[0.00 --> 11.30] there thanks Kevin for leading us in that prayer as Kevin said we're going to open [11.30 --> 17.16] God's word together and I think the text that I'm going to read is on the screen as we go through [17.16 --> 23.38] it but I do really want to encourage everyone especially if you're at home to do two things [23.38 --> 30.72] one grab a bible and read along that way and keep that bible with you and open and two if you're [30.72 --> 36.48] feeling particularly adventurous in your engagement of worship this morning grab a journal or a notebook [36.48 --> 43.04] to write down some notes or some questions or reflections that you have as we go through and [43.04 --> 47.90] think about how you can take those and talk about them in your household afterwards or maybe you can [47.90 --> 53.96] email me or call me this week and we can have a discussion about all of that but a bible and a [53.96 --> 60.24] notebook I think are great ways to just intentionally engage in this time of worship in God's word [60.24 --> 69.14] together we're going to read from Isaiah 9 I'm going to read verse 2 through verse 7 these are really [69.14 --> 76.06] familiar verses for many of us regularly read in the season of advent but we want to try to come at them [76.06 --> 82.46] this morning with fresh eyes and a fresh heart to see what God might say let me read this with you [82.46 --> 92.52] people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of the shadow of death [92.52 --> 101.24] a light has dawned you have enlarged the nation and increased their joy they rejoice before you as [101.24 --> 108.18] people rejoice at the harvest as men rejoice when dividing the plunder for as in the day of Midian's [108.18 --> 113.72] defeat you have shattered the yoke that burdens them the bar across their shoulders the rod of their [113.72 --> 119.24] oppressor every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for [119.24 --> 129.66] burning will be fuel for the fire for to us a child is born to us a son is given and the government [129.66 --> 136.36] will be on his shoulders and he will be called wonderful counselor mighty God everlasting father [136.36 --> 144.30] and prince of peace of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end he will reign on [144.30 --> 150.72] David's throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteous from that [150.72 --> 159.68] time on and forever the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this this is the word of the Lord [159.68 --> 173.14] now two weeks ago I was driving across this vast country with my family now you may not know my family [173.14 --> 182.56] yet but let me tell you my kids don't do long distance traveling well so you can imagine what we were [182.56 --> 189.84] feeling as parents before we began that trip together all right I got a five-year-old and a seven-year-old [189.84 --> 197.84] trapped in the van for what ended up being 62 hours and 4,875 kilometers [197.84 --> 206.20] at best we might feel like Harry Potter trapped under the stairs of the Dursley house at 4 Privet Drive [206.20 --> 213.46] at worst we might end up feeling like characters in a Saw movie trying to figure out the only way to survive [213.46 --> 227.20] add to it all while we were driving we learned that Manitoba was closed to visitors [227.20 --> 229.70] and so we had to drive straight through [229.70 --> 236.82] while we were driving we learned the day before that we were scheduled to drive through western [236.82 --> 242.48] Saskatchewan and into southeastern Alberta that they got hit with a 50 centimeter dumping of snow [242.48 --> 249.68] we got to Moose Jaw it was minus 22 degrees celsius [249.68 --> 254.52] we woke up in Medicine Hat it was minus 20 degrees [254.52 --> 259.58] if you don't know me I'm not built for cold [259.58 --> 265.90] I will take the west coast rain any day over the cold [265.90 --> 274.62] and with all of that and with kids who don't drive well unless you throw snacks or an iPad at them [274.62 --> 277.68] how were we gonna survive [277.68 --> 282.04] by the grace of God absolutely amen we counted on that [282.04 --> 285.06] but also by looking ahead [285.06 --> 288.38] right to get across Manitoba [288.38 --> 292.48] we cast a vision for what we would be able to do when we reached Regina [292.48 --> 297.12] right to to get through the prairies and the cold of Alberta [297.12 --> 300.36] we cast a vision for the Royal Tyrell Museum [300.36 --> 302.54] and we called it Dinosaur Day [302.54 --> 305.42] we talked about it with our kids on Dinosaur Day [305.42 --> 307.58] we're gonna see this and we're gonna do this [307.58 --> 312.38] point is we held out a vision for something new and awesome [312.38 --> 314.48] that we could all put our hope in [314.48 --> 317.36] right when the days got long and our bums got sore [317.36 --> 319.58] we looked to a vision of the future [319.58 --> 324.88] when tempers got short and the ability to share became in short supply [324.88 --> 327.96] we held out hope of what was coming [327.96 --> 330.22] right just down the road [330.22 --> 331.76] just around the corner [331.76 --> 333.22] just in the next city [333.22 --> 334.74] and eventually we got to say [334.74 --> 337.02] and look there are the mountains [337.02 --> 340.62] hope for what is coming [340.62 --> 343.38] after the trial [343.38 --> 346.20] makes the trial endurable [346.20 --> 349.84] and that's true in the little things [349.84 --> 351.90] that's true in the middle things [351.90 --> 354.56] and that's true in the biggest things of life [354.56 --> 359.92] now I may not know you yet the way that I want to [359.92 --> 362.68] but I am sure of this [362.68 --> 365.42] we all need a little hope right now [365.42 --> 368.24] let's be real [368.24 --> 369.70] this sucks [369.70 --> 373.34] this isn't how I wanted to start with you [373.34 --> 376.42] this isn't what worship is supposed to look like [376.42 --> 377.92] this isn't what worship is supposed to be [377.92 --> 379.18] now don't get me wrong right [379.18 --> 380.34] we make it work [380.34 --> 381.28] and for some of us even [381.28 --> 382.86] this actually works pretty good [382.86 --> 386.10] right I'm sure there are some of us who like this format [386.10 --> 388.90] I once had a church member say to me [388.90 --> 392.40] I can come to church and hear 50% of what's said [392.40 --> 394.40] or I can stay home and hear it all [394.40 --> 396.70] right this person had hearing difficulties [396.70 --> 399.18] in large groups and in large spaces [399.18 --> 401.18] and so being able to sit in their living room [401.18 --> 403.38] with their TV and everything connected [403.38 --> 406.68] and their hearing aids tuned in to what was going on [406.68 --> 408.18] worked really well for them [408.18 --> 411.50] right and we do our best as leaders [411.50 --> 415.30] to provide a meaningful encounter with God in worship [415.30 --> 417.38] but it's hard when we can't see you [417.38 --> 419.70] right it's hard for you [419.70 --> 421.32] when you're sitting in the same space [421.32 --> 423.06] that you watch football or hockey [423.06 --> 424.22] or The Bachelor in [424.22 --> 427.86] right it's easy to become a passive consumer [427.86 --> 430.14] of a church product when your engagement [430.14 --> 431.80] is through a remote and a screen [431.80 --> 434.32] and we want more than that for you [434.32 --> 436.82] we want more than that for our lives of faith [436.82 --> 443.68] and so really in the the providence of God's hand at work [443.68 --> 449.18] Advent is exactly the time and the season that we need right now [449.18 --> 453.46] Advent is waiting based on hope [453.46 --> 457.52] Advent is expectation of something more [457.52 --> 460.04] when the days get short and the nights get dark [460.04 --> 464.18] Advent is a longing in the human heart to belong [464.18 --> 467.04] Advent is for new beginnings and a new hope [467.04 --> 469.66] Advent is for giving voice to the loneliness [469.66 --> 471.50] that we all feel right now [471.50 --> 473.34] and the longing for something more [473.34 --> 474.04] something greater [474.04 --> 474.98] something truer [474.98 --> 476.94] something deeper and more beautiful [476.94 --> 479.54] than whatever our current reality is [479.54 --> 484.02] because for some of us this current reality sucks [484.02 --> 486.82] and there's no other way to put it [486.82 --> 489.28] or maybe you're in a hospital [489.28 --> 491.06] or you're in a care home [491.06 --> 493.40] and you can't have visitors like you want [493.40 --> 495.78] maybe you're the one who wants to visit [495.78 --> 498.66] and you can't do that like you need to [498.66 --> 501.88] maybe you have other health issues [501.88 --> 503.94] and sure at least you are at home [503.94 --> 506.06] but people can't come and visit anymore [506.06 --> 507.18] and that sucks [507.18 --> 510.12] maybe you're a single parent [510.12 --> 512.10] who counted on community groups [512.10 --> 512.88] and church groups [512.88 --> 514.90] for that important connection [514.90 --> 516.92] and that important experience of community [516.92 --> 517.70] and now that's gone [517.70 --> 522.06] maybe it's as simple as a hug [522.06 --> 524.86] some of us just need a hug [524.86 --> 527.62] but we're told that we shouldn't do that right now [527.62 --> 530.36] and I love to cook [530.36 --> 534.16] and I love sharing that love with others [534.16 --> 536.30] I love hosting dinners and parties [536.30 --> 538.52] and we shouldn't do that right now [538.52 --> 540.94] and look let me be really clear okay [540.94 --> 543.20] I'm not speaking against the restrictions [543.20 --> 546.08] I understand the desire of the medical professionals [546.08 --> 546.94] and of the government [546.94 --> 547.86] I get it [547.86 --> 550.66] and I will submit to the ruling authority [550.66 --> 552.06] as the Bible commands me [552.06 --> 553.46] I will honor the king [553.46 --> 554.44] or the prime minister [554.44 --> 555.58] or the top doctors [555.58 --> 559.02] and I know that if we do this well right now [559.02 --> 561.22] it will be better and shorter for everyone [561.22 --> 563.96] but that doesn't make me like it [563.96 --> 566.36] it doesn't make this any easier [566.36 --> 569.90] right I can know all the rules [569.90 --> 571.84] I can trust the authority [571.84 --> 574.60] and the expertise of those who make the rules [574.60 --> 576.82] and I can know that right now [576.82 --> 578.46] this is exactly what it means [578.46 --> 579.44] to love our neighbors [579.44 --> 580.96] as Jesus has commanded us to [580.96 --> 582.70] I can know all these things [582.70 --> 585.72] and still need more in my heart [585.72 --> 587.38] I need hope [587.38 --> 590.20] we all need hope [590.20 --> 592.78] that's why I like Advent [592.78 --> 596.46] darkness and light [596.46 --> 598.72] chaos and hope [598.72 --> 600.68] need and fulfillment [600.68 --> 601.88] Advent you see [601.88 --> 604.10] isn't too much of an experience [604.10 --> 606.46] of the tension between the polarities [606.46 --> 609.46] as it is knowing that we walk through [609.46 --> 611.72] the valley of the shadow of death [611.72 --> 613.02] it's about knowing that [613.02 --> 615.40] following the dark night of the soul [615.40 --> 618.82] is a morning where God's mercies are new [618.82 --> 621.76] right here's the thing [621.76 --> 623.84] that Advent helps us understand [623.84 --> 625.20] about our humanity [625.20 --> 626.98] about being human [626.98 --> 631.90] what we believe about our future [631.90 --> 633.76] completely controls [633.76 --> 636.74] how we experience our present [636.74 --> 640.22] that's our theme for this morning [640.22 --> 642.16] what we believe about our future [642.16 --> 643.38] completely controls [643.38 --> 645.98] how we experience our present [645.98 --> 649.34] now I read something this week [649.34 --> 650.90] that said [650.90 --> 657.16] we are irreducibly hope-based creatures [657.16 --> 659.64] and I love that language [659.64 --> 660.06] right [660.06 --> 664.66] irreducibly hope-based creatures [664.66 --> 668.10] and since we are hope-based creatures [668.10 --> 670.30] we will always be putting our hope [670.30 --> 671.78] into something [671.78 --> 672.84] into someone [672.84 --> 674.78] we need hope [674.78 --> 676.56] we need a vision of the future [676.56 --> 679.06] that compels us to action [679.06 --> 681.50] that encourages us to endure [681.50 --> 682.68] that carries us [682.68 --> 685.40] when everything else is pushing us down [685.40 --> 688.12] and that's what Isaiah 9 [688.12 --> 690.06] is for the people of Israel [690.06 --> 691.86] that's why Isaiah 9 [691.86 --> 693.18] is so often picked up [693.18 --> 695.10] in this season of Advent [695.10 --> 695.82] right [695.82 --> 697.42] the verses of Isaiah 9 [697.42 --> 698.16] that we read [698.16 --> 700.62] give us a compelling picture [700.62 --> 702.50] of a sustaining hope [702.50 --> 703.36] for the future [703.36 --> 705.00] in the face of trial [705.00 --> 708.08] because of who Isaiah 9 [708.08 --> 710.28] is revealing to us [710.28 --> 711.52] and to our hearts [711.52 --> 713.48] look at it with me [713.48 --> 715.06] verse 2 says [715.06 --> 717.30] the people walking in darkness [717.30 --> 719.38] have seen a great light [719.38 --> 720.92] on those living in the land [720.92 --> 722.08] of the shadow of death [722.08 --> 724.10] a light has dawned [724.10 --> 727.42] Isaiah is a prophet [727.42 --> 729.66] in the court of the king [729.66 --> 730.60] in Judah [730.60 --> 732.30] the southern kingdom of Israel [732.30 --> 733.58] after the division [733.58 --> 734.80] in the court of Ahaz [734.80 --> 735.66] and then after him [735.66 --> 737.00] in the court of Hezekiah [737.00 --> 740.00] now at this time [740.00 --> 741.86] the northern kingdom of Israel [741.86 --> 744.08] is facing Assyrian invaders [744.08 --> 745.74] that will eventually destroy [745.74 --> 746.66] that kingdom [746.66 --> 747.76] and that northern [747.76 --> 749.28] those Assyrian invaders [749.28 --> 750.60] are pressing down [750.60 --> 751.34] towards Judah [751.34 --> 752.28] and they are threatening [752.28 --> 753.90] the existence of this kingdom [753.90 --> 755.50] in the south as well [755.50 --> 758.02] now Ahaz is considered [758.02 --> 760.50] in biblical canon [760.50 --> 762.08] to be a wicked king [762.08 --> 763.82] and Hezekiah after him [763.82 --> 764.88] is often considered [764.88 --> 765.92] to be a good king [765.92 --> 767.02] although near the end [767.02 --> 768.02] of Hezekiah's reign [768.02 --> 768.66] you can see [768.66 --> 770.88] a little bit of his selfishness [770.88 --> 771.92] creeping through [771.92 --> 773.40] point is [773.40 --> 774.48] during this time [774.48 --> 776.20] as Isaiah is speaking [776.20 --> 777.18] this prophecy [777.18 --> 779.04] corruption is prevalent [779.04 --> 781.50] destruction is on the horizon [781.50 --> 783.24] and Isaiah adds to that [783.24 --> 784.16] by prophesying [784.16 --> 785.56] about a coming exile [785.56 --> 786.60] that would happen [786.60 --> 787.60] a century later [787.60 --> 789.26] now Isaiah [789.26 --> 791.26] in his whole book [791.26 --> 792.42] addresses some pretty [792.42 --> 793.62] important questions [793.62 --> 795.34] right he asks [795.34 --> 796.16] if God [796.16 --> 797.40] is truly sovereign [797.40 --> 798.18] in history [798.18 --> 800.04] how do we believe that [800.04 --> 800.56] or know that [800.56 --> 801.70] when godless nations [801.70 --> 802.42] are stronger [802.42 --> 803.36] than God's nation [803.36 --> 805.10] or what role [805.10 --> 805.84] do God's people [805.84 --> 806.36] have to play [806.36 --> 806.92] in the world [806.92 --> 808.30] right is judgment [808.30 --> 808.88] from God [808.88 --> 809.86] the same as rejection [809.86 --> 810.58] from God [810.58 --> 811.98] or another way [811.98 --> 813.02] to put all of this [813.02 --> 813.76] right Isaiah [813.76 --> 814.92] is wrestling with the question [814.92 --> 816.26] where is God [816.26 --> 817.60] when bad things happen [817.60 --> 820.12] and that's exactly [820.12 --> 821.10] the kind of questions [821.10 --> 822.08] that so many of us [822.08 --> 823.20] are asking right now [823.20 --> 824.64] right not just [824.64 --> 825.76] with global pandemics [825.76 --> 826.80] like we're in the midst of [826.80 --> 828.28] but in really important [828.28 --> 829.34] conversations about [829.34 --> 831.14] race and justice [831.14 --> 831.98] and poverty [831.98 --> 832.72] and hunger [832.72 --> 834.06] and access to health care [834.06 --> 834.92] or clean water [834.92 --> 836.40] right where is God [836.40 --> 837.48] when it's darkest [837.48 --> 840.44] Isaiah 9 [840.44 --> 842.26] comes with a particular [842.26 --> 842.96] answer [842.96 --> 845.82] John Calvin [845.82 --> 848.02] 16th century [848.02 --> 849.20] church reformer [849.20 --> 850.60] he summarizes [850.60 --> 851.42] verse 2 [851.42 --> 852.36] by saying [852.36 --> 854.28] even in [854.28 --> 855.36] darkness [855.36 --> 857.44] in death itself [857.44 --> 858.64] there is nevertheless [858.64 --> 860.66] good ground of hope [860.66 --> 861.70] for the power [861.70 --> 862.32] of God [862.32 --> 863.08] is more [863.08 --> 864.48] than sufficient [864.48 --> 866.46] the power of God [866.46 --> 867.84] is more than sufficient [867.84 --> 870.40] that's why we can have hope [870.40 --> 871.70] and that's what makes [871.70 --> 872.66] you and me [872.66 --> 873.22] different [873.22 --> 874.06] from people [874.06 --> 875.14] who don't know [875.14 --> 876.64] God in Jesus [876.64 --> 877.34] that's what makes [877.34 --> 878.38] our hope [878.38 --> 878.98] different [878.98 --> 879.54] because you see [879.54 --> 880.46] our hope [880.46 --> 881.88] isn't in a vaccine [881.88 --> 883.00] though that will be [883.00 --> 883.84] a good thing [883.84 --> 884.80] and something to [884.80 --> 885.76] long for [885.76 --> 886.56] our hope [886.56 --> 887.58] isn't in a doctor [887.58 --> 888.74] or a health care [888.74 --> 889.96] or pharma care [889.96 --> 890.88] though those are all [890.88 --> 891.94] good gifts from God [891.94 --> 892.62] and invaluable [892.62 --> 893.66] in times of need [893.66 --> 894.54] our hope [894.54 --> 895.72] isn't in prime ministers [895.72 --> 896.58] or premiers [896.58 --> 897.24] or kings [897.24 --> 897.80] or queens [897.80 --> 899.02] or tech billionaires [899.02 --> 900.48] bent on getting to Mars [900.48 --> 901.80] though we want them [901.80 --> 902.36] to succeed [902.36 --> 903.72] and we will pray for them [903.72 --> 905.04] and for their prosperity [905.04 --> 905.82] and the prosperity [905.82 --> 906.52] of our cities [906.52 --> 907.60] and our countries [907.60 --> 909.08] but our hope [909.08 --> 909.92] is something else [909.92 --> 911.26] and if you're with me [911.26 --> 911.98] in this [911.98 --> 912.58] and you're tracking [912.58 --> 913.34] this morning [913.34 --> 913.98] your heart [913.98 --> 915.42] is starting to tingle [915.42 --> 916.88] because our hope [916.88 --> 918.74] is in a sun [918.74 --> 921.34] for to us [921.34 --> 922.60] a child [922.60 --> 923.62] is born [923.62 --> 925.76] to us [925.76 --> 927.32] a son [927.32 --> 928.66] is given [928.66 --> 931.10] don't miss it [931.10 --> 932.16] don't let [932.16 --> 932.94] the familiarity [932.94 --> 934.28] of this text [934.28 --> 935.24] and this sedum [935.24 --> 936.52] breed boredom [936.52 --> 937.48] a child [937.48 --> 938.16] is born [938.16 --> 938.72] a son [938.72 --> 939.56] is given [939.56 --> 940.44] and the son [940.44 --> 941.64] that the son [941.64 --> 942.14] is given [942.14 --> 943.10] is one of the most [943.10 --> 944.50] important articles [944.50 --> 945.72] of the Christian faith [945.72 --> 946.56] right [946.56 --> 947.14] we know [947.14 --> 948.06] that this child [948.06 --> 948.48] born [948.48 --> 949.06] this son [949.06 --> 949.38] given [949.38 --> 950.38] is Jesus [950.38 --> 951.14] Jesus [951.14 --> 952.30] who was born [952.30 --> 953.22] to be our [953.22 --> 954.02] substitute [954.02 --> 954.82] in obedience [954.82 --> 956.16] and a substitute [956.16 --> 956.72] in bearing [956.72 --> 957.38] the punishment [957.38 --> 958.36] for our sin [958.36 --> 959.46] that's what it means [959.46 --> 960.40] that he is a son [960.40 --> 961.10] given [961.10 --> 961.38] right [961.38 --> 962.04] he's given [962.04 --> 962.70] for you [962.70 --> 963.32] he's given [963.32 --> 964.18] to bear [964.18 --> 964.76] your death [964.76 --> 965.30] he's given [965.30 --> 966.24] in order to give [966.24 --> 967.08] you his [967.08 --> 968.00] righteousness [968.00 --> 970.36] he is our [970.36 --> 971.04] substitute [971.04 --> 972.16] who imputes [972.16 --> 973.10] his perfect [973.10 --> 974.04] obedience [974.04 --> 975.42] he gives us [975.42 --> 976.60] his righteousness [976.60 --> 977.58] as we give [977.58 --> 978.42] our sin [978.42 --> 978.92] to him [978.92 --> 979.54] our sin [979.54 --> 980.24] is imputed [980.24 --> 981.18] on him [981.18 --> 982.06] he who knew [982.06 --> 982.60] no sin [982.60 --> 983.48] became sin [983.48 --> 984.06] for us [984.06 --> 984.60] that we [984.60 --> 985.46] might become [985.46 --> 986.54] the righteousness [986.54 --> 987.78] of God [987.78 --> 989.50] that's hope [989.50 --> 991.44] that while we were [991.44 --> 992.16] yet sinners [992.16 --> 993.36] Christ came [993.36 --> 994.42] and died for us [994.42 --> 995.42] on the cross [995.42 --> 996.68] that's hope [996.68 --> 998.06] that I am not my own [998.06 --> 998.66] but belong [998.66 --> 999.60] body and soul [999.60 --> 1000.64] in life and in death [1000.64 --> 1001.84] to my faithful savior [1001.84 --> 1003.00] Jesus Christ [1003.00 --> 1004.26] that's hope [1004.26 --> 1004.86] that Jesus [1004.86 --> 1005.84] lived the life [1005.84 --> 1006.70] I should have lived [1006.70 --> 1007.88] and died the death [1007.88 --> 1008.90] that I deserve [1008.90 --> 1009.88] that's hope [1009.88 --> 1010.54] that we have [1010.54 --> 1011.68] a wonderful counselor [1011.68 --> 1012.80] mighty God [1012.80 --> 1014.24] everlasting father [1014.24 --> 1015.58] and prince of peace [1015.58 --> 1019.04] I've already quoted him [1019.04 --> 1019.40] once [1019.40 --> 1020.68] this morning [1020.68 --> 1021.56] but you'll forgive me [1021.56 --> 1022.72] because it's just so good [1022.72 --> 1023.50] John Calvin [1023.50 --> 1025.04] again on this point [1025.04 --> 1025.68] he says [1025.68 --> 1026.70] the son [1026.70 --> 1027.38] the son is called [1027.38 --> 1028.46] mighty God [1028.46 --> 1030.12] because our true [1030.12 --> 1031.48] contest is with [1031.48 --> 1032.10] the devil [1032.10 --> 1032.92] and death [1032.92 --> 1033.78] and sin [1033.78 --> 1035.48] enemies too powerful [1035.48 --> 1036.60] and strong [1036.60 --> 1037.80] by whom we would be [1037.80 --> 1039.34] immediately vanquished [1039.34 --> 1040.92] if the might of Christ [1040.92 --> 1041.92] had not rendered [1041.92 --> 1042.78] us [1042.78 --> 1044.16] invincible [1044.16 --> 1046.98] you are more [1046.98 --> 1048.06] than conquerors [1048.06 --> 1049.82] right for our struggle [1049.82 --> 1050.74] is not against flesh [1050.74 --> 1051.26] and blood [1051.26 --> 1052.62] but against the rulers [1052.62 --> 1053.62] and against the authorities [1053.62 --> 1055.26] against the powers [1055.26 --> 1056.46] of this dark world [1056.46 --> 1058.10] and against the spiritual forces [1058.10 --> 1058.84] of evil [1058.84 --> 1060.28] in the heavenly realms [1060.28 --> 1061.76] you are more [1061.76 --> 1062.80] than conquerors [1062.80 --> 1064.92] the life and death [1064.92 --> 1065.56] of Jesus [1065.56 --> 1066.96] his resurrection [1066.96 --> 1068.56] over death [1068.56 --> 1069.48] has secured [1069.48 --> 1071.42] the victory of God [1071.42 --> 1072.50] over sin [1072.50 --> 1073.18] and death [1073.18 --> 1073.86] and that same [1073.86 --> 1074.60] life, death [1074.60 --> 1075.26] and resurrection [1075.26 --> 1076.18] of Jesus [1076.18 --> 1077.78] secures in you [1077.78 --> 1078.74] that victory [1078.74 --> 1080.84] nothing can separate you [1080.84 --> 1081.94] from the love of God [1081.94 --> 1082.86] that is available [1082.86 --> 1084.38] in Christ Jesus [1084.38 --> 1086.24] that's our hope [1086.24 --> 1088.98] and all this [1088.98 --> 1090.72] from the words [1090.72 --> 1091.40] to us [1091.40 --> 1092.34] a son [1092.34 --> 1093.40] is given [1093.40 --> 1095.38] because you see [1095.38 --> 1095.82] given [1095.82 --> 1097.32] means gift [1097.32 --> 1099.26] the gospel [1099.26 --> 1100.02] is [1100.02 --> 1100.78] Jesus [1100.78 --> 1101.68] is your [1101.68 --> 1102.52] gift [1102.52 --> 1103.08] faith [1103.08 --> 1104.36] is your gift [1104.36 --> 1105.68] God's grace [1105.68 --> 1106.68] is your [1106.68 --> 1107.44] gift [1107.44 --> 1108.00] and it is [1108.00 --> 1109.10] freely given [1109.10 --> 1111.58] Christian hope [1111.58 --> 1112.56] doesn't belong [1112.56 --> 1113.98] to good people [1113.98 --> 1115.76] who have it all together [1115.76 --> 1117.18] holy people [1117.18 --> 1117.78] who are better [1117.78 --> 1118.56] than our neighbors [1118.56 --> 1120.38] Christian hope [1120.38 --> 1122.14] belongs to broken people [1122.14 --> 1124.10] people who need it [1124.10 --> 1126.10] our hope is ours [1126.10 --> 1127.32] because we know [1127.32 --> 1128.68] that we aren't good enough [1128.68 --> 1129.92] and that we need a savior [1129.92 --> 1133.42] the son is a gift [1133.42 --> 1135.56] because I don't deserve him [1135.56 --> 1137.30] and yet he gave himself [1137.30 --> 1137.76] for me [1137.76 --> 1139.96] the truth [1139.96 --> 1141.02] of God's promise [1141.02 --> 1142.10] of redemption [1142.10 --> 1143.18] is not just [1143.18 --> 1143.92] in the realm [1143.92 --> 1144.54] of ideas [1144.54 --> 1145.74] and propositions [1145.74 --> 1146.56] right [1146.56 --> 1147.06] the truth [1147.06 --> 1147.88] of God's promise [1147.88 --> 1148.36] of redemption [1148.36 --> 1149.10] ultimately [1149.10 --> 1150.42] needs to be [1150.42 --> 1151.32] incarnated [1151.32 --> 1152.66] to us [1152.66 --> 1153.20] a child [1153.20 --> 1153.94] is born [1153.94 --> 1154.86] to us [1154.86 --> 1155.34] a son [1155.34 --> 1156.16] is given [1156.16 --> 1156.38] right [1156.38 --> 1157.62] there is a straight line [1157.62 --> 1158.70] between these words [1158.70 --> 1159.92] here in Isaiah 9 [1159.92 --> 1160.56] and the words [1160.56 --> 1161.46] of John 1 [1161.46 --> 1162.32] where we read [1162.32 --> 1163.52] the word became flesh [1163.52 --> 1164.42] and made his dwelling [1164.42 --> 1165.36] among us [1165.36 --> 1166.88] we have seen his glory [1166.88 --> 1167.94] the glory of the one [1167.94 --> 1168.30] and only [1168.30 --> 1169.62] who came from the father [1169.62 --> 1170.90] full of grace [1170.90 --> 1171.92] and truth [1171.92 --> 1172.34] right [1172.34 --> 1172.94] our hope [1172.94 --> 1174.28] isn't ether real [1174.28 --> 1175.58] it isn't intangible [1175.58 --> 1176.20] our hope [1176.20 --> 1177.16] is a person [1177.16 --> 1177.96] our hope [1177.96 --> 1179.32] is enfleshed [1179.32 --> 1180.62] you can touch him [1180.62 --> 1181.88] you can see him [1181.88 --> 1183.22] you can hold him [1183.22 --> 1186.98] and if you are a Christian [1186.98 --> 1189.60] hearing this message [1189.60 --> 1190.48] this morning [1190.48 --> 1194.32] you have that hope [1194.32 --> 1196.94] and if you are a Christian [1196.94 --> 1197.76] hearing this message [1197.76 --> 1198.22] this morning [1198.22 --> 1202.78] you are that hope [1202.78 --> 1206.62] you are sent out [1206.62 --> 1208.32] to incarnate [1208.32 --> 1209.32] God's promise [1209.32 --> 1210.66] of redemption [1210.66 --> 1211.98] you incarnate [1211.98 --> 1212.72] the hope [1212.72 --> 1213.34] of Jesus [1213.34 --> 1214.14] in a hopeless [1214.14 --> 1215.14] age [1215.14 --> 1215.66] right [1215.66 --> 1216.92] it is our purpose [1216.92 --> 1218.10] to be lights [1218.10 --> 1219.34] in this present [1219.34 --> 1220.02] darkness [1220.02 --> 1220.74] to shine [1220.74 --> 1221.70] like stars [1221.70 --> 1222.36] in the universe [1222.36 --> 1223.48] as we hold out [1223.48 --> 1224.66] the word of life [1224.66 --> 1225.94] you are hope [1225.94 --> 1226.78] in the world [1226.78 --> 1228.08] because through you [1228.08 --> 1228.70] the world [1228.70 --> 1229.52] sees [1229.52 --> 1230.66] Jesus [1230.66 --> 1233.84] that's who we are [1233.84 --> 1235.18] that's what hope [1235.18 --> 1236.04] does for us [1236.04 --> 1239.24] now I'll [1239.24 --> 1240.88] end it here [1240.88 --> 1242.40] with this last thing [1242.40 --> 1245.02] careful listeners [1245.02 --> 1246.04] this morning [1246.04 --> 1247.64] will have noticed [1247.64 --> 1248.22] by now [1248.22 --> 1249.24] that not once [1249.24 --> 1250.50] have I said [1250.50 --> 1251.32] that our hope [1251.32 --> 1252.16] as Christians [1252.16 --> 1253.50] is in leaving [1253.50 --> 1255.34] this world behind [1255.34 --> 1257.34] or flying away [1257.34 --> 1257.80] to heaven [1257.80 --> 1259.20] like the old song [1259.20 --> 1259.60] says [1259.60 --> 1260.36] right [1260.36 --> 1261.26] it would be really easy [1261.26 --> 1261.64] to say [1261.64 --> 1262.18] that our hope [1262.18 --> 1263.14] is in ignoring [1263.14 --> 1263.72] this world [1263.72 --> 1264.66] and in this life [1264.66 --> 1266.36] because there's [1266.36 --> 1266.68] something [1266.68 --> 1268.18] like heaven [1268.18 --> 1269.08] afterwards [1269.08 --> 1269.82] the problem [1269.82 --> 1270.70] with thinking [1270.70 --> 1271.28] like that [1271.28 --> 1272.18] is that God [1272.18 --> 1272.86] doesn't think [1272.86 --> 1273.38] like that [1273.38 --> 1274.28] God doesn't [1274.28 --> 1275.32] ignore this world [1275.32 --> 1276.20] or this life [1276.20 --> 1276.96] and so neither [1276.96 --> 1277.48] can we [1277.48 --> 1278.22] right [1278.22 --> 1278.74] our hope [1278.74 --> 1279.78] is so much [1279.78 --> 1280.26] bigger [1280.26 --> 1281.42] so much more [1281.42 --> 1282.40] than heaven [1282.40 --> 1283.54] after you die [1283.54 --> 1284.00] now [1284.00 --> 1285.74] don't hear [1285.74 --> 1286.38] what I'm not saying [1286.38 --> 1288.56] let me be really [1288.56 --> 1289.06] clear [1289.06 --> 1290.54] and let me slow [1290.54 --> 1291.28] right down [1291.28 --> 1292.04] so that we all [1292.04 --> 1293.04] get it [1293.04 --> 1294.46] Christians [1294.46 --> 1295.38] who die [1295.38 --> 1297.22] go to heaven [1297.22 --> 1297.86] to be [1297.86 --> 1299.08] with Jesus [1299.08 --> 1299.76] amen [1299.76 --> 1300.84] and amen [1300.84 --> 1301.12] right [1301.12 --> 1302.16] Jesus confirms [1302.16 --> 1303.10] that when he says [1303.10 --> 1303.60] to the thief [1303.60 --> 1304.24] on the cross [1304.24 --> 1305.68] today you will be [1305.68 --> 1306.16] with me [1306.16 --> 1307.04] in paradise [1307.04 --> 1307.66] Paul [1307.66 --> 1308.70] the apostle Paul [1308.70 --> 1309.52] affirms that [1309.52 --> 1310.04] when he says [1310.04 --> 1310.58] to die [1310.58 --> 1311.24] is gain [1311.24 --> 1311.92] to depart [1311.92 --> 1312.72] and be [1312.72 --> 1314.08] with Christ [1314.08 --> 1314.94] and I cling [1314.94 --> 1315.70] to that truth [1315.70 --> 1316.30] of the gospel [1316.30 --> 1316.88] for life [1316.88 --> 1317.62] and I cling [1317.62 --> 1318.42] to that truth [1318.42 --> 1319.06] of the gospel [1319.06 --> 1319.88] in the face [1319.88 --> 1320.48] of death [1320.48 --> 1321.36] but that [1321.36 --> 1322.06] hope [1322.06 --> 1323.32] is only true [1323.32 --> 1324.86] because of a greater hope [1324.86 --> 1327.08] that isn't just heaven [1327.08 --> 1328.18] but is a person [1328.18 --> 1329.48] a hope [1329.48 --> 1330.34] who is a person [1330.34 --> 1331.56] who is a king [1331.56 --> 1332.96] a king of whom [1332.96 --> 1333.72] the increase [1333.72 --> 1334.50] of his government [1334.50 --> 1335.30] and peace [1335.30 --> 1336.62] there will be no end [1336.62 --> 1337.38] he will reign [1337.38 --> 1338.62] on David's throne [1338.62 --> 1339.86] and over his kingdom [1339.86 --> 1340.54] establishing [1340.54 --> 1341.84] and upholding it [1341.84 --> 1342.44] with justice [1342.44 --> 1343.14] and righteousness [1343.14 --> 1344.52] from that time on [1344.52 --> 1345.72] and forever [1345.72 --> 1346.96] our hope [1346.96 --> 1347.92] is a king [1347.92 --> 1349.52] and his kingdom [1349.52 --> 1351.90] look [1351.90 --> 1353.78] check this out [1353.78 --> 1355.24] in the gospel [1355.24 --> 1355.76] of Mark [1355.76 --> 1358.30] Jesus' first words [1358.30 --> 1359.42] to the people [1359.42 --> 1360.06] when he begins [1360.06 --> 1361.10] his preaching ministry [1361.10 --> 1362.10] is [1362.10 --> 1363.92] the time has come [1363.92 --> 1365.06] the kingdom [1365.06 --> 1366.04] of God [1366.04 --> 1367.00] has come [1367.00 --> 1367.64] near [1367.64 --> 1369.36] right [1369.36 --> 1370.30] you hear it [1370.30 --> 1370.74] right [1370.74 --> 1372.06] Jesus has come [1372.06 --> 1373.30] and so the kingdom [1373.30 --> 1374.74] has come [1374.74 --> 1375.70] and yet [1375.70 --> 1377.74] and I love this [1377.74 --> 1378.06] right [1378.06 --> 1379.06] track with me [1379.06 --> 1379.88] Jesus [1379.88 --> 1380.94] when he teaches [1380.94 --> 1381.68] his disciples [1381.68 --> 1382.36] to pray [1382.36 --> 1383.64] what does he teach them [1383.64 --> 1384.44] right [1384.44 --> 1385.14] he says to pray [1385.14 --> 1385.88] like this [1385.88 --> 1387.48] our father in heaven [1387.48 --> 1388.74] hallowed be [1388.74 --> 1390.06] your name [1390.06 --> 1391.62] your [1391.62 --> 1392.84] kingdom [1392.84 --> 1394.02] come [1394.02 --> 1396.04] and so what is it [1396.04 --> 1398.42] has it already come [1398.42 --> 1399.92] or do we need to pray [1399.92 --> 1400.66] for its coming [1400.66 --> 1402.42] what's the answer [1402.42 --> 1404.36] it's both [1404.36 --> 1406.04] it is both [1406.04 --> 1406.70] it is [1406.70 --> 1407.78] our hope [1407.78 --> 1408.12] hope in [1408.12 --> 1409.10] a person [1409.10 --> 1410.06] and in [1410.06 --> 1410.56] a king [1410.56 --> 1411.18] whose kingdom [1411.18 --> 1412.02] has come [1412.02 --> 1413.14] and is [1413.14 --> 1413.90] coming [1413.90 --> 1414.84] right [1414.84 --> 1415.54] and in these [1415.54 --> 1417.00] in between times [1417.00 --> 1417.94] that we know [1417.94 --> 1418.54] that the devil [1418.54 --> 1419.34] has been defeated [1419.34 --> 1420.08] that sin [1420.08 --> 1420.58] and death [1420.58 --> 1421.36] have been overcome [1421.36 --> 1422.64] but we are waiting [1422.64 --> 1423.20] for them [1423.20 --> 1424.24] to be destroyed [1424.24 --> 1424.88] when the kingdom [1424.88 --> 1426.04] comes in its fullness [1426.04 --> 1427.98] this is advent [1427.98 --> 1430.50] this is our expectation [1430.50 --> 1432.32] and we also know [1432.32 --> 1434.00] that the death throes [1434.00 --> 1435.08] of a trapped animal [1435.08 --> 1436.72] are the most dangerous [1436.72 --> 1439.16] that's the time [1439.16 --> 1439.82] we live in [1439.82 --> 1442.40] now is exactly [1442.40 --> 1443.12] the time [1443.12 --> 1444.56] to be captivated [1444.56 --> 1445.44] by the hope [1445.44 --> 1446.38] of the gospel [1446.38 --> 1447.70] now is exactly [1447.70 --> 1448.28] the time [1448.28 --> 1449.32] to open the eyes [1449.32 --> 1449.84] of our heart [1449.84 --> 1450.48] to the kingdom [1450.48 --> 1451.54] come and the kingdom [1451.54 --> 1452.04] coming [1452.04 --> 1454.50] the apostle Peter [1454.50 --> 1456.10] writes to a group [1456.10 --> 1456.58] of Christians [1456.58 --> 1457.26] who are facing [1457.26 --> 1458.64] trial and hardship [1458.64 --> 1459.42] for their faith [1459.42 --> 1460.84] and he reminds them [1460.84 --> 1463.06] you have been born again [1463.06 --> 1465.18] to a living hope [1465.18 --> 1466.64] through the resurrection [1466.64 --> 1467.74] of Jesus [1467.74 --> 1468.86] from the dead [1468.86 --> 1471.16] your hope [1471.16 --> 1472.04] is fixed [1472.04 --> 1473.18] and sure [1473.18 --> 1474.26] because it is [1474.26 --> 1475.12] in a person [1475.12 --> 1476.00] a man [1476.00 --> 1477.10] named Jesus [1477.10 --> 1478.96] who is God [1478.96 --> 1480.18] your hope [1480.18 --> 1480.82] is guaranteed [1480.82 --> 1481.78] because the kingdom [1481.78 --> 1482.64] has come [1482.64 --> 1484.38] and is coming [1484.38 --> 1487.18] Jesus will make [1487.18 --> 1488.16] all things [1488.16 --> 1488.92] new [1488.92 --> 1491.02] that is [1491.02 --> 1491.66] hope's [1491.66 --> 1492.36] promise [1492.36 --> 1494.12] and with God [1494.12 --> 1495.84] it's a sure thing [1495.84 --> 1498.18] this Advent [1498.18 --> 1499.18] perhaps more than [1499.18 --> 1500.24] any other Advent [1500.24 --> 1501.30] in recent history [1501.30 --> 1502.64] we all need hope [1502.64 --> 1504.12] and you have [1504.12 --> 1505.74] a living hope [1505.74 --> 1506.84] and so go [1506.84 --> 1507.62] and be [1507.62 --> 1509.08] a living hope [1509.08 --> 1510.62] fill your language [1510.62 --> 1511.88] and conversations [1511.88 --> 1512.64] with hope [1512.64 --> 1513.72] not complaining [1513.72 --> 1514.46] right [1514.46 --> 1515.46] live with hope [1515.46 --> 1516.38] work with hope [1516.38 --> 1518.00] play with hope [1518.00 --> 1519.12] that this current [1519.12 --> 1519.68] reality [1519.68 --> 1520.52] isn't the end [1520.52 --> 1521.16] of the story [1521.16 --> 1523.20] we are [1523.20 --> 1524.42] irreducibly [1524.42 --> 1524.92] hope [1524.92 --> 1525.86] based [1525.86 --> 1527.04] creatures [1527.04 --> 1528.40] and what we believe [1528.40 --> 1529.02] about the future [1529.02 --> 1530.38] directly controls [1530.38 --> 1532.02] how we experience [1532.02 --> 1532.58] the present [1532.58 --> 1534.16] I for one [1534.16 --> 1535.82] will have [1535.82 --> 1536.34] hope [1536.34 --> 1538.06] I for one [1538.06 --> 1539.00] will not be [1539.00 --> 1539.76] afraid [1539.76 --> 1541.98] will you join me [1541.98 --> 1543.84] amen [1543.84 --> 1545.54] let's pray together [1545.54 --> 1551.32] Lord Jesus [1551.32 --> 1552.88] fill us [1552.88 --> 1553.48] with [1553.48 --> 1554.46] your [1554.46 --> 1555.56] hope [1555.56 --> 1557.44] captivate [1557.44 --> 1558.20] our hearts [1558.20 --> 1559.06] affections [1559.06 --> 1559.70] this morning [1559.70 --> 1560.86] with who you [1560.86 --> 1561.38] are [1561.38 --> 1563.40] allow us [1563.40 --> 1563.98] to see [1563.98 --> 1564.74] your face [1564.74 --> 1565.46] to hear [1565.46 --> 1566.22] your voice [1566.22 --> 1566.96] in your word [1566.96 --> 1567.94] allow us [1567.94 --> 1569.54] to be open [1569.54 --> 1570.64] to your spirits [1570.64 --> 1571.18] leading [1571.18 --> 1571.88] and guiding [1571.88 --> 1572.62] and directing [1572.62 --> 1573.66] that we may [1573.66 --> 1574.78] reveal you [1574.78 --> 1576.04] to the world [1576.04 --> 1579.18] fill us [1579.18 --> 1581.28] with hope [1581.28 --> 1582.54] I pray [1582.54 --> 1585.62] that we might [1585.62 --> 1586.38] be a people [1586.38 --> 1587.80] filled [1587.80 --> 1589.02] with contagious [1589.02 --> 1590.46] hope [1590.46 --> 1591.76] and love [1591.76 --> 1593.38] that whoever [1593.38 --> 1594.26] sees us [1594.26 --> 1595.48] sees you [1595.48 --> 1597.68] that as we go [1597.68 --> 1598.32] into work [1598.32 --> 1599.04] or school [1599.04 --> 1599.78] or play [1599.78 --> 1600.88] or whatever it is [1600.88 --> 1601.44] that we do [1601.44 --> 1602.12] in these next [1602.12 --> 1602.48] days [1602.48 --> 1604.42] may it be [1604.42 --> 1605.30] that someone [1605.30 --> 1606.30] somewhere [1606.30 --> 1607.70] wonders [1607.70 --> 1610.74] and awes [1610.74 --> 1612.74] because you [1612.74 --> 1613.88] are [1613.88 --> 1615.16] with us [1615.16 --> 1618.20] to us [1618.20 --> 1619.68] a child [1619.68 --> 1621.28] is born [1621.28 --> 1622.84] to us [1622.84 --> 1624.06] a son [1624.06 --> 1625.24] is given [1625.24 --> 1626.66] amen