matthew's quick Christmas story there. [2280.96 --> 2282.24] It's going to be on the screen behind me. [2282.32 --> 2283.22] You can probably see it already. [2283.70 --> 2289.36] I encourage you, if you have a Bible, to have that in your hands, open, on your device or whatever, [2289.66 --> 2296.10] and you can read along there and then keep it with you as we come into the text. [2296.28 --> 2302.10] With the text open in front of you, let's pray together. [2305.08 --> 2312.42] Holy God, Heavenly Father, speak now your Christmas words to us. [2313.70 --> 2325.58] Speak now the hope, the love, the joy, and the peace that you might bring into the chaos of our lives. [2327.10 --> 2331.88] Speak now with your voice that we might hear you in this word. [2332.60 --> 2335.98] That we might go from here today praising your name, [2336.76 --> 2341.40] joining our voice with the angels, with all of creation, with the shepherds of old, [2341.90 --> 2345.16] singing your worth and majesty. [2345.16 --> 2349.94] Take your word and plant it deep in our hearts. [2350.06 --> 2351.46] In Jesus' name we pray. [2352.36 --> 2352.68] Amen. [2352.68 --> 2352.76] Amen. [2360.50 --> 2365.60] This is how the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, came about. [2365.60 --> 2370.10] His mother, Mary, was pledged to Joseph. [2371.14 --> 2377.10] But before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. [2377.10 --> 2385.80] Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, [2386.20 --> 2389.50] he had in mind to divorce her quietly. [2389.50 --> 2396.38] But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, [2396.52 --> 2402.48] Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, [2402.48 --> 2407.32] because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [2408.02 --> 2412.34] She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus [2412.34 --> 2416.64] because he will save his people from all their sins. [2416.64 --> 2422.56] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet. [2423.48 --> 2428.32] The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, [2428.96 --> 2431.12] which means God with us. [2432.74 --> 2436.70] When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him [2436.70 --> 2439.06] and he took Mary home as his wife. [2439.60 --> 2443.80] But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son [2443.80 --> 2446.72] and he gave him the name Jesus. [2447.42 --> 2448.74] This is the word of the Lord. [2454.48 --> 2459.92] This year for Advent and Christmas, if you're visiting with us this morning [2459.92 --> 2461.68] or checking us out for the first time, [2462.10 --> 2468.52] we have been working towards this idea that we've called un-hallmark Christmas. [2468.52 --> 2475.88] And by that, we've meant that we have been trying to sort of remove the layers of whitewashing [2475.88 --> 2481.46] or misinformation or cultural fluff that have been added to the story [2481.46 --> 2485.06] for so many generations, for so long, [2485.14 --> 2489.34] that it has become hard to separate fact from fiction. [2489.34 --> 2493.90] And I'll be honest with you, [2494.66 --> 2497.92] doing this this past Christmas season, [2498.04 --> 2500.38] these past four weeks or so, [2500.82 --> 2501.36] has [2501.36 --> 2506.24] has helped me love Christmas again. [2510.26 --> 2510.78] Ordinarily, [2511.14 --> 2514.38] I get really frustrated around this time of year [2514.38 --> 2518.60] because of the way that the culture has sort of hijacked Christmas [2518.60 --> 2524.12] and turned it into sleigh bells and Santa Clauses on every porch and corner. [2524.96 --> 2525.92] And I confess, [2526.18 --> 2528.98] it grates on me a little every year [2528.98 --> 2531.12] when the radio stations that I listen to, [2531.18 --> 2532.40] and there's really only two of them, [2533.02 --> 2535.96] start playing Christmas music in mid-November. [2535.96 --> 2540.36] But this year has been different, [2540.62 --> 2542.12] and that's in large part because [2542.12 --> 2545.04] of you and the work we've been doing here [2545.04 --> 2547.36] and the conversations that have been developed. [2547.68 --> 2551.38] And we've leaned into the rhythms of Advent [2551.38 --> 2554.20] and the liturgy of waiting in the darkness [2554.20 --> 2557.20] and waiting for that light to slowly, [2557.70 --> 2560.26] slowly shine through a crack. [2560.26 --> 2563.12] And I've really enjoyed with you [2563.12 --> 2564.60] and with Pastor Kevin [2564.60 --> 2567.80] pulling back the sort of Western cultural veil [2567.80 --> 2570.78] and the hallmarking of Christmas that has happened. [2572.36 --> 2575.24] I like the idea and the practice [2575.24 --> 2579.50] of deconstructing cultural and religious ideologies [2579.50 --> 2580.84] and idolatries. [2582.34 --> 2583.76] And if you know me, [2584.10 --> 2586.40] you know that I believe the church [2586.40 --> 2588.08] is precisely the place [2588.08 --> 2590.46] where these sorts of conversations should be happening. [2591.94 --> 2595.32] And precisely because Christmas did happen, [2595.44 --> 2597.80] that Jesus did come in history, [2597.96 --> 2601.72] precisely because this is the greatest story ever told [2601.72 --> 2604.70] and its greatness is largely owing to the fact [2604.70 --> 2605.80] that it's real, [2606.10 --> 2610.78] we constantly need to re-narrate our lives [2610.78 --> 2612.14] in the truth of the gospel [2612.14 --> 2615.94] and the truth of Jesus' come and his coming again. [2615.94 --> 2619.28] And here's the thing about that [2619.28 --> 2622.40] where I'd like to spend a little time with you this morning. [2623.72 --> 2625.54] Because you see, this time of year [2625.54 --> 2630.08] and our places in the world, [2631.32 --> 2633.44] our responsibilities, [2634.28 --> 2637.22] our idea of meaning, right? [2637.82 --> 2642.34] Meaning comes from these stories. [2642.34 --> 2644.44] That meaning is found, [2644.66 --> 2645.68] it is identified, [2645.94 --> 2646.62] it is made, [2646.74 --> 2647.84] however you want to put it. [2648.14 --> 2651.10] Meaning comes out of the story [2651.10 --> 2653.90] that you are rooting yourself in. [2656.60 --> 2659.26] I listened to a podcast recently [2659.26 --> 2662.20] called The Four Horsemen of Meaning. [2662.58 --> 2663.50] We can talk about it later. [2663.56 --> 2664.52] I don't need to get into the details. [2664.66 --> 2665.62] It's two and a half hours long. [2666.20 --> 2667.00] But in there, [2667.08 --> 2668.90] there was a whole conversation about meaning [2668.90 --> 2670.14] and the source of meaning. [2670.26 --> 2672.32] And the people in this conversation [2672.32 --> 2674.16] was a cognitive scientist [2674.16 --> 2676.08] and a psychoanalyst, [2676.44 --> 2678.02] an art theologian, [2678.12 --> 2679.28] and a Catholic bishop. [2680.14 --> 2682.44] And the whole conversation was about meaning [2682.44 --> 2684.46] and where meaning is found [2684.46 --> 2685.50] or how we find it [2685.50 --> 2686.92] and how we come by it. [2687.08 --> 2687.88] And at one point, [2687.94 --> 2689.94] one of the people in this conversation [2689.94 --> 2692.60] said that meaning comes [2692.60 --> 2695.90] from living in purposive relationship [2695.90 --> 2697.02] to the true, [2697.34 --> 2697.76] the good, [2697.84 --> 2698.60] and the beautiful. [2700.32 --> 2701.58] And as Christians, [2701.92 --> 2702.10] right, [2702.14 --> 2703.60] we know that the ultimate true, [2703.72 --> 2704.32] the ultimate good, [2704.40 --> 2705.20] the ultimate beautiful [2705.20 --> 2706.98] is God. [2708.80 --> 2709.26] Now, [2709.46 --> 2712.58] I would add to that conversation [2712.58 --> 2715.76] that the way that we have [2715.76 --> 2717.78] a purposive relationship [2717.78 --> 2718.78] to the true, [2718.92 --> 2719.28] the good, [2719.34 --> 2720.00] and the beautiful [2720.00 --> 2723.50] is as God reveals himself [2723.50 --> 2725.76] to us in his word. [2727.26 --> 2727.44] Now, [2727.58 --> 2730.34] let me be really clear with you, [2730.38 --> 2730.54] right, [2730.62 --> 2732.14] because all people, [2732.66 --> 2734.16] whether or not they are Christian [2734.16 --> 2736.90] or whether or not they call it as such, [2737.20 --> 2739.32] all people have a relationship [2739.32 --> 2740.26] to the true, [2740.38 --> 2740.66] the good, [2740.70 --> 2741.30] and the beautiful [2741.30 --> 2743.66] or an idea of what the ultimate true, [2743.80 --> 2743.98] good, [2744.06 --> 2745.48] and beautiful is. [2746.36 --> 2747.90] And as Reformed Christians, [2748.10 --> 2750.84] as our branch of Christianity [2750.84 --> 2752.96] and the Protestant stream, [2753.50 --> 2754.56] as Reformed Christians, [2755.00 --> 2757.20] we call that general sense [2757.20 --> 2758.12] of relationship [2758.12 --> 2759.02] to the true, [2759.14 --> 2759.30] good, [2759.36 --> 2759.74] and the beautiful, [2759.80 --> 2761.56] we call that general revelation. [2762.52 --> 2762.62] Right, [2762.70 --> 2763.74] God reveals himself [2763.74 --> 2764.56] to the world [2764.56 --> 2765.50] in the order [2765.50 --> 2766.62] and the majesty [2766.62 --> 2767.94] and the magnitude [2767.94 --> 2769.30] of creation. [2769.66 --> 2770.48] God reveals himself [2770.48 --> 2771.08] to the world [2771.08 --> 2772.02] in its beauty. [2774.08 --> 2774.64] But, [2774.98 --> 2776.46] the way that you have [2776.46 --> 2777.74] a purposive, [2778.10 --> 2778.26] right, [2778.44 --> 2780.20] a meaningful relationship [2780.20 --> 2780.90] to God, [2781.00 --> 2781.44] and thus, [2781.54 --> 2782.88] the way that we understand [2782.88 --> 2783.86] ultimate meaning [2783.86 --> 2785.36] is only by [2785.36 --> 2787.40] his special revelation, [2787.56 --> 2788.26] is only by [2788.26 --> 2790.34] his word, [2790.80 --> 2792.24] by his story. [2793.16 --> 2793.38] Now, [2793.86 --> 2794.98] I get that right now [2794.98 --> 2795.66] I'm at the risk [2795.66 --> 2796.74] of losing some of you [2796.74 --> 2798.42] because I'm talking [2798.42 --> 2799.66] philosophy and theology, [2799.82 --> 2800.80] and so let me just wrap that up [2800.80 --> 2801.58] with this point. [2803.34 --> 2803.82] Meaning, [2805.26 --> 2805.90] individual [2805.90 --> 2807.68] and personal, [2808.60 --> 2809.20] meaning, [2809.46 --> 2809.98] societal [2809.98 --> 2811.06] and collective, [2811.72 --> 2812.98] to not put too fine [2812.98 --> 2813.76] a point on it, [2813.94 --> 2814.04] right, [2814.08 --> 2815.06] the very why [2815.06 --> 2815.80] of life [2815.80 --> 2816.76] and purpose [2816.76 --> 2818.56] comes out of [2818.56 --> 2819.32] living in [2819.32 --> 2820.04] purposive [2820.04 --> 2820.92] relationship [2820.92 --> 2821.90] to God [2821.90 --> 2822.78] as the one [2822.78 --> 2823.84] true God [2823.84 --> 2824.52] and the God [2824.52 --> 2825.44] of truth, [2825.50 --> 2826.38] as the only [2826.38 --> 2827.46] ultimate good [2827.46 --> 2828.42] and the overflowing [2828.42 --> 2829.84] source of all good, [2829.94 --> 2830.66] as the most [2830.66 --> 2831.24] magnificent [2831.24 --> 2832.26] and beautiful [2832.26 --> 2832.74] being [2832.74 --> 2833.66] as his glory [2833.66 --> 2835.16] pours forth. [2836.58 --> 2837.52] Any sense [2837.52 --> 2838.14] of meaning [2838.14 --> 2839.84] that you make, [2839.88 --> 2840.76] or for any sense [2840.76 --> 2841.10] of meaning [2841.10 --> 2841.58] that you make [2841.58 --> 2842.76] to have legs, [2842.98 --> 2843.94] it needs to [2843.94 --> 2845.90] walk in the story [2845.90 --> 2847.64] of God's revelation [2847.64 --> 2848.88] to the world. [2850.16 --> 2850.98] I can't [2850.98 --> 2851.90] understate this [2851.90 --> 2852.90] point [2852.90 --> 2853.86] at all [2853.86 --> 2854.78] here now [2854.78 --> 2855.50] at Christmas. [2856.66 --> 2858.08] Who you are [2858.08 --> 2859.42] is filled [2859.42 --> 2860.52] up with meaning [2860.52 --> 2861.88] and with purpose [2861.88 --> 2862.98] as you are [2862.98 --> 2863.64] found [2863.64 --> 2865.04] in the story [2865.04 --> 2866.10] of God. [2867.74 --> 2868.12] And so, [2868.24 --> 2868.76] by all means, [2869.12 --> 2869.86] deconstruct [2869.86 --> 2870.52] your faith, [2871.70 --> 2872.16] but do it [2872.16 --> 2872.98] in the context [2872.98 --> 2874.00] of the community [2874.00 --> 2874.58] of faith, [2875.38 --> 2875.52] right, [2875.56 --> 2876.68] make it your own, [2877.60 --> 2878.80] ask hard questions, [2879.32 --> 2879.98] expose [2879.98 --> 2881.56] the competing [2881.56 --> 2882.32] stories [2882.32 --> 2883.56] of the culture [2883.56 --> 2884.32] to the truth [2884.32 --> 2884.92] of the gospel, [2885.20 --> 2885.38] right, [2885.54 --> 2886.30] unhallmark [2886.30 --> 2887.24] your Christmases [2887.24 --> 2887.94] because the very [2887.94 --> 2889.24] meaning of your life [2889.24 --> 2891.06] comes out of the story [2891.06 --> 2891.88] that you are [2891.88 --> 2892.94] rooting yourself in. [2895.44 --> 2896.96] And it's been my prayer [2896.96 --> 2897.70] throughout this [2897.70 --> 2899.06] Christmas season [2899.06 --> 2900.34] that we, [2900.56 --> 2900.92] together, [2901.08 --> 2901.98] would be rooted [2901.98 --> 2903.60] in the true [2903.60 --> 2905.00] story of [2905.00 --> 2905.84] Jesus. [2906.40 --> 2907.06] The real [2907.06 --> 2907.82] Jesus. [2908.08 --> 2909.16] The Jesus of [2909.16 --> 2909.70] the Bible [2909.70 --> 2910.54] and of history [2910.54 --> 2911.16] because you see [2911.16 --> 2912.34] the historical [2912.34 --> 2913.46] Jesus is [2913.46 --> 2914.64] the biblical [2914.64 --> 2915.80] Jesus. [2917.24 --> 2918.88] try as we [2918.88 --> 2919.24] might [2919.24 --> 2919.56] to [2919.56 --> 2920.98] disenchant [2920.98 --> 2921.52] our sense [2921.52 --> 2922.06] of self [2922.06 --> 2922.68] in the modern [2922.68 --> 2923.04] world. [2923.20 --> 2924.32] Try as the [2924.32 --> 2925.46] pagan impulse [2925.46 --> 2925.90] might [2925.90 --> 2926.96] to limit [2926.96 --> 2928.00] what is [2928.00 --> 2928.76] here [2928.76 --> 2929.44] to the [2929.44 --> 2929.86] imminent [2929.86 --> 2930.46] frame. [2930.82 --> 2931.70] Try as we [2931.70 --> 2931.94] might [2931.94 --> 2932.56] to block [2932.56 --> 2933.12] out the [2933.12 --> 2933.88] transcendent [2933.88 --> 2934.48] from breaking [2934.48 --> 2934.92] in [2934.92 --> 2936.66] and haunting [2936.66 --> 2937.86] our reality [2937.86 --> 2938.62] with a longing [2938.62 --> 2939.12] for something [2939.12 --> 2939.38] more. [2939.84 --> 2941.18] Christmas time [2941.18 --> 2942.40] reminds us [2942.40 --> 2943.16] of that [2943.16 --> 2943.56] something [2943.56 --> 2944.06] more. [2944.06 --> 2945.40] There's a [2945.40 --> 2946.04] reason that [2946.04 --> 2946.94] even the [2946.94 --> 2947.72] strictest [2947.72 --> 2948.58] secularist [2948.58 --> 2949.38] feels something [2949.38 --> 2950.76] magical about [2950.76 --> 2951.54] Christmas. [2952.62 --> 2953.04] There's a [2953.04 --> 2953.56] reason why [2953.56 --> 2954.32] even the [2954.32 --> 2954.62] biggest [2954.62 --> 2955.04] Grinch [2955.04 --> 2955.48] can have [2955.48 --> 2956.00] his heart [2956.00 --> 2956.84] grown three [2956.84 --> 2957.32] sizes [2957.32 --> 2958.18] this time [2958.18 --> 2958.48] of year. [2959.88 --> 2960.20] No matter [2960.20 --> 2961.20] how vehemently [2961.20 --> 2961.88] the captives [2961.88 --> 2962.52] and captains [2962.52 --> 2963.14] of imminence [2963.14 --> 2963.62] might say [2963.62 --> 2964.20] otherwise, [2964.46 --> 2965.14] the story [2965.14 --> 2965.78] of God [2965.78 --> 2966.58] in you [2966.58 --> 2967.60] longs for [2967.60 --> 2968.04] more, [2968.36 --> 2968.98] especially [2968.98 --> 2969.98] at times [2969.98 --> 2970.52] like this. [2970.52 --> 2972.40] In this [2972.40 --> 2973.76] increasingly [2973.76 --> 2974.62] disenchanted [2974.62 --> 2975.08] world, [2975.48 --> 2975.82] what we [2975.82 --> 2976.56] need is [2976.56 --> 2977.54] what C.S. [2977.62 --> 2978.88] Lewis might [2978.88 --> 2979.46] have called [2979.46 --> 2980.34] an experience [2980.34 --> 2980.72] of the [2980.72 --> 2981.10] deeper [2981.10 --> 2981.94] magic. [2983.02 --> 2984.10] We need [2984.10 --> 2984.74] a taste [2984.74 --> 2985.98] of eternity [2985.98 --> 2987.56] because, [2987.88 --> 2988.14] as the [2988.14 --> 2988.58] teacher [2988.58 --> 2989.60] writing in [2989.60 --> 2990.28] Ecclesiastes [2990.28 --> 2990.82] says, [2991.20 --> 2991.94] God has [2991.94 --> 2992.88] set eternity [2992.88 --> 2993.86] in every [2993.86 --> 2994.70] human [2994.70 --> 2995.50] heart. [2996.26 --> 2996.86] And that, [2997.30 --> 2997.88] my friends, [2998.10 --> 2998.58] is what [2998.58 --> 2999.28] Christmas [2999.28 --> 3000.44] gives us [3000.44 --> 3001.16] a glimpse [3001.16 --> 3002.20] into. [3003.56 --> 3004.20] Eternity [3004.20 --> 3004.90] entered [3004.90 --> 3005.50] into [3005.50 --> 3006.46] time. [3010.72 --> 3011.58] This is [3011.58 --> 3012.00] how the [3012.00 --> 3012.42] birth of [3012.42 --> 3012.72] Jesus, [3012.98 --> 3013.46] the Messiah, [3013.74 --> 3014.24] came about. [3015.22 --> 3015.66] Mary was [3015.66 --> 3016.18] found to [3016.18 --> 3016.66] be pregnant [3016.66 --> 3017.54] through the [3017.54 --> 3018.32] Holy Spirit. [3019.58 --> 3020.36] The angel [3020.36 --> 3020.78] of the Lord [3020.78 --> 3021.58] appeared to [3021.58 --> 3022.36] Joseph and [3022.36 --> 3022.66] said, [3022.80 --> 3023.14] what is [3023.14 --> 3023.72] conceived [3023.72 --> 3024.36] in her [3024.36 --> 3025.20] is from [3025.20 --> 3025.86] the Holy [3025.86 --> 3026.86] Spirit. [3027.28 --> 3027.82] All this [3027.82 --> 3028.56] took place [3028.56 --> 3029.18] to fulfill [3029.18 --> 3029.54] what the [3029.54 --> 3029.96] Lord had [3029.96 --> 3030.48] said through [3030.48 --> 3030.98] the prophet. [3031.34 --> 3031.76] The virgin [3031.76 --> 3032.44] will conceive [3032.44 --> 3032.98] and give [3032.98 --> 3033.42] birth to [3033.42 --> 3033.86] a son, [3034.28 --> 3034.62] and they [3034.62 --> 3035.20] will call [3035.20 --> 3035.62] him [3035.62 --> 3037.18] Emmanuel, [3038.26 --> 3039.14] which means [3039.14 --> 3040.20] God [3040.20 --> 3041.62] with us. [3042.32 --> 3042.64] The [3042.64 --> 3043.78] transcendent [3043.78 --> 3044.74] has become [3044.74 --> 3045.44] imminent. [3045.70 --> 3045.98] God [3045.98 --> 3046.98] with us. [3047.08 --> 3047.60] Emmanuel, [3047.84 --> 3048.34] the infinite [3048.34 --> 3049.20] has become [3049.20 --> 3049.92] finite. [3050.26 --> 3050.64] God [3050.64 --> 3051.16] became [3051.16 --> 3051.82] man. [3051.96 --> 3052.24] Let that [3052.24 --> 3053.00] echo in your [3053.00 --> 3053.98] hearts for a [3053.98 --> 3054.18] moment. [3054.34 --> 3054.64] God [3054.64 --> 3055.08] became [3055.08 --> 3055.66] man. [3055.76 --> 3055.98] Let that [3055.98 --> 3056.86] reverberate in [3056.86 --> 3058.02] your imaginations [3058.02 --> 3058.68] because the [3058.68 --> 3059.70] true story of [3059.70 --> 3061.04] Christmas is [3061.04 --> 3062.22] the incarnation, [3062.64 --> 3062.90] right, where [3062.90 --> 3063.88] God took on [3063.88 --> 3064.60] flesh to [3064.60 --> 3065.82] ransom us. [3065.92 --> 3066.62] The true story [3066.62 --> 3067.18] of Christmas [3067.18 --> 3067.88] is the [3067.88 --> 3068.94] incarnation where [3068.94 --> 3069.84] she will give [3069.84 --> 3070.54] birth to a [3070.54 --> 3071.34] son and you [3071.34 --> 3071.88] are to give [3071.88 --> 3072.38] him the name [3072.38 --> 3073.34] Jesus because [3073.34 --> 3074.54] he will save [3074.54 --> 3075.22] his people [3075.22 --> 3076.22] from their [3076.22 --> 3076.62] sins. [3077.08 --> 3077.50] Christmas [3077.50 --> 3079.08] happens so [3079.08 --> 3079.74] that God [3079.74 --> 3080.54] can conquer [3080.54 --> 3081.52] sin on the [3081.52 --> 3082.20] cross by [3082.20 --> 3083.00] giving us [3083.00 --> 3083.82] an empty [3083.82 --> 3084.30] tomb, [3084.30 --> 3085.22] and anything [3085.22 --> 3086.02] less just [3086.02 --> 3086.40] isn't [3086.40 --> 3086.90] Christmas. [3087.40 --> 3087.66] Anything [3087.66 --> 3088.54] less isn't [3088.54 --> 3089.36] enough to [3089.36 --> 3089.94] give you [3089.94 --> 3091.64] meaning in [3091.64 --> 3092.40] this life. [3093.88 --> 3094.48] Meaning [3094.48 --> 3095.40] comes out of [3095.40 --> 3096.54] the story you [3096.54 --> 3097.28] are rooting [3097.28 --> 3098.22] yourself in [3098.22 --> 3098.92] and for that [3098.92 --> 3099.58] meaning to [3099.58 --> 3100.34] last, for that [3100.34 --> 3100.92] meaning to be [3100.92 --> 3101.68] ultimate, really, [3101.94 --> 3102.42] for that meaning [3102.42 --> 3103.04] to be worth [3103.04 --> 3104.04] anything at [3104.04 --> 3105.32] all, the [3105.32 --> 3106.20] story that [3106.20 --> 3106.86] it's based [3106.86 --> 3107.88] on needs to [3107.88 --> 3109.02] be rooted [3109.02 --> 3110.56] in history [3110.56 --> 3111.64] and this [3111.64 --> 3113.98] story, for [3113.98 --> 3114.38] all of its [3114.38 --> 3115.92] paradoxes and [3115.92 --> 3117.16] mysteries, has [3117.16 --> 3117.98] all the [3117.98 --> 3119.36] hallmarks of [3119.36 --> 3120.98] being true, [3121.60 --> 3123.04] of actually [3123.04 --> 3124.16] having [3124.16 --> 3125.22] happened. [3127.14 --> 3127.98] Matthew and [3127.98 --> 3129.30] Luke tie [3129.30 --> 3130.04] us to [3130.04 --> 3131.38] history in [3131.38 --> 3131.94] their gospel [3131.94 --> 3132.62] accounts of [3132.62 --> 3133.38] Jesus' birth by [3133.38 --> 3133.78] giving us [3133.78 --> 3134.72] genealogies, [3135.08 --> 3135.88] which if you [3135.88 --> 3136.40] were making [3136.40 --> 3137.04] up these [3137.04 --> 3137.98] stories, there [3137.98 --> 3138.56] are certainly [3138.56 --> 3139.32] unseemly [3139.32 --> 3140.46] characters that [3140.46 --> 3140.76] you would [3140.76 --> 3142.12] omit, unless [3142.12 --> 3143.38] the truth [3143.38 --> 3144.14] of it matters [3144.14 --> 3144.70] to you. [3145.50 --> 3146.22] Because if the [3146.22 --> 3146.62] truth of it [3146.62 --> 3147.06] matters to [3147.06 --> 3147.44] you, then [3147.44 --> 3148.32] their inclusion [3148.32 --> 3149.32] becomes an [3149.32 --> 3149.92] argument for [3149.92 --> 3150.48] the story's [3150.48 --> 3150.80] truth. [3152.10 --> 3152.68] The same can [3152.68 --> 3153.32] be said about [3153.32 --> 3154.14] the first [3154.14 --> 3155.46] witnesses being [3155.46 --> 3156.38] shepherds at [3156.38 --> 3156.96] the birth of [3156.96 --> 3157.50] Jesus and [3157.50 --> 3158.16] women at the [3158.16 --> 3158.58] resurrection. [3158.88 --> 3159.42] If you were [3159.42 --> 3160.02] making this [3160.02 --> 3160.98] up, you [3160.98 --> 3161.50] wouldn't have [3161.50 --> 3162.12] used people [3162.12 --> 3162.82] whose testimony [3162.82 --> 3163.64] was legally [3163.64 --> 3164.72] inadmissible and [3164.72 --> 3165.40] so easily [3165.40 --> 3165.98] dismissed. [3165.98 --> 3167.90] Or likewise [3167.90 --> 3168.58] with the [3168.58 --> 3169.24] so-called [3169.24 --> 3169.96] wise men, [3170.08 --> 3170.72] the pagan [3170.72 --> 3171.56] wizards, [3171.66 --> 3171.78] right? [3171.82 --> 3172.24] If you were [3172.24 --> 3172.78] trying to [3172.78 --> 3173.54] fabricate a [3173.54 --> 3174.28] story of a [3174.28 --> 3175.48] Jewish Messiah, [3175.66 --> 3176.08] you wouldn't [3176.08 --> 3177.04] have pagans [3177.04 --> 3177.76] come from [3177.76 --> 3178.42] Arabia to [3178.42 --> 3178.90] praise him [3178.90 --> 3179.28] while the [3179.28 --> 3180.10] Jewish king [3180.10 --> 3180.60] tries to [3180.60 --> 3181.34] kill him, [3182.36 --> 3183.06] taking on the [3183.06 --> 3183.46] role of [3183.46 --> 3184.04] Pharaoh in [3184.04 --> 3184.62] that story. [3185.04 --> 3185.92] Unless, in [3185.92 --> 3186.50] all three of [3186.50 --> 3187.14] these cases, [3187.48 --> 3187.88] the truth [3187.88 --> 3188.72] matters to [3188.72 --> 3189.46] you, and [3189.46 --> 3190.46] then those [3190.46 --> 3191.40] things being [3191.40 --> 3192.18] recorded as [3192.18 --> 3192.62] such become [3192.62 --> 3193.40] an argument for [3193.40 --> 3194.12] the truth of [3194.12 --> 3194.78] the story. [3195.98 --> 3196.48] Right? [3196.56 --> 3197.22] All throughout [3197.22 --> 3197.96] this Advent [3197.96 --> 3198.84] and Christmas [3198.84 --> 3199.58] season, we [3199.58 --> 3200.06] have been [3200.06 --> 3200.82] going back [3200.82 --> 3201.14] to the [3201.14 --> 3201.44] true, [3201.76 --> 3202.34] historical, [3202.84 --> 3203.62] deep magic [3203.62 --> 3204.70] story of [3204.70 --> 3205.34] God at [3205.34 --> 3206.20] work in [3206.20 --> 3206.66] the world. [3207.76 --> 3208.44] And yes, [3209.30 --> 3209.92] some of our [3209.92 --> 3211.40] expectations and [3211.40 --> 3212.18] our hallmarked [3212.18 --> 3212.72] versions of [3212.72 --> 3213.32] the story have [3213.32 --> 3213.92] been challenged, [3214.04 --> 3214.38] they've been [3214.38 --> 3215.30] deconstructed, [3215.34 --> 3215.94] but the goal, [3216.10 --> 3216.84] the hope, [3217.02 --> 3218.02] has always been [3218.02 --> 3219.04] to bring you [3219.04 --> 3220.48] closer to [3220.48 --> 3221.04] the true [3221.04 --> 3222.00] Jesus, to [3222.00 --> 3222.94] the real [3222.94 --> 3223.98] Jesus. [3223.98 --> 3225.76] Jesus, the [3225.76 --> 3226.22] historical [3226.22 --> 3227.78] Jesus, revealed [3227.78 --> 3229.06] in the [3229.06 --> 3229.32] Word of [3229.32 --> 3229.62] God. [3230.74 --> 3231.40] Because the [3231.40 --> 3232.94] truth is, and [3232.94 --> 3233.60] you know this, [3233.82 --> 3234.78] right, 2,000 [3234.78 --> 3236.04] years later, over [3236.04 --> 3237.18] 10,000 kilometers [3237.18 --> 3237.90] away, in a [3237.90 --> 3238.50] whole different [3238.50 --> 3239.66] culture, right, [3239.70 --> 3239.98] in a different [3239.98 --> 3240.94] time and space [3240.94 --> 3242.10] and place, it [3242.10 --> 3243.74] is so, so [3243.74 --> 3244.84] easy to [3244.84 --> 3245.80] substitute a [3245.80 --> 3246.82] Jesus of our [3246.82 --> 3247.72] own making [3247.72 --> 3249.02] for the one [3249.02 --> 3249.46] of the Bible. [3249.46 --> 3252.42] So a really [3252.42 --> 3253.24] great illustration [3253.24 --> 3255.38] of this in [3255.38 --> 3255.84] the book [3255.84 --> 3257.04] American Gods [3257.04 --> 3257.84] by Neil [3257.84 --> 3258.16] Gaiman. [3258.78 --> 3259.80] It's a fictional [3259.80 --> 3260.78] story of a [3260.78 --> 3261.48] whole pantheon [3261.48 --> 3262.12] of gods who [3262.12 --> 3263.04] are in the [3263.04 --> 3263.76] midst fighting [3263.76 --> 3264.32] amongst [3264.32 --> 3265.82] themselves and [3265.82 --> 3266.52] us for [3266.52 --> 3267.62] attention as [3267.62 --> 3268.28] the means by [3268.28 --> 3268.90] which their [3268.90 --> 3269.66] presence in [3269.66 --> 3270.22] the world is [3270.22 --> 3270.66] sustained. [3271.10 --> 3271.80] This is an [3271.80 --> 3272.18] illustration. [3272.98 --> 3273.88] The TV [3273.88 --> 3275.00] adaptation of [3275.00 --> 3276.52] this novel [3276.52 --> 3277.18] actually goes [3277.18 --> 3277.88] even further to [3277.88 --> 3278.34] the point that [3278.34 --> 3278.82] we're about to [3278.82 --> 3279.00] make. [3279.46 --> 3280.54] In the TV [3280.54 --> 3281.12] version of the [3281.12 --> 3282.20] story, Mr. [3282.32 --> 3284.24] Wednesday, who [3284.24 --> 3285.58] is the American [3285.58 --> 3286.42] version of the [3286.42 --> 3287.60] Norse god Odin, [3288.12 --> 3288.92] Wednesday is [3288.92 --> 3290.76] Odin's day, and [3290.76 --> 3292.18] Mr. Ibis, who [3292.18 --> 3293.14] is the American [3293.14 --> 3293.86] version of the [3293.86 --> 3294.64] Egyptian god [3294.64 --> 3295.56] Thoth, who [3295.56 --> 3296.48] usually appears [3296.48 --> 3297.16] as an Ibis [3297.16 --> 3298.96] bird, they [3298.96 --> 3300.92] both say that [3300.92 --> 3302.38] you not only [3302.38 --> 3303.42] have one Jesus [3303.42 --> 3305.24] in our Western [3305.24 --> 3305.94] culture, but you [3305.94 --> 3306.56] have a bunch of [3306.56 --> 3307.86] different Jesuses. [3308.34 --> 3308.74] Mr. [3308.74 --> 3309.94] Wednesday explains [3309.94 --> 3310.56] to Shadow [3310.56 --> 3311.22] Moon, who's the [3311.22 --> 3312.26] protagonist, he [3312.26 --> 3312.68] says you've got [3312.68 --> 3313.44] your white Jesus [3313.44 --> 3314.00] and your [3314.00 --> 3314.74] Jesuit style [3314.74 --> 3315.38] Jesus, your [3315.38 --> 3316.06] black African [3316.06 --> 3316.80] Jesus and your [3316.80 --> 3317.68] Mexican Jesus [3317.68 --> 3318.32] and your [3318.32 --> 3319.12] swarthy Greek [3319.12 --> 3319.66] Jesus. [3321.20 --> 3322.20] And truthfully, [3322.64 --> 3323.70] if you look [3323.70 --> 3324.34] around, it goes [3324.34 --> 3325.22] even further than [3325.22 --> 3325.56] that. [3326.42 --> 3327.52] Because in the [3327.52 --> 3328.60] evangelical culture, [3328.74 --> 3329.28] more generally, [3329.54 --> 3330.14] you've got your [3330.14 --> 3331.28] hyper-masculine [3331.28 --> 3331.82] Jesus. [3333.04 --> 3333.50] But then to [3333.50 --> 3334.26] contrast that out, [3334.32 --> 3334.76] you've got your [3334.76 --> 3335.60] feminine Jesus, [3336.60 --> 3337.24] you've got your [3337.24 --> 3338.16] hipster Jesus, [3338.44 --> 3339.54] and you've got [3339.54 --> 3339.98] your hippie [3339.98 --> 3340.42] Jesus. [3341.42 --> 3342.60] It all depends [3342.60 --> 3343.60] on what you [3343.60 --> 3344.44] think you need [3344.44 --> 3344.96] him for. [3345.60 --> 3346.38] Or it all [3346.38 --> 3347.16] depends on which [3347.16 --> 3348.64] version of him [3348.64 --> 3350.50] you like best [3350.50 --> 3351.40] or find the [3351.40 --> 3352.48] most palatable. [3354.56 --> 3355.48] Another example [3355.48 --> 3356.02] of this, and I [3356.02 --> 3356.58] hesitate to tell [3356.58 --> 3356.90] you that I've [3356.90 --> 3357.44] seen this movie, [3357.54 --> 3358.34] but in the movie [3358.34 --> 3359.30] Talladega Nights, [3360.48 --> 3361.12] Ricky Bobby [3361.12 --> 3362.92] prays to baby [3362.92 --> 3364.50] Jesus because he [3364.50 --> 3365.14] likes the baby [3365.14 --> 3365.76] Jesus better [3365.76 --> 3366.78] because the baby [3366.78 --> 3367.28] Jesus is going [3367.28 --> 3367.68] to get him all [3367.68 --> 3368.04] that money. [3370.62 --> 3371.82] The reality is [3371.82 --> 3372.68] some of you [3372.68 --> 3374.02] prefer a Jesus [3374.02 --> 3375.30] safely on the [3375.30 --> 3375.82] pages of the [3375.82 --> 3376.40] Bible and in [3376.40 --> 3377.38] history, but not [3377.38 --> 3378.26] active in the [3378.26 --> 3378.90] world by the [3378.90 --> 3379.56] Holy Spirit. [3380.04 --> 3380.72] Some of us [3380.72 --> 3381.90] prefer Jesus [3381.90 --> 3382.58] who is a good [3382.58 --> 3383.70] teacher, but we [3383.70 --> 3384.24] don't think we [3384.24 --> 3384.96] need any more [3384.96 --> 3386.14] from him or of [3386.14 --> 3386.76] him than that. [3387.18 --> 3388.10] Sometimes we like [3388.10 --> 3388.96] the idea of [3388.96 --> 3389.86] Jesus as a [3389.86 --> 3391.28] Savior, but not [3391.28 --> 3392.28] as the Lord [3392.28 --> 3394.12] of our lives. [3396.40 --> 3396.94] I'm going to [3396.94 --> 3397.88] let you, like [3397.88 --> 3398.70] Mary, ponder [3398.70 --> 3399.56] these things in [3399.56 --> 3401.08] your heart, figure [3401.08 --> 3401.80] out which one is [3401.80 --> 3401.98] you. [3403.46 --> 3404.30] I can tell you [3404.30 --> 3405.98] for myself, for [3405.98 --> 3406.80] the longest time, [3407.16 --> 3408.20] I preferred the [3408.20 --> 3409.12] Jesus of my [3409.12 --> 3410.22] doctrines and my [3410.22 --> 3411.42] theological systems [3411.42 --> 3413.14] because ideas I [3413.14 --> 3413.94] can grasp. [3415.04 --> 3416.18] Ideas and systems [3416.18 --> 3417.14] I can box up [3417.14 --> 3418.22] nice and tidy, [3418.72 --> 3420.06] and by being able [3420.06 --> 3420.74] to box those [3420.74 --> 3421.54] things up nice and [3421.54 --> 3422.36] tidy, I can [3422.36 --> 3423.26] exercise some [3423.26 --> 3425.88] control in my [3425.88 --> 3426.56] relationship to [3426.56 --> 3426.82] God. [3427.84 --> 3429.12] The reality of [3429.12 --> 3430.38] Jesus active in [3430.38 --> 3431.26] the world and in [3431.26 --> 3432.54] my heart, demanding [3432.54 --> 3434.24] my devotion and [3434.24 --> 3435.22] every square inch [3435.22 --> 3436.20] of my life was, [3436.48 --> 3436.84] well, that was [3436.84 --> 3437.90] harder to accept [3437.90 --> 3438.88] and to come to [3438.88 --> 3439.84] love and to [3439.84 --> 3440.60] realize that I [3440.60 --> 3440.90] need. [3442.78 --> 3443.86] But if you are [3443.86 --> 3444.60] hungry for [3444.60 --> 3447.24] meaning, if this [3447.24 --> 3448.36] Christmas you are [3448.36 --> 3449.42] looking for a [3449.42 --> 3450.92] purpose that lasts, [3450.92 --> 3452.90] the truth is, you [3452.90 --> 3453.74] are looking for [3453.74 --> 3455.14] the real Jesus. [3457.22 --> 3459.22] And so we all [3459.22 --> 3460.22] together need to [3460.22 --> 3461.32] stop accepting [3461.32 --> 3462.82] substitutes or [3462.82 --> 3464.14] fabrications or [3464.14 --> 3465.88] lesser glories. [3466.70 --> 3467.94] Come to the one [3467.94 --> 3468.86] true God who [3468.86 --> 3470.54] reveals himself in [3470.54 --> 3471.54] his word because [3471.54 --> 3472.84] he is the source [3472.84 --> 3474.40] of your meaning. [3474.64 --> 3475.46] Relationship to [3475.46 --> 3476.68] him is the source [3476.68 --> 3477.84] of your why. [3481.58 --> 3483.74] Look, it's [3483.74 --> 3484.14] Jesus. [3484.68 --> 3485.44] It is this [3485.44 --> 3487.62] Jesus revealed in [3487.62 --> 3489.08] the Bible come in [3489.08 --> 3489.54] history. [3489.90 --> 3490.88] This Jesus who [3490.88 --> 3492.78] was born a babe in [3492.78 --> 3493.80] Bethlehem and [3493.80 --> 3494.76] placed in a manger. [3495.16 --> 3495.94] Jesus whom [3495.94 --> 3497.42] shepherds praised [3497.42 --> 3498.14] and pagans [3498.14 --> 3499.02] magnified. [3499.38 --> 3500.42] Jesus whose birth [3500.42 --> 3501.50] was simultaneously [3501.50 --> 3503.08] incredible for its [3503.08 --> 3504.18] ordinariness but [3504.18 --> 3505.22] anything but [3505.22 --> 3506.10] ordinary. [3506.50 --> 3507.14] Jesus who [3507.14 --> 3508.22] lived the life I [3508.22 --> 3509.20] should have lived [3509.20 --> 3509.94] and Jesus who [3509.94 --> 3510.84] died the death [3510.84 --> 3511.70] that I deserved [3511.70 --> 3512.42] and was raised [3512.42 --> 3513.28] three days later [3513.28 --> 3514.46] victorious over [3514.46 --> 3515.14] sin and death. [3515.28 --> 3516.16] Jesus who came [3516.16 --> 3517.26] once as a babe [3517.26 --> 3518.02] and will come [3518.02 --> 3519.24] again as king [3519.24 --> 3520.18] of the universe. [3520.58 --> 3522.04] This Jesus is [3522.04 --> 3523.14] calling to you [3523.14 --> 3524.64] now and he's [3524.64 --> 3525.92] saying find your [3525.92 --> 3527.92] meaning with me. [3528.82 --> 3530.04] The truth of his [3530.04 --> 3531.24] coming and the [3531.24 --> 3532.10] hopeful truth of [3532.10 --> 3533.26] his coming again [3533.26 --> 3534.66] is the story by [3534.66 --> 3535.46] which you can [3535.46 --> 3537.00] narrate your life [3537.00 --> 3538.52] in which you can [3538.52 --> 3539.98] find meaning. [3541.34 --> 3542.28] And look, I [3542.28 --> 3545.08] know that you [3545.08 --> 3545.70] are wondering [3545.70 --> 3548.18] and I know that [3548.18 --> 3549.22] you are wandering [3549.22 --> 3551.34] and I know that [3551.34 --> 3552.88] especially right now [3552.88 --> 3553.34] with all the [3553.34 --> 3555.14] chaoses of life [3555.14 --> 3555.98] and the confusion [3555.98 --> 3557.06] and the anxiety, [3557.32 --> 3558.44] I know that you [3558.44 --> 3559.36] are looking for [3559.36 --> 3560.56] meaning and for [3560.56 --> 3561.56] purpose that will [3561.56 --> 3563.40] last and here [3563.40 --> 3565.18] now this Christmas [3565.18 --> 3567.70] this is Jesus, [3568.00 --> 3569.46] the real Jesus [3569.46 --> 3570.48] and yes, [3570.62 --> 3571.74] while he commands [3571.74 --> 3573.04] everything from you, [3573.34 --> 3574.58] he loves you [3574.58 --> 3576.00] and yes, [3576.10 --> 3577.26] his word might [3577.26 --> 3578.82] sometimes be hard [3578.82 --> 3580.64] but it is always, [3580.88 --> 3582.40] always true [3582.40 --> 3583.82] and yes, [3583.92 --> 3585.26] sometimes life in him [3585.26 --> 3586.44] isn't necessarily [3586.44 --> 3588.00] safe but it is [3588.00 --> 3589.68] always good. [3589.68 --> 3592.10] and yes, [3592.30 --> 3594.32] this Christmas, [3594.84 --> 3595.48] the incarnation [3595.48 --> 3596.64] might seem [3596.64 --> 3597.70] impossible [3597.70 --> 3599.98] but oh my [3599.98 --> 3601.06] God with [3601.06 --> 3601.90] us, [3602.38 --> 3602.66] it [3602.66 --> 3604.18] is [3604.18 --> 3605.56] beautiful. [3606.64 --> 3607.02] Amen? [3608.02 --> 3608.68] Amen. [3609.02 --> 3609.42] Let's pray. [3609.42 --> 3609.50] Amen. [3609.50 --> 3615.56] Lord Jesus Christ, [3615.96 --> 3617.12] we make much [3617.12 --> 3617.80] of you [3617.80 --> 3619.08] in our worship [3619.08 --> 3619.92] today [3619.92 --> 3620.64] and so make [3620.64 --> 3621.54] much of yourself [3621.54 --> 3623.00] in our hearts. [3624.00 --> 3624.70] May we find [3624.70 --> 3625.24] our meaning [3625.24 --> 3626.66] and our purpose [3626.66 --> 3628.32] in relationship [3628.32 --> 3629.40] to you [3629.40 --> 3631.82] as you reveal [3631.82 --> 3632.44] truth, [3632.56 --> 3633.20] as you are [3633.20 --> 3634.32] the source [3634.32 --> 3635.60] of all good [3635.60 --> 3636.34] and as you [3636.34 --> 3637.54] are most [3637.54 --> 3638.56] beautiful, [3638.78 --> 3639.52] captivate [3639.52 --> 3641.20] our imaginations [3641.20 --> 3642.90] that we might [3642.90 --> 3643.76] find ourselves [3643.76 --> 3645.28] in your [3645.28 --> 3646.52] story. [3648.14 --> 3649.10] That we might [3649.10 --> 3650.08] know our lives [3650.08 --> 3651.08] by the life, [3651.26 --> 3651.46] death, [3651.64 --> 3652.04] resurrection [3652.04 --> 3652.98] and exaltation [3652.98 --> 3654.06] of Jesus. [3655.44 --> 3656.66] That we might [3656.66 --> 3657.42] know your [3657.42 --> 3658.24] heart [3658.24 --> 3659.30] for this world [3659.30 --> 3662.16] that caused [3662.16 --> 3662.54] you, [3662.74 --> 3663.48] eternal God, [3663.58 --> 3664.22] to enter [3664.22 --> 3665.96] into time. [3666.16 --> 3666.66] Emmanuel, [3667.42 --> 3667.82] God, [3668.02 --> 3669.88] with us. [3671.44 --> 3672.40] And so now, [3672.54 --> 3673.04] Lord God, [3673.16 --> 3673.92] this Christmas [3673.92 --> 3674.40] day, [3674.88 --> 3676.08] go with us [3676.08 --> 3677.32] that we might [3677.32 --> 3678.92] go with you. [3680.76 --> 3681.76] Christ Jesus, [3681.90 --> 3682.32] we pray. [3682.32 --> 3683.82] Amen. [3694.22 --> 3714.08] thingsS [3716.20 --> 3721.10] and majesty, [3721.10 --> 3724.98] Manhood and deity [3724.98 --> 3728.72] In perfect harmony [3728.72 --> 3733.18] The man who is God [3733.18 --> 3736.34] Lord of eternity [3736.34 --> 3740.26] Dwells in humanity [3740.26 --> 3743.98] Kneels in humility [3743.98 --> 3747.98] And washes our feet [3747.98 --> 3751.84] Oh, what a mystery [3751.84 --> 3755.66] Heakness and majesty [3755.66 --> 3761.46] Bow down and worship [3761.46 --> 3769.48] For this is your God [3769.48 --> 3777.96] Father's pure mania [3777.96 --> 3781.64] Perfect in innocence [3781.64 --> 3784.64] Yet learns obedience [3784.64 --> 3789.70] To death on a cross [3789.70 --> 3793.52] Suffering to give us life [3793.52 --> 3796.64] Longering through sacrifice [3796.64 --> 3799.64] And as they crucify [3799.64 --> 3803.64] Praise Father, forgive [3803.64 --> 3807.32] Oh, what a mystery [3807.32 --> 3812.00] Meekness and majesty [3812.00 --> 3817.68] Bow down and worship [3817.68 --> 3825.74] For this is your God [3825.74 --> 3834.42] Wisdom unsearchable [3834.42 --> 3837.42] God the invisible [3837.42 --> 3841.42] Love indestructible [3841.42 --> 3845.42] In frailty of years [3845.42 --> 3849.10] Lord of infinity [3849.10 --> 3850.10] Lord of infinity [3850.10 --> 3854.10] Stormings all tenderly [3854.10 --> 3857.10] Lift our humanity [3857.10 --> 3861.10] To the heights of His throne [3861.10 --> 3864.78] Oh, what a mystery [3864.78 --> 3864.84] Oh, what a mystery [3864.84 --> 3868.78] Meekness and majesty [3868.78 --> 3874.46] Thou doubt and worship [3874.46 --> 3882.46] For this is your God [3882.46 --> 3886.14] Lord of infinity [3886.14 --> 3899.14] As you go into today [3899.14 --> 3902.00] Whatever that is going to look like [3902.00 --> 3902.82] For you [3902.82 --> 3904.94] Go first with an invitation [3904.94 --> 3907.78] Know that we gather tomorrow [3907.78 --> 3909.26] On Sunday for worship [3909.26 --> 3911.40] At our regularly scheduled time [3911.40 --> 3912.50] Of 10 a.m. [3913.18 --> 3914.26] And we will continue [3914.26 --> 3918.32] The story of Jesus' life together [3918.32 --> 3920.82] And second as you go [3920.82 --> 3923.58] Go with God's blessing [3923.58 --> 3924.82] I invite you to receive [3924.82 --> 3925.46] God's blessing [3925.46 --> 3928.02] For the day and days ahead [3928.02 --> 3931.64] May God go before you [3931.64 --> 3932.96] To lead you [3932.96 --> 3935.34] May God go behind you [3935.34 --> 3936.62] To guard you [3936.62 --> 3938.78] May God go beneath you [3938.78 --> 3939.86] To support you [3939.86 --> 3941.94] May God go beside you [3941.94 --> 3943.06] To befriend you [3943.06 --> 3945.58] Do not be afraid [3945.58 --> 3947.70] Let the blessing of God [3947.70 --> 3948.64] Come upon you today [3948.64 --> 3950.66] Do not be afraid [3950.66 --> 3953.34] But go in peace [3953.34 --> 3956.36] To love and serve the Lord [3956.36 --> 3958.16] Amen [3958.16 --> 3966.92] Let the wilderness [3966.92 --> 3968.98] And the towns [3968.98 --> 3970.20] Raise their voices [3970.20 --> 3972.14] Let them shout [3972.14 --> 3973.66] From the mountaintops [3977.70 --> 3983.34] Go tell it on the mountain [3983.34 --> 3987.96] Over the hills and everywhere [3987.96 --> 3992.14] Go tell it on the mountain [3992.14 --> 3996.50] That Jesus Christ is born [3996.50 --> 4000.90] While shepherds kept their watching [4000.90 --> 4003.86] Or silent flocks [4003.86 --> 4004.86] By night [4004.86 --> 4006.82] Behold the world [4006.82 --> 4007.82] Behold the world [4007.82 --> 4008.82] The heavens [4008.82 --> 4012.82] There shone a holy light [4012.82 --> 4017.82] Go tell it on the mountain [4017.82 --> 4019.82] Go tell it on the mountain [4019.82 --> 4024.14] Over the hills and everywhere [4024.14 --> 4028.20] Go tell it on the mountain [4028.20 --> 4032.22] That Jesus Christ is born [4032.22 --> 4033.22] The shepherds [4033.22 --> 4037.18] The shepherds feared and trembled [4037.18 --> 4041.18] Yet low upon the earth [4041.18 --> 4043.14] Rang out the angels [4043.14 --> 4045.14] Rang out the angels' chorus [4045.14 --> 4049.78] That hailed our Savior's birth [4049.78 --> 4055.14] Go tell it on the mountain [4055.14 --> 4059.44] Over the hills and everywhere [4059.44 --> 4063.44] Go tell it on the mountain [4063.44 --> 4067.40] That Jesus Christ is born [4067.40 --> 4068.24] That Jesus Christ is born [4068.24 --> 4071.90] Down in the lowly stable [4071.90 --> 4076.36] The humble Christ was born [4076.36 --> 4080.36] And God sent us salvation [4080.36 --> 4085.24] That blessed Christmas morn [4085.24 --> 4090.20] Go tell it on the mountain [4090.20 --> 4095.20] Over the hills and everywhere [4095.20 --> 4099.08] Go tell it on the mountain [4099.08 --> 4103.20] That Jesus Christ is born [4103.20 --> 4118.56] A Christmas tradition in our church [4118.56 --> 4121.12] that is reflective of the Dutch heritage [4121.12 --> 4122.66] of some of our members [4122.66 --> 4125.48] is to close the Christmas Day service [4125.48 --> 4127.38] with this next song [4127.38 --> 4129.34] Glory to God [4129.34 --> 4132.04] We will have the words on the screen [4132.04 --> 4134.14] in both English and Dutch languages [4134.14 --> 4137.08] and encourage everyone to join us [4137.08 --> 4138.28] in singing together [4138.28 --> 4140.60] in whichever language you prefer [4140.60 --> 4165.80] angé [4165.80 --> 4170.80] In the highest [4170.80 --> 4175.80] In your heart [4176.50 --> 4179.80] Please be your love [4180.58 --> 4185.24] In the peace and the well [4185.24 --> 4189.80] Delighted [4189.80 --> 4197.80] Is it all in the highest [4197.80 --> 4206.80] Is it all in the highest [4206.80 --> 4211.80] Please be your love [4211.80 --> 4215.80] Please be your love [4215.80 --> 4220.80] May you, O Mother [4220.80 --> 4225.80] May you, O Mother [4225.80 --> 4229.80] To live all the things [4229.80 --> 4231.80] In the highest [4231.80 --> 4232.80] In the highest [4232.80 --> 4236.80] In the highest [4236.80 --> 4239.80] And not delighting [4239.80 --> 4252.28] oh [4255.80 --> 4262.52] in the [4262.52 --> 4281.40] Praise me on earth, praise me on earth, through the peace that God delights in. [4281.40 --> 4290.56] Amen, amen. [4292.52 --> 4295.72] Peace be with you. [4322.52 --> 4324.52] Amen. [4324.52 --> 4326.52] Amen. [4326.52 --> 4328.52] Amen. [4328.52 --> 4330.52] Amen. [4330.52 --> 4332.52] Amen. [4332.52 --> 4334.52] Amen. [4334.52 --> 4336.52] Amen. [4336.52 --> 4338.52] Amen. [4338.52 --> 4368.50] Thank you. [4368.52 --> 4398.50] Thank you. [4398.52 --> 4428.50] Thank you. [4428.52 --> 4458.50] Thank you. [4458.52 --> 4460.52] Thank you. [4488.52 --> 4490.52] Thank you. [4518.52 --> 4520.52] Thank you. [4548.52 --> 4550.52] Thank you. [4578.52 --> 4580.52] Thank you.