12-15-2019 All I Want for Christmas Luke 2:8-11
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There's a popular notion at Christmas that is very pervasive in our society that you should get what you want, and if you get that thing you’ve wanted, then it will completely satisfy you. We shouldn't be surprised at the commercials that are about Christmas gifts. A couple from those that I've seen from regular big retailers, they show these children receive gifts and these small children are ecstatic about their gift. And you look at what’s selling and it's something that cost $200 or $300 or even $500 for a 4 year old. I heard a kid in Walmart once years ago say to his mom and dad, “I want it, I want it, I want it!” One of the parents responded with, “You don’t even know what ‘it’ is!” I suspect that is exactly how a lot of people are: what they want exactly they don’t necessarily know or even don't care. What it is comes after the question “How fast can I get it?” “I just want it and have to have it—that’s all I know.” But a lot of people think: “if I want it and I get it, then that's all I'm ever going to want!”
Even a quick glance at the rich and famous quickly reveals that their popularity and their wealth never really satisfies their deepest longings.
Ecclesiastes chapter 2 confirms this.
Ecclesiastes chapter 2 confirms this.
Here is a man who had it all where there was absolutely nothing on earth that was available at that time that he could not have. We can not imagine the wealth of king Solomon or the power of king Solomon.
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I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!”
Ecclesiastes :1
1 I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!” 2 I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3 I also explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, I investigated folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for humans to do during the days of their lives.
I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”
1 I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!” 2 I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3 I also explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, I investigated folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for humans to do during the days of their lives. 4 I accomplished great things. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards. 5 I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted all sorts of fruit trees in them. 6 I made for myself pools of water from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. 7 I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children born in my house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered to myself silver and gold—the royal and provincial treasuries. I acquired for myself male and female singers, as well as the delight of men, voluptuous concubines. 9 Thus, I accomplished far more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem—indeed, my wisdom stood by me. 10 I neither withheld anything from my eyes that they desired, nor did I deprive any pleasure from my heart. My heart rejoiced in all my toil, for this was my reward from all my toil. 11 Yet when I considered all the effort which I expended and the toil with which I toiled to do, then behold, “Everything is vanity and chasing wind! There is nothing profitable under the sun!”
4 I accomplished great things. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards.
4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees.
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Here is a man who had it all where there was absolutely nothing on earth that was available at that time that he could not have. We can not imagine the wealth of king Solomon the power. Of king Solomon I notice in a crazy **** is too first one I said in my heart what did Jesus say about the heart everything that is that we are comes out of the heart. I said in my heart come now I will test you with pleasure. Enjoy yourself but they hold this was vanity I said of laughter it is man enough pleasure what use is it I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine my heart still guiding me with wisdom and how to lay hold on folly till I might see what was good for the children of men to do under heaven during the few days of their life I'm a great works I build houses and planted vineyards for myself I made myself gardens and parks and planted them all kinds of fruit trees I made myself pools from which to water the forests of growing trees I bought male and female slaves and had slaves who were born in my house I had also great possessions of herds and flocks more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces I got singers both men and women and many concubines the delight of the sons of me and so I became great answer pass all who were before me in Jerusalem also my wisdom remained with me and what ever my eyes desired I did not keep from them I kept my heart from no pleasure for my heart found pleasure in all my toil and this was my reward for all my toiled then I considered all that my hands had done in the toil I expended in doing it and behold. All. Was vanity. And a striving after wind in there was nothing to be gained under. The sun this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8
This is the emptiness of a man who had it all, and yet people think if I only have it. There is a remedy to this as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again: he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to anything on earth. Solomon observed with wisdom that he actually possessed everything and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a chasing or striving after wind. That's the theme of chapter 2 “all is vanity” In fact that is really the theme of chapters one through 11: the emptiness of seeking after these things.
I'm a great works I build houses and planted vineyards for myself I made myself gardens and parks and planted them all kinds of fruit trees I made myself pools from which to water the forests of growing trees I bought male and female slaves and had slaves who were born in my house I had also great possessions of herds and flocks more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces I got singers both men and women and many concubines the delight of the sons of me and so I became great answer pass all who were before me in Jerusalem also my wisdom remained with me and what ever my eyes desired I did not keep from them I kept my heart from no pleasure for my heart found pleasure in all my toil and this was my reward for all my toiled then I considered all that my hands had done in the toil I expended in doing it and behold. All. Was vanity. And a striving after wind in there was nothing to be gained under. The sun this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8
what did Jesus say about the heart everything that is that we are comes out of the heart. I said in my heart come now I will test you with pleasure. Enjoy yourself but they hold this was vanity I said of laughter it is man enough pleasure what use is it I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine my heart still guiding me with wisdom and how to lay hold on folly till I might see what was good for the children of men to do under heaven during the few days of their life I'm a great works I build houses and planted vineyards for myself I made myself gardens and parks and planted them all kinds of fruit trees I made myself pools from which to water the forests of growing trees I bought male and female slaves and had slaves who were born in my house I had also great possessions of herds and flocks more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces I got singers both men and women and many concubines the delight of the sons of me and so I became great answer pass all who were before me in Jerusalem also my wisdom remained with me and what ever my eyes desired I did not keep from them I kept my heart from no pleasure for my heart found pleasure in all my toil and this was my reward for all my toiled then I considered all that my hands had done in the toil I expended in doing it and behold. All. Was vanity. And a striving after wind in there was nothing to be gained under. The sun this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8
1
1 I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!” 2 I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3 I also explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, I investigated folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for humans to do during the days of their lives. 4 I accomplished great things. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards. 5 I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted all sorts of fruit trees in them. 6 I made for myself pools of water from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. 7 I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children born in my house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem.
1 I said to myself, “Come! I will test pleasure to see whether it is worthwhile.” But look, “This also is vanity!” 2 I said of laughter, “It is folly!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3 I also explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, I investigated folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for humans to do during the days of their lives. 4 I accomplished great things. I built for myself houses; I planted for myself vineyards. 5 I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted all sorts of fruit trees in them. 6 I made for myself pools of water from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. 7 I acquired male slaves and female slaves, as well as children born in my house. I also had livestock, cattle, and flocks more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered to myself silver and gold—the royal and provincial treasuries. I acquired for myself male and female singers, as well as the delight of men, voluptuous concubines. 9 Thus, I accomplished far more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem—indeed, my wisdom stood by me. 10 I neither withheld anything from my eyes that they desired, nor did I deprive any pleasure from my heart. My heart rejoiced in all my toil, for this was my reward from all my toil. 11 Yet when I considered all the effort which I expended and the toil with which I toiled to do, then behold, “Everything is vanity and chasing wind! There is nothing profitable under the sun!” 12 Next, I considered wisdom, as well as delusion and folly. What can anyone do who will come after the king that has not already been done?
1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.
8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.
Chasing/striving after wind is a word picture. It means to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try, you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In the New Testament, we read about the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The concept of the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes is that we desire satisfaction. But what we desire is never completely satisfying--you want it, you get it, yet you're still not satisfied.
8-9
lf I made myself gardens and parks and planted them all kinds of fruit trees I made myself pools from which to water the forests of growing trees I bought male and female slaves and had slaves who were born in my house I had also great possessions of herds and flocks more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces I got singers both men and women and many concubines the delight of the sons of me and so I became great answer pass all who were before me in Jerusalem also my wisdom remained with me and what ever my eyes desired I did not keep from them I kept my heart from no pleasure for my heart found pleasure in all my toil and this was my reward for all my toiled then I considered all that my hands had done in the toil I expended in doing it and behold. All. Was vanity. And a striving after wind in there was nothing to be gained under. The sun this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8
this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8
1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem.
then I considered all that my hands had done in the toil I expended in doing it and behold. All. Was vanity. And a striving after wind in there was nothing to be gained under. The sun this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8
One writer made comment about this, he said,
“Deep in the human heart there is a homing instinct profound, persistent that we often ignore and might even deny. There is something in us that earth can never satisfy. It's common for people to say and to believe that if they only had this or that thing they will always be happy and some of them die believing it, but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out. It satisfied for a little while, and then there was the old persistent hunger again, clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us. I cannot help but feel that this is an impressive fact. I believe that there is in us a homesickness for heaven, and that ache, which earth cannot satisfy, can be satisfied by God alone. All feel it but only some understand it.”
YHWH has put in the heart of every one of us a longing for Himself and the mass of humanity cannot and doesn't understand it. So they hunger and they first but for what? So this is the time to say to the world: “Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul, don't say it isn't there, don't say I am satisfied when this life is over or that I have had all I want in life--no one ever says that when they look to the earth alone. The author concluded that homesickness for God in your heart is a precious divine gift.
Transition:
Let’s to go back to the story—His Story in Luke chapter 2 and look with me at this account. I'm not gonna read the entire story but let’s start at verse 8:
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and in the same region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night in an angel of the lord appeared to them and the glory of the lord shone around them and they were filled with great fear and the angel said to them fear not for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord. This will be a sign for you you'll find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes cloths and lying. In a manger course there's more. As you read through the Christmas story. I I said this last night but I I do want you to understand you you can read it several times a year every year of your life and you're never going to get all of that. It's wondrous. And it really never gets old. If you study the Christmas story some just going to this morning give you what I think are 4 dominant thoughts actually only in verses 10 and 11 about these shepherds and they're coming to the Christ child in first of all you you see like a verse 10 they just said in fear not for behold I bring you good news. That's a domino thought good news. Yeah certain aspects of the Christmas story everyone knows why they think they know all about it you know they they know that Mary and Joseph the baby Jesus the wise men the names are saying those are very very common angels and of course shepherds I mean those are kind of the elements that we think of it that we see but there is a lot to consider a concerning everyone of those Mary Joseph angels the even what the place of his birth the shepherds. I want to think about the shepherds. 6 this of course is the greatest birth in human history this is the true king of kings this is a god. Me. God incarnate god tabernacle in human flesh in this great pronouncement of the king of kings the messiah the one who's been waited for long for now for almost 4000 years since the fall of man is announced to shepherds. Lowly shepherds. And lowly. I say in a literal sense. They were just okay well the humble shepherds with a towel wrapped around her head or whatever. Now. They were literally lowly shepherds. Course there of shepherding is is all through the Bible. Abel was a shepherd. Abraham was a shepherd Jacob and his sons especially Joseph they were shepherds lay then and his daughter Rachel where shoppers Moses was a shepherd we think especially a day that he was a shepherd and and the life of of of a shepherd again there are books written about this so we can only make a few summary statement saying comments but the the life others of a shepherd was a silent life is a lonely life sometimes it was a dangerous life because they were entrusted with the the guardianship and protection of the sheet. That the shepherd was responsible he had to leave the flock to pasture and to water he was responsible for them to have shelter and protection and care and to help them through the healing process in sickness or if they were injured. Or if they went astray right. With the image of the shepherd with the sheep over his shoulder in and again the the it's a wonderful study. The the shepherd lived outdoors in a tent he had some kind of a coat or cloak or some type of a rap is all of his equipment was us out of staff you know a rod in in a leather bag in in the clothes on his back that was that was that was yeah where he was home was with him that's what he had. David because he cared a sling shot cell and maybe they care that they need to worry about stones I could find those easily so they cared food and other stuff in their bag but. A one commentator give a little additional perspective about shepherds. They were near the bottom of the social ladder. They were an educated they were on skilled and as you get to the time of the New Testament in into the New Testament time period that era they were considered to be dishonest unreliable unsavory characters. So much so that they weren't even allowed to testify in court. In a shape you know you don't take a day off from sheep right I'm going on vacation you're on your own. That didn't happen so sheep what I mean how many days a week does it take to take care of a shih. 7 days a week now they're like the the dairy farmers. 7 days a week. And so they weren't allowed because of that. Very rarely did they fulfill manmade Sabbath regulations that were established by the fair city so they were viewed. As continuous leave violet hating religious laws so they were look at is ceremonially unclean. According to the mission now that is the the oral tradition of the of the Pharisees how they interpreted the law. According to that shepherds were under a band. They were regarded as thieves. The only people lower than shepherds at that particular time in Jewish history war lepers. So you have lepers. Then shepherds. Lonely. Everyone thought that about shepherds. Course the shepherds were probably much more godly than disreputable. Because. That announcement by angels. And even as you look at the other characters in the Christmas story whenever there the the the characters of the Christmas story we're all when they were notified of the messiah they were always devout people that were looking forward and looking ahead in anticipating and wanting the messiah I don't think you'll be any less for these particular shepherd cell they probably were men who knew about the the the not only the Jewish culture because they were Jewish but because they knew something about the Old Testament prophecies of a savior who would come in they were godly men even though they were lonely man and the angel and angels appear to them they received a what is it say they received good news. You know we talk about go out and spread the gospel. Well that's why gospel is gospel means good news go tell the gospel go tell good news. I guess in a sense you might say the shepherds were among the very very first to receive the gospel to receive the good news Isaiah 611 the spirit the lord is upon me because the lord is annoying to me to bring good news to the poor he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound up turn over a couple of chapters Luke chapter 4. Okay verse. 16 is a speaks of Jesus. Later course we're looking at his birth but years later Luke 416 he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up. And as was his custom he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and he stood up to read and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him he unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written. For the prophecy of Isaiah. The spirit of the lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who are press and to proclaim the year of the lord's favor he rolled up the scroll gave it back to the attendant and sat down in the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him and he began to say to them today. This scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing Jesus said I am. Good news I'm the good news. As you look through this passage will see how good this news really yes. But again I just want to think for a moment about those that receive this good news. The lowly the needy the outcast the downcast. The shepherds. I think most of us can identify with that. The gospel is for everyone. So shepherds are wonderful picture. Of those who need what Christmas is all about. Secondly we see something else here as we read our passage. Fear not for behold I bring you good news of a by the way one thing I was thinking as I was going through his wit where they just I bring you good news this is good news for you this is for everybody is going to be for live right now this is for you this is good news for you. And so the angel goes on good news of great joy light. Now for a lot of people Christmas is not the time a jewel a that they hope for you know a lot of places you do see the word joy it's nice to see that isn't it. I say don't see it too often think Vicky has joy in our house somewhere hanging on a tree or hanging somewhere posted somewhere July. For a lot of people that may be all the joy they get for Christmas. Because sometimes at Christmas families don't get along. Yes are not what people hope for they opened it and it's not like you see on TV are the with the Christmas card or whatever. It's not a happy face to disappointed face. I can remember. One Christmas when I was growing up in I can't remember everything out I'm thinking about it because there was something I wanted so bad and I didn't get it I got something else. In because my parents say they don't have anything so anything that we got was a big sacrifice now do you still remember my secret Sam's briefcase that I got I do remember that so that was special. You know we don't get everything we want for Christmas. Not what we have for the sometimes Christmas memories are. Horrible. Just because you in in there are many who do you have a happy Christmas just because you have a happy Christmas don't forget that little child or that family down the street that may not have such a good Christmas. Nearly a week sometimes when I. Here a doctor McLaughlin a number of you know him me he was with us it will actually as I've told you before he was kind of the founding father of grace Baptist church with the Bible studies in fact this week I finally I cannot remember the name of this person for any amount of money in the whole wide world I could not remember it at all and I was just talking to Ted and I don't know what happened but the name came into my mind because I it was we we started the Bible studies at at a doctor's house. Over by like in 28 in I finally made it was a doctor at the VA hospital doctor octave Yanni and it was at his house that's where the Bible study started that all 3 lead to grace Baptist church but doctor McLaughlin in in a brilliant man a brilliant mind in a godly man and a humble man in in he would talk about the Christmas. When he was he in and I I think is is mom were locked out of their house in flint Michigan on Christmas Eve because his dad was so drunk. In a locked the family outside. And they had to find other shelter for that night. And of course you know the rest of the story when doctor McLaughlin lived on campus at north when he was our next door neighbor in his dad moved in with him. In came out our house mates I think Luke invited OR one the kids invited to come meet with us every me whole and so but while he was there grandpa McLachlan came to saving faith. But I still and doctor McLaughlin he calls himself a little doggie. You know. Because that's what he was but that was his Christmas. There is someone in this community that we have a Christmas just like that. But the message of this angel. What is that there is a birth it is so it is a celebration that has great July. And you know what there was cause for rejoicing. It it the this is great joy to Ron Medellin it is ecstatic joy and it was a contrast to what the world of the day was like pessimism despair darkness paganism that was the first entry world and Jesus burst into that world. That's why when you read that work call rock juillet if you read it in the writings of the day you rarely see it because it had a Christian origin because they had no joy. They had everything in some cases but they still had no joy that's why with pagans use it it is almost unit almost never see again the writings. Because it was never a true joy of the soul like believers have or should have. The this joy is the pleasure of a traveler returning to his homeland is forever in spreading the news and telling news is rejoicing when you welcome someone. But when we talk about the birth of Christ this joy what is it what is this joy for us it means salvation in may's deliverance from the bondage of said it means that there is no grace it means that we have a union with Christ in these it we are abiding in Christ. We're talking about the incarnation and the great joy the incarnation is the entry of the god man into the human race Jesus Christ fully human. What it what does that mean that means that Jesus com plete Lee entered the human situation and that is why. In Hebrews we read that he is a great high priest that is touch with the feelings of our infirmities he knows he understands everything about your human condition so well does he care yeah he cares he understand everything only doesn't understand my situation yes he does he understands pain sorrow loss deprivation he well he suffered he was cruelly horribly evil Lee wickedly traded throughout his lifetime and especially on the cross he faced every kind of moral shame that anyone could ever have because the the son of god god himself is hanging bare naked for the whole world to see hanging on a cross he understood every single thing that is in the human situation no one is exempt from what Jesus understands he was fully human he knew hunger and thirst. Rejection by all. Fully human and fully god. He was a god man in car in it. John 114 and the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory glory as of the only son from the father full of grace and truth John 180 no 1 has ever seen god the only god who is all at the father's side he has made him known Jesus may god known because he was god he was a guide me in. And and and this is great joy this is this is a great choice for this world. Later we'll even understand more of the depth of this joy as you read to the New Testament you understand joy because it comes to the heart and life of every believer because we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit and what is it love joy peace. There is joy when we disciple other people in and there is joy to them it does what it's a cycling others that is me telling you and you telling me in each of us telling someone else this is how you live the Christian life sometimes it means we tell them this is how you don't live the Christian life. Because I didn't do it all right. That's discipleship it brings joy. Reading the gospel telling someone else about Jesus that is joyful saying another believer that is old Bedia to Christ and they live their lifestyle and they're just walking in obedience that brings joy there is joy even when there are difficult circumstances and suffering and even persecution looking forward to the second coming of Jesus that brings us joy. And again so many passages of scripture John 1511 these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full 40 is 4 verse 4 rejoice in the lord always again I say rejoice Philippians 411 not that in speaking of being in need for I have learned 1 ever situation I am to be content to have joy and first Estonian 516 rejoice all ways. If you are looking for the true. Hallmark story. Then you need to look no further. Then a Christian that has joy. July is the hallmark of a believer. Because for believers there could be joy even when there's pain there can be a joy even when there's loss there could be joy in suffering there can be joy when there is separation by death there can be July even when there's poverty see and the world doesn't understand that when they see it they don't comprehend that. The question of suffering is always brought up. My. Often by 80 S. but. Philosophers theologians laypeople they they they debate the question of suffering and evil and Leslie and most often no answers. Well the real reason for suffering in this world is because we live in a fallen world. We suffer because their sin. The Custer sin there will be. Suffering is inevitable. So if a believer. Living in a fallen world has joy when they are suffering there is no explanation other than that which is supernatural. Great July. That's what the angel said to the shepherd. Good news of great joy in any said that will be for all the people not just use. The message came to them first but then it spread to gentiles to the whole world. What is this this is a global message. This birth of Jesus and the salvation that comes to him is the good news that we need to tell to the whole world. This is something we don't keep to ourselves we don't you know hide it under a bushel. Put it behind a rock. No. Everyone here knows anchor quote Matthew 2819 and 20 go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have,nded you and behold I am with you always to the end of the age that,nd did not cease it does not cease and it has not been completed. It is not finished the good news to the whole world in fact the need for the spread of the gospel is greater than ever with the world population of over 7000000000 not all have heard. I think I'd mentioned it recently but you know there are languages in the world they don't they don't they don't have Old Testament New Testament. They don't have New Testament they don't have just the gospels or the or the order this and not get or they they they don't have portions. They don't have chapters. They have a verse. In their language some of them do not even have a language that is printed. And there are translators thankfully that are working hard to learn languages so that they have the Bible in their own language this is not finished. I there are many reasons but. There is at least one reason why you are given one more day of life. And that is so that you can tell others about Jesus. Now you might not do it every day. But your beat you the days are extended so that you can do that. I can look one said the 9 were talks about giving like to those who sit in darkness in the shadow of death and now and then so what did Jesus say to his disciples and wanted to say to us you are the light. He is the light and then you said you are the light of the world. That helps us realize the privilege that we have of sherry this message of good news that produces great joy to the whole world. But you know what I I think that is very very easy to lose sight of this good news. We get cold. We become indifferent to good news. What you think for a moment what Jesus offered what did Jesus offer but it didn't it this is not even up barely scanning of the the scripture what what did Jesus offer he offered the adulteress woman forgiveness. That's what she needed that's what she received. Jesus offered the woman at the well. Living water. Jesus offered Nicodemus a second birth. He offered the way. To those headed the wrong direction he offered the truth to those who had believe lies he offered the life to those who were dead in trespasses instead he offered light to those in darkness he offered rast to those who had heavy burdens. He offered peace to those in turmoil he offered salvation to those in St and he offered. Himself. Maybe. Maybe you need maybe I need maybe a Christmas we all need a refresher course on how jubilant this good news reality is. There's a lot of fake news in the world. There's a lot of bad news in the world. We've got good news. And it's a global message. And finally. To the shepherds. It goes on. Laugh they say he said I bring you good news the verse let me sit for unto you I mean look up personal this says unto you yeah it's going to be global but it's for you unto you is born. This day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord that title Christ the lord this is the only place you find out in that form in the New Testament. I mean he is lord appears many times in scripture. X. 236 let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that god has made him both lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified yes he is known as lord. Check radios for 5 for what we proclaim is not our cells that Jesus Christ as lord. Ourselves as your service for Jesus sake Philippians 211 every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is lord to the glory of god the father. Christ as savior Christ. The lord. Christ. That's the Greek word for the anointed one. Not the messiah that is the Hebrew term has the same meaning and it's so to be annoying it means to be set apart for a special purpose. Like when Moses I know I did Aaron and his sons as the first priest of Israel the profits Samuel was annoying did or he annoying as Saul and David to be kings. That title applied to that future one that god would raise up the annoying did one and and that's what the Jews were waiting for they were waiting for a special delivery one that would be the annoying ID one of god the messiah the Christ. Lord means his deity. This. Tiny baby was the lord. Who it was god. A calm in human form and so the angel makes it very clear no doubt. Who this child is he is Christ the lord. One thing it save your reminds us of is that he is the one that truly satisfies. Jesus truly satisfied and I wonder if a lot of Christians lose that. Because we want everything else to satisfy we want another person to satisfy we want our spouse to satisfy we we we they they have to bring us happiness after bring us to our children and to bring us joy are our occupation is to bring us joy in satisfy us our riches are this are there no. Now which I know something about Jesus he satisfied. The demands the just demands of god. So when you think about being satisfied remember that Jesus satisfied the just demands are gotta love how Charles Ryrie off the great scholar wrote how god is satisfied he wrote this now crisis died and god is satisfied. There's no need to ask him to be propitiated he is appeased he is placated he is satisfied he carnal lady and that's the message we bring to a lost world what is it receive the savior through who through his death satisfied the wrath of god Jesus satisfied all the wrath of god and Jesus will fill you to the fullest when using that him. Because he satisfied all of the righteous demands of god and Jesus will satisfy every being that you desire. That you should desire. All of us are familiar were some of the in during programs at Christmas a couple of them were going on last night the ambiance of the couple of programs that were there we know the enduring stories. In there there's one that. Probably everyone knows. How the Grinch stole Christmas. I don't look at the grants for theology. But there there is a segment I don't know what doctor Seuss thought believed or whatever but but I I thought this many many times there is a a section that relates to satisfaction. Number. After the grants did all of his green G. things. I need to call the toll eighties and he thought he was gonna take away every single thing that would bring joy and he laughed nothing. But what he was hoping to hear was sadness. You know Chris was warning here joy here's what the who's. Saying a. Remember this little segment of that book. That's a no lace when the grants that I simply must hear. He taken everything so I paused in the Grinch put a hand to his ear any did hear a sound rising over the snow it started in Lowell then it started to grow but the sound wasn't sad. Why this sound sounded Mary it couldn't be cell but it was very very. He stared down at Whoville the Grinch pop designs Danny shook what he saw was a shocking surprise every who down in who ville the tall and the small was singing with out any presence at all. He had it stop Christmas from coming it came somehow or other it came just the same. And the Grinch with his Grinch feet ice cold and the snow stood puzzling and puzzling how could it be so. It came without ribbons it came without tags it came without packages boxes or bags. Any puzzle 3:00 hours till this puzzler was sore then the great start of something he hadn't before maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. It's not the ology. But I force a muscle the world attach as their life to that. The box under the tree. The person there with. The job that they think satisfies. You have to understand how deeply that Jesus satisfies your soul. At Christmas. Jesus satisfies. He satisfies your quest to know god. Hey satisfies your desire for peace. He satisfies your need for love. He satisfy your craving for acceptance. Yes Jesus Christ grew and later died we understand the fullness of Christ and what salvation brings Matthew 56 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for day and what it is is say they in the Greek that term they and they alone. Are satisfied. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and Jesus in John 635 I am the bread of life whoever comes to me shall not hunger there were a blaze in the sun never first. John chapter 4 real quickly there's another statement there verse 7. It's a story how one inference americain to draw water Jesus said or give me a drink. What is a site pulls a gun away into the city to buy food in this American woman said to him how is it that you would you ask for a drink for me a woman of Samaria for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans Jesus answered her if you knew the gift of god is who it is that is saying to you give me a drink you would have asked him and he would have given you living water in the woman said I'm sorry you have nothing to draw water within the well is deep what where do you get that living water are you greater than our father Jacob he gave us the well and drank from it himself as it is sons in his life so Jesus said to her everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again. Whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water Welling up to eternal life Jesus said I alone satisfy. Highly satisfied a Christmas. I'll give you 3 tips. If you would be satisfied at Christ spent time working to know Jesus. Get to know Jesus all I know him. You can only better. More deeply more fully more intensely more intimately. No Jesus secondly it if you want to be satisfied at Christmas you need to know the scripture. Just keep reading your Bible. With understanding but like I said you know what what I'm sure we today is is only the tip of the iceberg of the elements of Christmas is my said you could read it many times every year for 50 years. And there's more depth. Yeah a third thing I would recommend is is do a study of knowing what you have in Christ just look it up in Christ. It will still your soul. So it could be. It could be this year. It should be at Christmas this year. All I Want for Christmas. Is what I already have. Jesus. What about his with me. Christmas is busy Christmas is. Active Christmas is filled with all kinds of things but you know what if it's not filled with Jesus did then you're not really going to have a good Christmas. You're not going to enjoy it. The shepherds did. Can you imagine. Think about on. Good news great joy global message glorious saviour. That's for us as for us this morning that's for us this Christmas season All I Want for Christmas Jesus. We're gonna close with there is a redeemer. Wonderful. Reminder for us. So feel free to stand enjoying in worship together and singing or perhaps. They seated and pray. Just thoughtful about Christ. Few down your knees. You're welcome to do that if you have a spiritual need we would love to know about it then try to minister to you in some way but as godly to please join us.
Transcribe Audio
Transcribe Audio
8 And there were shepherds in the same region, living out of doors and keeping watch, guarding over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring good news to you of great joy which will be for all the people: 11 that today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.
Of course there's more. As you read through the Christmas story this year, understand that you can read it several times every year of your life, and you will never exhaust all of it. It's wondrous. And it really never gets old.
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Transition:
This morning, I want to give you a couple thoughts from really just verse about these shepherds and they're coming to the Christ.
I. Good News
I. Good News
In verse 10, this angel says, “fear not for behold I bring you good news.” That's a dominant thought: good news. I want to think about the shepherds. Of course this is the greatest birth in human history this is the true king of kings this is God/Man. God incarnate, God tabernacled in human flesh.
And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring good news to you of great joy which will be for all the people:
“Do not be afraid...I bring good news to you”
To who first???
To Lowly shepherds. And lowly I say in a literal sense.
This great pronouncement of the Messiah the one who's been waited for long for now for almost 4000 years since the fall of man is announced first to shepherds! They were just humble shepherds with work to do. They were literally lowly shepherds. Shepherding is all through the Bible: Abel was a shepherd, Abraham was a shepherd, Jacob and his sons--especially Joseph--were shepherds. Moses was a shepherd, David was first a shepherd before being a king.
Moses was a shepherd--we think especially a day that he was a shepherd and and the life of of of a shepherd again there are books written about this so we can only make a few summary statement saying comments but the the life others of a shepherd was a silent life is a lonely life sometimes it was a dangerous life because they were entrusted with the the guardianship and protection of the sheet. That the shepherd was responsible he had to leave the flock to pasture and to water he was responsible for them to have shelter and protection and care and to help them through the healing process in sickness or if they were injured. Or if they went astray right. With the image of the shepherd with the sheep over his shoulder in and again the the it's a wonderful study. The the shepherd lived outdoors in a tent he had some kind of a coat or cloak or some type of a rap is all of his equipment was us out of staff you know a rod in in a leather bag in in the clothes on his back that was that was that was yeah where he was home was with him that's what he had. David because he cared a sling shot cell and maybe they care that they need to worry about stones I could find those easily so they cared food and other stuff in their bag but. A one commentator give a little additional perspective about shepherds. They were near the bottom of the social ladder. They were an educated they were on skilled and as you get to the time of the New Testament in into the New Testament time period that era they were considered to be dishonest unreliable unsavory characters. So much so that they weren't even allowed to testify in court. In a shape you know you don't take a day off from sheep right I'm going on vacation you're on your own. That didn't happen so sheep what I mean how many days a week does it take to take care of a shih. 7 days a week now they're like the the dairy farmers. 7 days a week. And so they weren't allowed because of that. Very rarely did they fulfill manmade Sabbath regulations that were established by the fair city so they were viewed. As continuous leave violet hating religious laws so they were look at is ceremonially unclean. According to the mission now that is the the oral tradition of the of the Pharisees how they interpreted the law. According to that shepherds were under a band. They were regarded as thieves. The only people lower than shepherds at that particular time in Jewish history war lepers. So you have lepers. Then shepherds. Lonely. Everyone thought that about shepherds. Course the shepherds were probably much more godly than disreputable. Because. That announcement by angels. And even as you look at the other characters in the Christmas story whenever there the the the characters of the Christmas story we're all when they were notified of the messiah they were always devout people that were looking forward and looking ahead in anticipating and wanting the messiah I don't think you'll be any less for these particular shepherd cell they probably were men who knew about the the the not only the Jewish culture because they were Jewish but because they knew something about the Old Testament prophecies of a savior who would come in they were godly men even though they were lonely man and the angel and angels appear to them they received a what is it say they received good news. You know we talk about go out and spread the gospel. Well that's why gospel is gospel means good news go tell the gospel go tell good news. I guess in a sense you might say the shepherds were among the very very first to receive the gospel to receive the good news Isaiah 611 the spirit the lord is upon me because the lord is annoying to me to bring good news to the poor he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound up turn over a couple of chapters Luke chapter 4. Okay verse. 16 is a speaks of Jesus. Later course we're looking at his birth but years later
The life of a shepherd, to make a few summary statements, was a silent life, a lonely life. Sometimes it was a dangerous life because they were entrusted with the the guardianship and protection of the sheep. The shepherd had to be a responsible man. He had to lead the flock to pasture and to water. He was responsible for them to have shelter, protection, and care. Care meant to help them through the healing process in sickness, or if they were injured, or if they went astray.
The ancient shepherd lived outdoors in a tent. He had some kind of a coat, or cloak, or some type of a wrap. His equipment was just a staff/rod, a leather bag, and the clothes on his back. Where he was, home was there--that's what he had. David carried a sling shot, so perhaps they had something similar to fight off predators. They carried food and other stuff in their bag.
John MacArthur in his Luke commentary gives additional perspective about shepherds:
“They were near the bottom of the social ladder. They were uneducated and unskilled. As you get through the time of the New Testament era, they were considered to be dishonest, unreliable, unsavory characters, so much so that they weren't even allowed to testify in court.”
With tending sheep, you can't take a day off from sheep, its like: “I'm going on vacation you're on your own sheep, don’t wander too far!” That didn't happen. Sheep are 7 days a week job, and so they weren't allowed or at best very rarely did they fulfill man-made Sabbath regulations that were established by the pharisees. They were viewed as continuously violating religious laws; and therefore they were look at as ceremonially unclean. The only people lower than shepherds at that particular time in Jewish history were lepers. So you have lepers as worst, then shepherds—so lowly describes them. Everyone thought that about shepherds. BUT it was likely these shepherds were more godly than disreputable.
How do we know that?
Because of the announcement by angels. And even as you look at the other characters in the Christmas story, whenever they were notified of the Messiah, they were devout people that were looking forward and looking ahead in anticipation, and wanting the Messiah. They probably were men who knew about the Old Testament prophecies of a Savior who would come. So angels appear to them and they received good news as a reward for their expectation of the Messiah.
You know we talk about go out and spread the gospel. Gospel means good news — go tell the gospel-- go tell good news. In a sense, you might say the shepherds were among the very first to receive the Gospel-- to receive the good news
The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is upon me, because Yahweh has anointed me, he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives and liberation to those who are bound,
Isaiah 61:1 the spirit the lord is upon me because the lord is annoying to me to bring good news to the poor he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound up turn over a couple of chapters Luke chapter 4. Okay verse. 16 is a speaks of Jesus. Later course we're looking at his birth but years later
Turn over a couple of chapters Luke chapter 4 verse 16 --it speaks of Jesus years later after his birth
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and according to his custom he entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbath and stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll he found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because of which he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to send out in freedom those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and according to his custom he entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbath and stood up to read.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and according to his custom he entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbath and stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll he found the place where it was written,
Jesus said I AM Good news — I'm the good news. As you look through this passage will see how good this news really yes.
As you look through this passage will see how good this news really yes.
For the prophecy of Isaiah. The spirit of the lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who are press and to proclaim the year of the lord's favor he rolled up the scroll gave it back to the attendant and sat down in the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him and he began to say to them today. This scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing Jesus said I am. Good news I'm the good news. As you look through this passage will see how good this news really yes. But again I just want to think for a moment about those that receive this good news. The lowly the needy the outcast the downcast. The shepherds. I think most of us can identify with that. The gospel is for everyone. So shepherds are wonderful picture. Of those who need what Christmas is all about. Secondly we see something else here as we read our passage. Fear not for behold I bring you good news of a by the way one thing I was thinking as I was going through his wit where they just I bring you good news this is good news for you this is for everybody is going to be for live right now this is for you this is good news for you. And so the angel goes on good news of great joy light. Now for a lot of people Christmas is not the time a jewel a that they hope for you know a lot of places you do see the word joy it's nice to see that isn't it. I say don't see it too often think Vicky has joy in our house somewhere hanging on a tree or hanging somewhere posted somewhere July. For a lot of people that may be all the joy they get for Christmas. Because sometimes at Christmas families don't get along. Yes are not what people hope for they opened it and it's not like you see on TV are the with the Christmas card or whatever. It's not a happy face to disappointed face. I can remember. One Christmas when I was growing up in I can't remember everything out I'm thinking about it because there was something I wanted so bad and I didn't get it I got something else. In because my parents say they don't have anything so anything that we got was a big sacrifice now do you still remember my secret Sam's briefcase that I got I do remember that so that was special. You know we don't get everything we want for Christmas. Not what we have for the sometimes Christmas memories are. Horrible. Just because you in in there are many who do you have a happy Christmas just because you have a happy Christmas don't forget that little child or that family down the street that may not have such a good Christmas. Nearly a week sometimes when I. Here a doctor McLaughlin a number of you know him me he was with us it will actually as I've told you before he was kind of the founding father of grace Baptist church with the Bible studies in fact this week I finally I cannot remember the name of this person for any amount of money in the whole wide world I could not remember it at all and I was just talking to Ted and I don't know what happened but the name came into my mind because I it was we we started the Bible studies at at a doctor's house. Over by like in 28 in I finally made it was a doctor at the VA hospital doctor octave Yanni and it was at his house that's where the Bible study started that all 3 lead to grace Baptist church but doctor McLaughlin in in a brilliant man a brilliant mind in a godly man and a humble man in in he would talk about the Christmas. When he was he in and I I think is is mom were locked out of their house in flint Michigan on Christmas Eve because his dad was so drunk. In a locked the family outside. And they had to find other shelter for that night. And of course you know the rest of the story when doctor McLaughlin lived on campus at north when he was our next door neighbor in his dad moved in with him. In came out our house mates I think Luke invited OR one the kids invited to come meet with us every me whole and so but while he was there grandpa McLachlan came to saving faith. But I still and doctor McLaughlin he calls himself a little doggie. You know. Because that's what he was but that was his Christmas.
But again I just want to think for a moment about those that receive this good news. The lowly, the needy, the outcast, the downcast, even The shepherds. I think most of us can identify with that. The gospel is for everyone. So shepherds are wonderful picture of those who need what Christmas is all about.
Transition:
Secondly we see something else here as we read our passage:
II. Great Joy
II. Great Joy
Notice where the angels say I bring you good news. This is good news for you! This is for everybody but right now this is for you! this is good news for you! And so the angel goes on:
And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring good news to you of great joy which will be for all the people:
good news of great joy light. Now for a lot of people Christmas is not the time a jewel a that they hope for you know a lot of places you do see the word joy it's nice to see that isn't it. I say don't see it too often think Vicky has joy in our house somewhere hanging on a tree or hanging somewhere posted somewhere July. For a lot of people that may be all the joy they get for Christmas. Because sometimes at Christmas families don't get along. Yes are not what people hope for they opened it and it's not like you see on TV are the with the Christmas card or whatever. It's not a happy face to disappointed face. I can remember. One Christmas when I was growing up in I can't remember everything out I'm thinking about it because there was something I wanted so bad and I didn't get it I got something else. In because my parents say they don't have anything so anything that we got was a big sacrifice now do you still remember my secret Sam's briefcase that I got I do remember that so that was special. You know we don't get everything we want for Christmas. Not what we have for the sometimes Christmas memories are. Horrible. Just because you in in there are many who do you have a happy Christmas just because you have a happy Christmas don't forget that little child or that family down the street that may not have such a good Christmas. Nearly a week sometimes when I. Here a doctor McLaughlin a number of you know him me he was with us it will actually as I've told you before he was kind of the founding father of grace Baptist church with the Bible studies in fact this week I finally I cannot remember the name of this person for any amount of money in the whole wide world I could not remember it at all and I was just talking to Ted and I don't know what happened but the name came into my mind because I it was we we started the Bible studies at at a doctor's house. Over by like in 28 in I finally made it was a doctor at the VA hospital doctor octave Yanni and it was at his house that's where the Bible study started that all 3 lead to grace Baptist church but doctor McLaughlin in in a brilliant man a brilliant mind in a godly man and a humble man in in he would talk about the Christmas. When he was he in and I I think is is mom were locked out of their house in flint Michigan on Christmas Eve because his dad was so drunk. In a locked the family outside. And they had to find other shelter for that night. And of course you know the rest of the story when doctor McLaughlin lived on campus at north when he was our next door neighbor in his dad moved in with him. In came out our house mates I think Luke invited OR one the kids invited to come meet with us every me whole and so but while he was there grandpa McLachlan came to saving faith. But I still and doctor McLaughlin he calls himself a little doggie. You know. Because that's what he was but that was his Christmas.
“good news of great joy”
For a lot of people, Christmas is not the time of joy that they had hope for. Because sometimes at Christmas families don't get along. Gifts are not what people were hoping for as they opened it, and it's not like you see on TV.
It's not a happy face, it’s disappointed face.
We don't get everything we want for Christmas. Not what we hope for. Sometimes Christmas memories are horrible. Also, you may have a happy Christmas. But just because you have a happy Christmas, don't forget that little child or that family down the street that may not have such a good Christmas.
I think of Doctor Douglas McLachlan, some of you know him, he was with us many years back. Actually he was a founding father of Grace Baptist Church with the first Bible studies at a doctor's house from the VA over by lake Antoine where the Bible study started that lead to our church, Grace. But Doctor McLachlan as a brilliant man, a brilliant mind, a godly man, and a humble man, how he would talk about his Christmas while growing up. When he and his mom were locked out of their house in flint Michigan on Christmas Eve because his dad was so drunk. They were locked outside. And they had to find other shelter for that night. So he grew up with that type of Christmas. Doctor McLachlan found Christ as a late teenager and well into his adult years lived on campus at Northland as a next door neighbor to Doctor Wynne Kimbrough. Dr. McLachlan’s dad eventually moved in. In time, with the help of the Kimbrough’s and Doug’s prayers, Daddy McLachlan came to saving faith. But Dr. McLaughlin still calls himself “little Duggie” because that's what he was then and that was his Christmas growing up.
There is someone in this community that we have a Christmas just like that.
II. Great Joy
II. Great Joy
But the message of this angel is that there is a birth, so it is a celebration that has great lasting joy. And there was cause for rejoicing. This is great joy "χαρὰν μεγάλην” it is ecstatic joy and it was a contrast to what the world of the day was like: pessimism, despair, darkness, & paganism--that was the first century world, and Jesus just burst into that world. That's why when you read that word “χαρὰ” “joy” if you read it in the writings of the day, you rarely see it because it had a Christian origin because they had no joy. They had everything in some cases, but they still had no joy. It is almost unit almost never see again the writings. Because it was never a true joy of the soul like believers have, or should have. This kind of joy is the pleasure of a traveler returning to his homeland and is spreading the news and telling news, and it is the same rejoicing when you welcome someone.
And there was cause for rejoicing. It it the this is great joy to Ron Medellin it is ecstatic joy and it was a contrast to what the world of the day was like pessimism despair darkness paganism that was the first entry world and Jesus burst into that world. That's why when you read that work call rock juillet if you read it in the writings of the day you rarely see it because it had a Christian origin because they had no joy. They had everything in some cases but they still had no joy that's why with pagans use it it is almost unit almost never see again the writings. Because it was never a true joy of the soul like believers have or should have. The this joy is the pleasure of a traveler returning to his homeland is forever in spreading the news and telling news is rejoicing when you welcome someone. But when we talk about the birth of Christ this joy what is it what is this joy for us it means salvation in may's deliverance from the bondage of said it means that there is no grace it means that we have a union with Christ in these it we are abiding in Christ. We're talking about the incarnation and the great joy the incarnation is the entry of the god man into the human race Jesus Christ fully human. What it what does that mean that means that Jesus com plete Lee entered the human situation and that is why. In Hebrews we read that he is a great high priest that is touch with the feelings of our infirmities he knows he understands everything about your human condition so well does he care yeah he cares he understand everything only doesn't understand my situation yes he does he understands pain sorrow loss deprivation he well he suffered he was cruelly horribly evil Lee wickedly traded throughout his lifetime and especially on the cross he faced every kind of moral shame that anyone could ever have because the the son of god god himself is hanging bare naked for the whole world to see hanging on a cross he understood every single thing that is in the human situation no one is exempt from what Jesus understands he was fully human he knew hunger and thirst. Rejection by all. Fully human and fully god. He was a god man in car in it. John 114 and the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory glory as of the only son from the father full of grace and truth John 180 no 1 has ever seen god the only god who is all at the father's side he has made him known Jesus may god known because he was god he was a guide me in. And and and this is great joy this is this is a great choice for this world. Later we'll even understand more of the depth of this joy as you read to the New Testament you understand joy because it comes to the heart and life of every believer because we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit and what is it love joy peace. There is joy when we disciple other people in and there is joy to them it does what it's a cycling others that is me telling you and you telling me in each of us telling someone else this is how you live the Christian life sometimes it means we tell them this is how you don't live the Christian life. Because I didn't do it all right. That's discipleship it brings joy. Reading the gospel telling someone else about Jesus that is joyful saying another believer that is old Bedia to Christ and they live their lifestyle and they're just walking in obedience that brings joy there is joy even when there are difficult circumstances and suffering and even persecution looking forward to the second coming of Jesus that brings us joy. And again so many passages of scripture
But when we talk about the birth of Christ this joy-- what is it? what is this joy mean for us?
And you know what there was cause for rejoicing. It it the this is great joy to Ron Medellin it is ecstatic joy and it was a contrast to what the world of the day was like pessimism despair darkness paganism that was the first entry world and Jesus burst into that world. That's why when you read that work call rock juillet if you read it in the writings of the day you rarely see it because it had a Christian origin because they had no joy. They had everything in some cases but they still had no joy that's why with pagans use it it is almost unit almost never see again the writings. Because it was never a true joy of the soul like believers have or should have. The this joy is the pleasure of a traveler returning to his homeland is forever in spreading the news and telling news is rejoicing when you welcome someone. But when we talk about the birth of Christ this joy what is it what is this joy for us it means salvation in may's deliverance from the bondage of said it means that there is no grace it means that we have a union with Christ in these it we are abiding in Christ. We're talking about the incarnation and the great joy the incarnation is the entry of the god man into the human race Jesus Christ fully human. What it what does that mean that means that Jesus com plete Lee entered the human situation and that is why. In Hebrews we read that he is a great high priest that is touch with the feelings of our infirmities he knows he understands everything about your human condition so well does he care yeah he cares he understand everything only doesn't understand my situation yes he does he understands pain sorrow loss deprivation he well he suffered he was cruelly horribly evil Lee wickedly traded throughout his lifetime and especially on the cross he faced every kind of moral shame that anyone could ever have because the the son of god god himself is hanging bare naked for the whole world to see hanging on a cross he understood every single thing that is in the human situation no one is exempt from what Jesus understands he was fully human he knew hunger and thirst. Rejection by all. Fully human and fully god. He was a god man in car in it. John 114 and the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory glory as of the only son from the father full of grace and truth John 180 no 1 has ever seen god the only god who is all at the father's side he has made him known Jesus may god known because he was god he was a guide me in. And and and this is great joy this is this is a great choice for this world. Later we'll even understand more of the depth of this joy as you read to the New Testament you understand joy because it comes to the heart and life of every believer because we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit and what is it love joy peace. There is joy when we disciple other people in and there is joy to them it does what it's a cycling others that is me telling you and you telling me in each of us telling someone else this is how you live the Christian life sometimes it means we tell them this is how you don't live the Christian life. Because I didn't do it all right. That's discipleship it brings joy. Reading the gospel telling someone else about Jesus that is joyful saying another believer that is old Bedia to Christ and they live their lifestyle and they're just walking in obedience that brings joy there is joy even when there are difficult circumstances and suffering and even persecution looking forward to the second coming of Jesus that brings us joy. And again so many passages of scripture
It means salvation. It means deliverance from the bondage of sin, it means that there is now grace, it means that we have a union with Christ. It means we are abiding in Christ. We're talking about the great joy of the incarnation: the entry of the God/Man into the human race: Jesus, the Christ is now fully human.
What does that mean? that means that Jesus completely entered the human situation and that is why in Hebrews we read that He is a great high priest that is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He knows, He understands everything about your human condition. So does He care? yes He cares! He understands everything! “Well he doesn't understand my situation.” Yes He does, He understands pain, sorrow, loss, deprivation. He suffered, He wept. He was cruelly, horribly, wickedly treated wrong throughout his lifetime and especially on the cross! He faced shame because the Son of God, God Himself, hanging bare naked for the whole world to see hanging on a cross-- He understood every single thing that is in the human situation-- no one is exempt from what Jesus understands. He was fully human: He knew hunger and thirst. Rejection by all. Fully human and fully God.
+++28:30+++
And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.
No one has seen God at any time; the one and only, God, the one who is in the bosom of the Father—that one has made him known.
Jesus made God known because He was God!
Jesus may god known because he was god he was a guide me in. And and and this is great joy this is this is a great choice for this world. Later we'll even understand more of the depth of this joy as you read to the New Testament you understand joy because it comes to the heart and life of every believer because we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit and what is it love joy peace. There is joy when we disciple other people in and there is joy to them it does what it's a cycling others that is me telling you and you telling me in each of us telling someone else this is how you live the Christian life sometimes it means we tell them this is how you don't live the Christian life. Because I didn't do it all right. That's discipleship it brings joy. Reading the gospel telling someone else about Jesus that is joyful saying another believer that is old Bedia to Christ and they live their lifestyle and they're just walking in obedience that brings joy there is joy even when there are difficult circumstances and suffering and even persecution looking forward to the second coming of Jesus that brings us joy. And again so many passages of scripture
And this is great joy for this world. Joy comes to the heart and life of every believer because we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, and so on.
There is joy when we disciple other people and there is joy to them. Discipling others is me telling you, and you telling me, and each of us telling someone else: “This is how you live the Christian life” sometimes it means we tell them “this is how you don't live the Christian life.” Because I didn't do it all right. That's discipleship-- it brings joy. Spreading the gospel, telling someone else about Jesus, that is joyful. Seeing another believer that is walking in obedience-- that brings joy! There is joy even when there are difficult circumstances, and suffering, and even persecution or looking forward to the second coming of Jesus--that brings us joy. And again so many passages of scripture
11 I have spoken these things to you in order that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be made complete.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
John 15:11 these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full 40 is 4 verse 4 rejoice in the lord always again I say rejoice Philippians 411 not that in speaking of being in need for I have learned 1 ever situation I am to be content to have joy and first Estonian 516 rejoice all ways. If you are looking for the true. Hallmark story. Then you need to look no further. Then a Christian that has joy. July is the hallmark of a believer. Because for believers there could be joy even when there's pain there can be a joy even when there's loss there could be joy in suffering there can be joy when there is separation by death there can be July even when there's poverty see and the world doesn't understand that when they see it they don't comprehend that. The question of suffering is always brought up. My. Often by 80 S. but. Philosophers theologians laypeople they they they debate the question of suffering and evil and Leslie and most often no answers. Well the real reason for suffering in this world is because we live in a fallen world. We suffer because their sin. The Custer sin there will be. Suffering is inevitable. So if a believer. Living in a fallen world has joy when they are suffering there is no explanation other than that which is supernatural. Great July. That's what the angel said to the shepherd. Good news of great joy in any said that will be for all the people not just use. The message came to them first but then it spread to gentiles to the whole world. What is this this is a global message. This birth of Jesus and the salvation that comes to him is the good news that we need to tell to the whole world. This is something we don't keep to ourselves we don't you know hide it under a bushel. Put it behind a rock. No. Everyone here knows anchor quote Matthew 2819 and 20 go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have,nded you and behold I am with you always to the end of the age that,nd did not cease it does not cease and it has not been completed. It is not finished the good news to the whole world in fact the need for the spread of the gospel is greater than ever with the world population of over 7000000000 not all have heard. I think I'd mentioned it recently but you know there are languages in the world they don't they don't they don't have Old Testament New Testament. They don't have New Testament they don't have just the gospels or the or the order this and not get or they they they don't have portions. They don't have chapters. They have a verse. In their language some of them do not even have a language that is printed. And there are translators thankfully that are working hard to learn languages so that they have the Bible in their own language this is not finished. I there are many reasons but. There is at least one reason why you are given one more day of life. And that is so that you can tell others about Jesus. Now you might not do it every day. But your beat you the days are extended so that you can do that. I can look one said the 9 were talks about giving like to those who sit in darkness in the shadow of death and now and then so what did Jesus say to his disciples and wanted to say to us you are the light. He is the light and then you said you are the light of the world. That helps us realize the privilege that we have of sherry this message of good news that produces great joy to the whole world. But you know what I I think that is very very easy to lose sight of this good news. We get cold. We become indifferent to good news. What you think for a moment what Jesus offered what did Jesus offer but it didn't it this is not even up barely scanning of the the scripture what what did Jesus offer he offered the adulteress woman forgiveness. That's what she needed that's what she received. Jesus offered the woman at the well. Living water. Jesus offered Nicodemus a second birth. He offered the way. To those headed the wrong direction he offered the truth to those who had believe lies he offered the life to those who were dead in trespasses instead he offered light to those in darkness he offered rast to those who had heavy burdens. He offered peace to those in turmoil he offered salvation to those in St and he offered. Himself. Maybe. Maybe you need maybe I need maybe a Christmas we all need a refresher course on how jubilant this good news reality is. There's a lot of fake news in the world. There's a lot of bad news in the world. We've got good news. And it's a global message. And finally. To the shepherds. It goes on. Laugh they say he said I bring you good news the verse let me sit for unto you I mean look up personal this says unto you yeah it's going to be global but it's for you unto you is born. This day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord that title Christ the lord this is the only place you find out in that form in the New Testament. I mean he is lord appears many times in scripture. X. 236 let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that god has made him both lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified yes he is known as lord. Check radios for 5 for what we proclaim is not our cells that Jesus Christ as lord. Ourselves as your service for Jesus sake Philippians 211 every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is lord to the glory of god the father. Christ as savior Christ. The lord. Christ. That's the Greek word for the anointed one. Not the messiah that is the Hebrew term has the same meaning and it's so to be annoying it means to be set apart for a special purpose. Like when Moses I know I did Aaron and his sons as the first priest of Israel the profits Samuel was annoying did or he annoying as Saul and David to be kings. That title applied to that future one that god would raise up the annoying did one and and that's what the Jews were waiting for they were waiting for a special delivery one that would be the annoying ID one of god the messiah the Christ. Lord means his deity. This. Tiny baby was the lord. Who it was god. A calm in human form and so the angel makes it very clear no doubt. Who this child is he is Christ the lord. One thing it save your reminds us of is that he is the one that truly satisfies. Jesus truly satisfied and I wonder if a lot of Christians lose that. Because we want everything else to satisfy we want another person to satisfy we want our spouse to satisfy we we we they they have to bring us happiness after bring us to our children and to bring us joy are our occupation is to bring us joy in satisfy us our riches are this are there no. Now which I know something about Jesus he satisfied. The demands the just demands of god. So when you think about being satisfied remember that Jesus satisfied the just demands are gotta love how Charles Ryrie off the great scholar wrote how god is satisfied he wrote this now crisis died and god is satisfied. There's no need to ask him to be propitiated he is appeased he is placated he is satisfied he carnal lady and that's the message we bring to a lost world what is it receive the savior through who through his death satisfied the wrath of god Jesus satisfied all the wrath of god and Jesus will fill you to the fullest when using that him. Because he satisfied all of the righteous demands of god and Jesus will satisfy every being that you desire. That you should desire. All of us are familiar were some of the in during programs at Christmas a couple of them were going on last night the ambiance of the couple of programs that were there we know the enduring stories. In there there's one that. Probably everyone knows. How the Grinch stole Christmas. I don't look at the grants for theology. But there there is a segment I don't know what doctor Seuss thought believed or whatever but but I I thought this many many times there is a a section that relates to satisfaction. Number. After the grants did all of his green G. things. I need to call the toll eighties and he thought he was gonna take away every single thing that would bring joy and he laughed nothing. But what he was hoping to hear was sadness. You know Chris was warning here joy here's what the who's. Saying a. Remember this little segment of that book. That's a no lace when the grants that I simply must hear. He taken everything so I paused in the Grinch put a hand to his ear any did hear a sound rising over the snow it started in Lowell then it started to grow but the sound wasn't sad. Why this sound sounded Mary it couldn't be cell but it was very very. He stared down at Whoville the Grinch pop designs Danny shook what he saw was a shocking surprise every who down in who ville the tall and the small was singing with out any presence at all. He had it stop Christmas from coming it came somehow or other it came just the same. And the Grinch with his Grinch feet ice cold and the snow stood puzzling and puzzling how could it be so. It came without ribbons it came without tags it came without packages boxes or bags. Any puzzle 3:00 hours till this puzzler was sore then the great start of something he hadn't before maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. It's not the ology. But I force a muscle the world attach as their life to that. The box under the tree. The person there with. The job that they think satisfies. You have to understand how deeply that Jesus satisfies your soul. At Christmas. Jesus satisfies. He satisfies your quest to know god. Hey satisfies your desire for peace. He satisfies your need for love. He satisfy your craving for acceptance. Yes Jesus Christ grew and later died we understand the fullness of Christ and what salvation brings Matthew 56 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for day and what it is is say they in the Greek that term they and they alone. Are satisfied. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and Jesus in John 635 I am the bread of life whoever comes to me shall not hunger there were a blaze in the sun never first. John chapter 4 real quickly there's another statement there
have joy
rejoice in the lord always again I say rejoice Philippians 411 not that in speaking of being in need for I have learned 1 ever situation I am to be content to have joy and first Estonian 516 rejoice all ways. If you are looking for the true. Hallmark story. Then you need to look no further. Then a Christian that has joy. July is the hallmark of a believer. Because for believers there could be joy even when there's pain there can be a joy even when there's loss there could be joy in suffering there can be joy when there is separation by death there can be July even when there's poverty see and the world doesn't understand that when they see it they don't comprehend that. The question of suffering is always brought up. My. Often by 80 S. but. Philosophers theologians laypeople they they they debate the question of suffering and evil and Leslie and most often no answers. Well the real reason for suffering in this world is because we live in a fallen world. We suffer because their sin. The Custer sin there will be. Suffering is inevitable. So if a believer. Living in a fallen world has joy when they are suffering there is no explanation other than that which is supernatural. Great July. That's what the angel said to the shepherd. Good news of great joy in any said that will be for all the people not just use. The message came to them first but then it spread to gentiles to the whole world. What is this this is a
Rejoice always,
Rejoice always,
Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
Joy is the hallmark of a believer. Because for believers there could be joy even when there's pain, there can be a joy even when there's loss, there could be joy in suffering, there can be joy when there is separation by death, there can be Joy even when there's poverty. The world doesn't understand that when they see it they don't comprehend that. The reason for suffering in this world is because we live in a fallen world. We suffer because of sin. Suffering is inevitable. So if a believer, living in a fallen world has joy when they are suffering, there is no explanation other than that which is supernatural. That's what the angel said to the shepherd: Good news of great joy for all the people not just us!
Transition:
The message came to them first but then it spread to gentiles — and to the whole world.
So What?
So What?
So it is a Global Message
This birth of Jesus and the salvation that comes to him is the good news that we need to tell to the whole world. This is something we don't keep to ourselves we don't hide it under a bushel. Everyone here knows and could quote
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.”
That did not cease, and it has not been completed. It is not finished! The good news to the whole world. In fact, the need for the spread of the gospel is greater than ever with the world population of over 7 billion-- not all have heard.
This birth of Jesus and the salvation that comes to him is the good news that we need to tell to the whole world. This is something we don't keep to ourselves we don't you know hide it under a bushel. Put it behind a rock. No. Everyone here knows anchor quote Matthew 28:19 and 20 go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have,nded you and behold I am with you always to the end of the age that,nd did not cease it does not cease and it has not been completed. It is not finished the good news to the whole world in fact the need for the spread of the gospel is greater than ever with the world population of over 7000000000 not all have heard. I think I'd mentioned it recently but you know there are languages in the world they don't they don't they don't have Old Testament New Testament. They don't have New Testament they don't have just the gospels or the or the order this and not get or they they they don't have portions. They don't have chapters. They have a verse. In their language some of them do not even have a language that is printed. And there are translators thankfully that are working hard to learn languages so that they have the Bible in their own language this is not finished. I there are many reasons but. There is at least one reason why you are given one more day of life. And that is so that you can tell others about Jesus. Now you might not do it every day. But your beat you the days are extended so that you can do that. I can look one said the 9 were talks about giving like to those who sit in darkness in the shadow of death and now and then so what did Jesus say to his disciples and wanted to say to us you are the light. He is the light and then you said you are the light of the world. That helps us realize the privilege that we have of sherry this message of good news that produces great joy to the whole world. But you know what I I think that is very very easy to lose sight of this good news. We get cold. We become indifferent to good news. What you think for a moment what Jesus offered what did Jesus offer but it didn't it this is not even up barely scanning of the the scripture what what did Jesus offer he offered the adulteress woman forgiveness. That's what she needed that's what she received. Jesus offered the woman at the well. Living water. Jesus offered Nicodemus a second birth. He offered the way. To those headed the wrong direction he offered the truth to those who had believe lies he offered the life to those who were dead in trespasses instead he offered light to those in darkness he offered rast to those who had heavy burdens. He offered peace to those in turmoil he offered salvation to those in St and he offered. Himself. Maybe. Maybe you need maybe I need maybe a Christmas we all need a refresher course on how jubilant this good news reality is. There's a lot of fake news in the world. There's a lot of bad news in the world. We've got good news. And it's a global message. And finally. To the shepherds. It goes on. Laugh they say he said I bring you good news the verse let me sit for unto you I mean look up personal this says unto you yeah it's going to be global but it's for you unto you is born. This day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord that title Christ the lord this is the only place you find out in that form in the New Testament. I mean he is lord appears many times in scripture. X. 236 let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that god has made him both lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified yes he is known as lord. Check radios for 5 for what we proclaim is not our cells that Jesus Christ as lord. Ourselves as your service for Jesus sake Philippians 211 every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is lord to the glory of god the father. Christ as savior Christ. The lord. Christ. That's the Greek word for the anointed one. Not the messiah that is the Hebrew term has the same meaning and it's so to be annoying it means to be set apart for a special purpose. Like when Moses I know I did Aaron and his sons as the first priest of Israel the profits Samuel was annoying did or he annoying as Saul and David to be kings. That title applied to that future one that god would raise up the annoying did one and and that's what the Jews were waiting for they were waiting for a special delivery one that would be the annoying ID one of god the messiah the Christ. Lord means his deity. This. Tiny baby was the lord. Who it was god. A calm in human form and so the angel makes it very clear no doubt. Who this child is he is Christ the lord. One thing it save your reminds us of is that he is the one that truly satisfies. Jesus truly satisfied and I wonder if a lot of Christians lose that. Because we want everything else to satisfy we want another person to satisfy we want our spouse to satisfy we we we they they have to bring us happiness after bring us to our children and to bring us joy are our occupation is to bring us joy in satisfy us our riches are this are there no. Now which I know something about Jesus he satisfied. The demands the just demands of god. So when you think about being satisfied remember that Jesus satisfied the just demands are gotta love how Charles Ryrie off the great scholar wrote how god is satisfied he wrote this now crisis died and god is satisfied. There's no need to ask him to be propitiated he is appeased he is placated he is satisfied he carnal lady and that's the message we bring to a lost world what is it receive the savior through who through his death satisfied the wrath of god Jesus satisfied all the wrath of god and Jesus will fill you to the fullest when using that him. Because he satisfied all of the righteous demands of god and Jesus will satisfy every being that you desire. That you should desire. All of us are familiar were some of the in during programs at Christmas a couple of them were going on last night the ambiance of the couple of programs that were there we know the enduring stories. In there there's one that. Probably everyone knows. How the Grinch stole Christmas. I don't look at the grants for theology. But there there is a segment I don't know what doctor Seuss thought believed or whatever but but I I thought this many many times there is a a section that relates to satisfaction. Number. After the grants did all of his green G. things. I need to call the toll eighties and he thought he was gonna take away every single thing that would bring joy and he laughed nothing. But what he was hoping to hear was sadness. You know Chris was warning here joy here's what the who's. Saying a. Remember this little segment of that book. That's a no lace when the grants that I simply must hear. He taken everything so I paused in the Grinch put a hand to his ear any did hear a sound rising over the snow it started in Lowell then it started to grow but the sound wasn't sad. Why this sound sounded Mary it couldn't be cell but it was very very. He stared down at Whoville the Grinch pop designs Danny shook what he saw was a shocking surprise every who down in who ville the tall and the small was singing with out any presence at all. He had it stop Christmas from coming it came somehow or other it came just the same. And the Grinch with his Grinch feet ice cold and the snow stood puzzling and puzzling how could it be so. It came without ribbons it came without tags it came without packages boxes or bags. Any puzzle 3:00 hours till this puzzler was sore then the great start of something he hadn't before maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. It's not the ology. But I force a muscle the world attach as their life to that. The box under the tree. The person there with. The job that they think satisfies. You have to understand how deeply that Jesus satisfies your soul. At Christmas. Jesus satisfies. He satisfies your quest to know god. Hey satisfies your desire for peace. He satisfies your need for love. He satisfy your craving for acceptance. Yes Jesus Christ grew and later died we understand the fullness of Christ and what salvation brings Matthew 56 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for day and what it is is say they in the Greek that term they and they alone. Are satisfied. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and Jesus in John 635 I am the bread of life whoever comes to me shall not hunger there were a blaze in the sun never first. John chapter 4 real quickly there's another statement there
that,nd did not cease it does not cease and it has not been completed. It is not finished the good news to the whole world in fact the need for the spread of the gospel is greater than ever with the world population of over 7000000000 not all have heard. I think I'd mentioned it recently but you know there are languages in the world they don't they don't they don't have Old Testament New Testament. They don't have New Testament they don't have just the gospels or the or the order this and not get or they they they don't have portions. They don't have chapters. They have a verse. In their language some of them do not even have a language that is printed. And there are translators thankfully that are working hard to learn languages so that they have the Bible in their own language this is not finished. I there are many reasons but. There is at least one reason why you are given one more day of life. And that is so that you can tell others about Jesus. Now you might not do it every day. But your beat you the days are extended so that you can do that. I can look one said the 9 were talks about giving like to those who sit in darkness in the shadow of death and now and then so what did Jesus say to his disciples and wanted to say to us you are the light. He is the light and then you said you are the light of the world. That helps us realize the privilege that we have of sherry this message of good news that produces great joy to the whole world. But you know what I I think that is very very easy to lose sight of this good news. We get cold. We become indifferent to good news. What you think for a moment what Jesus offered what did Jesus offer but it didn't it this is not even up barely scanning of the the scripture what what did Jesus offer he offered the adulteress woman forgiveness. That's what she needed that's what she received. Jesus offered the woman at the well. Living water. Jesus offered Nicodemus a second birth. He offered the way. To those headed the wrong direction he offered the truth to those who had believe lies he offered the life to those who were dead in trespasses instead he offered light to those in darkness he offered rast to those who had heavy burdens. He offered peace to those in turmoil he offered salvation to those in St and he offered. Himself. Maybe. Maybe you need maybe I need maybe a Christmas we all need a refresher course on how jubilant this good news reality is. There's a lot of fake news in the world. There's a lot of bad news in the world. We've got good news. And it's a global message. And finally. To the shepherds. It goes on. Laugh they say he said I bring you good news the verse let me sit for unto you I mean look up personal this says unto you yeah it's going to be global but it's for you unto you is born. This day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord that title Christ the lord this is the only place you find out in that form in the New Testament. I mean he is lord appears many times in scripture. X. 236 let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that god has made him both lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified yes he is known as lord. Check radios for 5 for what we proclaim is not our cells that Jesus Christ as lord. Ourselves as your service for Jesus sake Philippians 211 every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is lord to the glory of god the father. Christ as savior Christ. The lord. Christ. That's the Greek word for the anointed one. Not the messiah that is the Hebrew term has the same meaning and it's so to be annoying it means to be set apart for a special purpose. Like when Moses I know I did Aaron and his sons as the first priest of Israel the profits Samuel was annoying did or he annoying as Saul and David to be kings. That title applied to that future one that god would raise up the annoying did one and and that's what the Jews were waiting for they were waiting for a special delivery one that would be the annoying ID one of god the messiah the Christ. Lord means his deity. This. Tiny baby was the lord. Who it was god. A calm in human form and so the angel makes it very clear no doubt. Who this child is he is Christ the lord. One thing it save your reminds us of is that he is the one that truly satisfies. Jesus truly satisfied and I wonder if a lot of Christians lose that. Because we want everything else to satisfy we want another person to satisfy we want our spouse to satisfy we we we they they have to bring us happiness after bring us to our children and to bring us joy are our occupation is to bring us joy in satisfy us our riches are this are there no. Now which I know something about Jesus he satisfied. The demands the just demands of god. So when you think about being satisfied remember that Jesus satisfied the just demands are gotta love how Charles Ryrie off the great scholar wrote how god is satisfied he wrote this now crisis died and god is satisfied. There's no need to ask him to be propitiated he is appeased he is placated he is satisfied he carnal lady and that's the message we bring to a lost world what is it receive the savior through who through his death satisfied the wrath of god Jesus satisfied all the wrath of god and Jesus will fill you to the fullest when using that him. Because he satisfied all of the righteous demands of god and Jesus will satisfy every being that you desire. That you should desire. All of us are familiar were some of the in during programs at Christmas a couple of them were going on last night the ambiance of the couple of programs that were there we know the enduring stories. In there there's one that. Probably everyone knows. How the Grinch stole Christmas. I don't look at the grants for theology. But there there is a segment I don't know what doctor Seuss thought believed or whatever but but I I thought this many many times there is a a section that relates to satisfaction. Number. After the grants did all of his green G. things. I need to call the toll eighties and he thought he was gonna take away every single thing that would bring joy and he laughed nothing. But what he was hoping to hear was sadness. You know Chris was warning here joy here's what the who's. Saying a. Remember this little segment of that book. That's a no lace when the grants that I simply must hear. He taken everything so I paused in the Grinch put a hand to his ear any did hear a sound rising over the snow it started in Lowell then it started to grow but the sound wasn't sad. Why this sound sounded Mary it couldn't be cell but it was very very. He stared down at Whoville the Grinch pop designs Danny shook what he saw was a shocking surprise every who down in who ville the tall and the small was singing with out any presence at all. He had it stop Christmas from coming it came somehow or other it came just the same. And the Grinch with his Grinch feet ice cold and the snow stood puzzling and puzzling how could it be so. It came without ribbons it came without tags it came without packages boxes or bags. Any puzzle 3:00 hours till this puzzler was sore then the great start of something he hadn't before maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. It's not the ology. But I force a muscle the world attach as their life to that. The box under the tree. The person there with. The job that they think satisfies. You have to understand how deeply that Jesus satisfies your soul. At Christmas. Jesus satisfies. He satisfies your quest to know god. Hey satisfies your desire for peace. He satisfies your need for love. He satisfy your craving for acceptance. Yes Jesus Christ grew and later died we understand the fullness of Christ and what salvation brings Matthew 56 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for day and what it is is say they in the Greek that term they and they alone. Are satisfied. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and Jesus in John 635 I am the bread of life whoever comes to me shall not hunger there were a blaze in the sun never first. John chapter 4 real quickly there's another statement there
Maybe we need a Christmas refresher course on how jubilant this good news reality is. There's a lot of fake news in the world. There's a lot of bad news in the world. We've got good news. And it's a global message.
. It's a story how one inference americain to draw water Jesus said or give me a drink. What is a site pulls a gun away into the city to buy food in this American woman said to him how is it that you would you ask for a drink for me a woman of Samaria for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans Jesus answered her if you knew the gift of god is who it is that is saying to you give me a drink you would have asked him and he would have given you living water in the woman said I'm sorry you have nothing to draw water within the well is deep what where do you get that living water are you greater than our father Jacob he gave us the well and drank from it himself as it is sons in his life so Jesus said to her everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again. Whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water Welling up to eternal life Jesus said I alone satisfy. Highly satisfied a Christmas. I'll give you 3 tips. If you would be satisfied at Christ spent time working to know Jesus. Get to know Jesus all I know him. You can only better. More deeply more fully more intensely more intimately. No Jesus secondly it if you want to be satisfied at Christmas you need to know the scripture. Just keep reading your Bible. With understanding but like I said you know what what I'm sure we today is is only the tip of the iceberg of the elements of Christmas is my said you could read it many times every year for 50 years. And there's more depth. Yeah a third thing I would recommend is is do a study of knowing what you have in Christ just look it up in Christ. It will still your soul. So it could be. It could be this year. It should be at Christmas this year. All I Want for Christmas. Is what I already have. Jesus. What about his with me. Christmas is busy Christmas is. Active Christmas is filled with all kinds of things but you know what if it's not filled with Jesus did then you're not really going to have a good Christmas. You're not going to enjoy it. The shepherds did. Can you imagine. Think about on. Good news great joy global message glorious saviour. That's for us as for us this morning that's for us this Christmas season All I Want for Christmas Jesus. We're gonna close with there is a redeemer. Wonderful. Reminder for us. So feel free to stand enjoying in worship together and singing or perhaps. They seated and pray. Just thoughtful about Christ. Few down your knees. You're welcome to do that if you have a spiritual need we would love to know about it then try to minister to you in some way but as godly to please join us.
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At Christmas Jesus satisfies. He satisfies your quest to know YHWH. He satisfies your desire for peace. He satisfies your need for love. He satisfy your craving for acceptance.
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me water to drink.”
verse 7. It's a story how one inference americain to draw water Jesus said or give me a drink. What is a site pulls a gun away into the city to buy food in this American woman said to him how is it that you would you ask for a drink for me a woman of Samaria for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans Jesus answered her if you knew the gift of god is who it is that is saying to you give me a drink you would have asked him and he would have given you living water in the woman said I'm sorry you have nothing to draw water within the well is deep what where do you get that living water are you greater than our father Jacob he gave us the well and drank from it himself as it is sons in his life so Jesus said to her everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again. Whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water Welling up to eternal life Jesus said I alone satisfy. Highly satisfied a Christmas. I'll give you 3 tips. If you would be satisfied at Christ spent time working to know Jesus. Get to know Jesus all I know him. You can only better. More deeply more fully more intensely more intimately. No Jesus secondly it if you want to be satisfied at Christmas you need to know the scripture. Just keep reading your Bible. With understanding but like I said you know what what I'm sure we today is is only the tip of the iceberg of the elements of Christmas is my said you could read it many times every year for 50 years. And there's more depth. Yeah a third thing I would recommend is is do a study of knowing what you have in Christ just look it up in Christ. It will still your soul. So it could be. It could be this year. It should be at Christmas this year. All I Want for Christmas. Is what I already have. Jesus. What about his with me. Christmas is busy Christmas is. Active Christmas is filled with all kinds of things but you know what if it's not filled with Jesus did then you're not really going to have a good Christmas. You're not going to enjoy it. The shepherds did. Can you imagine. Think about on. Good news great joy global message glorious saviour. That's for us as for us this morning that's for us this Christmas season All I Want for Christmas Jesus. We're gonna close with there is a redeemer. Wonderful. Reminder for us. So feel free to stand enjoying in worship together and singing or perhaps. They seated and pray. Just thoughtful about Christ. Few down your knees. You're welcome to do that if you have a spiritual need we would love to know about it then try to minister to you in some way but as godly to please join us.
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Jesus says throughout His ministry: I alone satisfy.
If you want to be satisfied at Christmas you need to know the scripture. Just keep reading your Bible with understanding.
All I Want for Christmas is what I already have: Jesus.
Conclusion:
Christmas is busy, Christmas is active, Christmas is filled with all kinds of things, but if it's not filled with Jesus, then you're not really going to have a good Christmas. You're not going to enjoy it. The shepherds did. Can you imagine? Think about it: Good news of great joy as a global message of our glorious Saviour. That's for us as for us this morning that's for us this Christmas season.
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Record Audio Upload Audio File Play Sample 1 Play Sample 2TextWord Timings and AlternativesKeywords (0/1)JSONThere's a popular notion a Christmas especially Christmas I think is kind of pervasive in our society but especially at Christmas that you should get what you want and if you get that it will completely satisfy you I've been I shouldn't be surprised but if you see commercials that are about Christmas. Apple one of those that I've mentioned from art scene from regular big retailers they are showing these children receive gifts and they're ecstatic about their gift. And you look at it and it's something that cost 2 or 3 or $500 for a 4 year old. Well you know it's like I heard a kid in Walmart or somewhere once a long time ago media this this will give us and to his mom or dad I wanted I wanted I wanted what is it. Yes how a lot of people are what they don't care what it is I just want to. But a lot of people think if I want it and I get it then that's all I'm ever going to want to in fact a lot of the songs of our culture say that All I Want for Christmas is. 2 front teeth. All I Want for Christmas is you know a a hippopotamus what did they ever come up with that I'm dreaming of a White Christmas which we might have all our I have a blue Christmas if if you're not here All I Want for Christmas is you. Yeah. So that's. So that's what people think if I get that then on Monday so happy. But do any of those things. Or anything else really bringing the joy and happiness into our lives that we think they will are that they promise that they will assist the fall of man into sin there has always been a quest for satisfaction. Looking for something in the human heart craze after what satisfies. It even a quick glance. At the rich and famous quickly reveals that their popularity and their wealth never really satisfies their deepest longings look at Ecclesiastes chapter 2 first. This is a man who had it all there was absolutely nothing. On earth that was available that he could not have you we can not and magic the wealth of king Solomon the power. Of king Solomon I notice in a crazy **** is too first one I said in my heart what did Jesus say about the heart everything that is that we are comes out of the heart. I said in my heart come now I will test you with pleasure. Enjoy yourself but they hold this was vanity I said of laughter it is man enough pleasure what use is it I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine my heart still guiding me with wisdom and how to lay hold on folly till I might see what was good for the children of men to do under heaven during the few days of their life I'm a great works I build houses and planted vineyards for myself I made myself gardens and parks and planted them all kinds of fruit trees I made myself pools from which to water the forests of growing trees I bought male and female slaves and had slaves who were born in my house I had also great possessions of herds and flocks more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces I got singers both men and women and many concubines the delight of the sons of me and so I became great answer pass all who were before me in Jerusalem also my wisdom remained with me and what ever my eyes desired I did not keep from them I kept my heart from no pleasure for my heart found pleasure in all my toil and this was my reward for all my toiled then I considered all that my hands had done in the toil I expended in doing it and behold. All. Was vanity. And a striving after wind in there was nothing to be gained under. The sun this is the emptiness of a man who had it all and yet people think if I haven't. Now some of you heard me say what my dad used to make a comment about Sir you know the people that I acquire certain levels of wealth and sometimes to the attitude is how much does it take to make you happy one more dollar. Always one more. See that there is an observation as you look at what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes is something that can be re told again and again in fact a translation here can be I considered all the things I had done and all the work I had put into it and this is what I found all is a mystery it's like trying to shepherd the wind. Or to direct the wind to blow a certain direction. And the idea is that he is presenting to us there is no lasting benefit to be found in the things on earth. Solomon saw he observed he actually possessed in head and he came up with the conclusion that everything is vanity and a striving after wind. That's the theme of verse 2 all is vanity then in fact that is the theme of chapters one through 11 the emptiness the vanity of seeking after these things striving after wind is a word picture in these to chase an object like the wind and it suggests something that can never be achieved no matter how hard you try you chase it but you never catch it. It's beyond human power to be able to do this. In fact in the New Testament we read about the loss of the flash in the lust of the eyes and the pride of life in the whole concept of the lust of the flesh and the last of the ironies is that we desire or. But what we desire is never completely satisfying you want did you get it and you're still not satisfied I read one writer he made kind of a lengthy comment about this but his his word pictures were kind of outstanding to me he said deep in the human heart there is a whole meeting instinct profound persistent in iridescent bull that we often ignore and might even deny there is something in us that earth can never satisfy it's common for people to say and I believe that if they only had this or that being they will always be happy and some of them die believing it but the evidence of those who obtained the treasure does not bear them out it's satisfied for a little while and then there was the old persistent hunger again clamorous as ever. Earth does not satisfy us so I run I cannot help but feel that that is an impressive fact. He said I believe that there is in us A. homesickness. For heaven in that that ache which earth cannot satisfy can be satisfied by god alone. All feel it only some understand it. God is but in the heart of every one of us a longing for himself in a mass of humanity doesn't understand it. He says so they hunger and they first but for what. He said you may have lost your way. Don't deny the hunger that is in your soul don't say it isn't there don't say satisfies me with the life is over I will have not had all I want life no one ever says that if they look to the earth alone. This world this time only for satisfaction. Hey just concluded the home sickness for god in your heart is a precious divine gift tell us to go back to the story you know this we actually did it last night I read through it somewhat it the a Christmas party we had last night but it's in Luke chapter 2 and some ask you to return there and look with me at this. And I did title this message All I Want for Christmas. You know they always make your last. You know now because you can do it electronically right digitally you can you can you can do it on Amazon. And send it to all your family members here is my list click here in in the you click it and buy it for me and I'll be happy all the sol happy. The list. Well. Look to I'm just not I'm not gonna read the entire story but but let me have you look at me at verse 8 and in the same region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night in an angel of the lord appeared to them and the glory of the lord shone around them and they were filled with great fear and the angel said to them fear not for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord. This will be a sign for you you'll find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes cloths and lying. In a manger course there's more. As you read through the Christmas story. I I said this last night but I I do want you to understand you you can read it several times a year every year of your life and you're never going to get all of that. It's wondrous. And it really never gets old. If you study the Christmas story some just going to this morning give you what I think are 4 dominant thoughts actually only in verses 10 and 11 about these shepherds and they're coming to the Christ child in first of all you you see like a verse 10 they just said in fear not for behold I bring you good news. That's a domino thought good news. Yeah certain aspects of the Christmas story everyone knows why they think they know all about it you know they they know that Mary and Joseph the baby Jesus the wise men the names are saying those are very very common angels and of course shepherds I mean those are kind of the elements that we think of it that we see but there is a lot to consider a concerning everyone of those Mary Joseph angels the even what the place of his birth the shepherds. I want to think about the shepherds. 6 this of course is the greatest birth in human history this is the true king of kings this is a god. Me. God incarnate god tabernacle in human flesh in this great pronouncement of the king of kings the messiah the one who's been waited for long for now for almost 4000 years since the fall of man is announced to shepherds. Lowly shepherds. And lowly. I say in a literal sense. They were just okay well the humble shepherds with a towel wrapped around her head or whatever. Now. They were literally lowly shepherds. Course there of shepherding is is all through the Bible. Abel was a shepherd. Abraham was a shepherd Jacob and his sons especially Joseph they were shepherds lay then and his daughter Rachel where shoppers Moses was a shepherd we think especially a day that he was a shepherd and and the life of of of a shepherd again there are books written about this so we can only make a few summary statement saying comments but the the life others of a shepherd was a silent life is a lonely life sometimes it was a dangerous life because they were entrusted with the the guardianship and protection of the sheet. That the shepherd was responsible he had to leave the flock to pasture and to water he was responsible for them to have shelter and protection and care and to help them through the healing process in sickness or if they were injured. Or if they went astray right. With the image of the shepherd with the sheep over his shoulder in and again the the it's a wonderful study. The the shepherd lived outdoors in a tent he had some kind of a coat or cloak or some type of a rap is all of his equipment was us out of staff you know a rod in in a leather bag in in the clothes on his back that was that was that was yeah where he was home was with him that's what he had. David because he cared a sling shot cell and maybe they care that they need to worry about stones I could find those easily so they cared food and other stuff in their bag but. A one commentator give a little additional perspective about shepherds. They were near the bottom of the social ladder. They were an educated they were on skilled and as you get to the time of the New Testament in into the New Testament time period that era they were considered to be dishonest unreliable unsavory characters. So much so that they weren't even allowed to testify in court. In a shape you know you don't take a day off from sheep right I'm going on vacation you're on your own. That didn't happen so sheep what I mean how many days a week does it take to take care of a shih. 7 days a week now they're like the the dairy farmers. 7 days a week. And so they weren't allowed because of that. Very rarely did they fulfill manmade Sabbath regulations that were established by the fair city so they were viewed. As continuous leave violet hating religious laws so they were look at is ceremonially unclean. According to the mission now that is the the oral tradition of the of the Pharisees how they interpreted the law. According to that shepherds were under a band. They were regarded as thieves. The only people lower than shepherds at that particular time in Jewish history war lepers. So you have lepers. Then shepherds. Lonely. Everyone thought that about shepherds. Course the shepherds were probably much more godly than disreputable. Because. That announcement by angels. And even as you look at the other characters in the Christmas story whenever there the the the characters of the Christmas story we're all when they were notified of the messiah they were always devout people that were looking forward and looking ahead in anticipating and wanting the messiah I don't think you'll be any less for these particular shepherd cell they probably were men who knew about the the the not only the Jewish culture because they were Jewish but because they knew something about the Old Testament prophecies of a savior who would come in they were godly men even though they were lonely man and the angel and angels appear to them they received a what is it say they received good news. You know we talk about go out and spread the gospel. Well that's why gospel is gospel means good news go tell the gospel go tell good news. I guess in a sense you might say the shepherds were among the very very first to receive the gospel to receive the good news Isaiah 611 the spirit the lord is upon me because the lord is annoying to me to bring good news to the poor he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound up turn over a couple of chapters Luke chapter 4. Okay verse. 16 is a speaks of Jesus. Later course we're looking at his birth but years later Luke 416 he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up. And as was his custom he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and he stood up to read and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him he unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written. For the prophecy of Isaiah. The spirit of the lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who are press and to proclaim the year of the lord's favor he rolled up the scroll gave it back to the attendant and sat down in the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him and he began to say to them today. This scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing Jesus said I am. Good news I'm the good news. As you look through this passage will see how good this news really yes. But again I just want to think for a moment about those that receive this good news. The lowly the needy the outcast the downcast. The shepherds. I think most of us can identify with that. The gospel is for everyone. So shepherds are wonderful picture. Of those who need what Christmas is all about. Secondly we see something else here as we read our passage. Fear not for behold I bring you good news of a by the way one thing I was thinking as I was going through his wit where they just I bring you good news this is good news for you this is for everybody is going to be for live right now this is for you this is good news for you. And so the angel goes on good news of great joy light. Now for a lot of people Christmas is not the time a jewel a that they hope for you know a lot of places you do see the word joy it's nice to see that isn't it. I say don't see it too often think Vicky has joy in our house somewhere hanging on a tree or hanging somewhere posted somewhere July. For a lot of people that may be all the joy they get for Christmas. Because sometimes at Christmas families don't get along. Yes are not what people hope for they opened it and it's not like you see on TV are the with the Christmas card or whatever. It's not a happy face to disappointed face. I can remember. One Christmas when I was growing up in I can't remember everything out I'm thinking about it because there was something I wanted so bad and I didn't get it I got something else. In because my parents say they don't have anything so anything that we got was a big sacrifice now do you still remember my secret Sam's briefcase that I got I do remember that so that was special. You know we don't get everything we want for Christmas. Not what we have for the sometimes Christmas memories are. Horrible. Just because you in in there are many who do you have a happy Christmas just because you have a happy Christmas don't forget that little child or that family down the street that may not have such a good Christmas. Nearly a week sometimes when I. Here a doctor McLaughlin a number of you know him me he was with us it will actually as I've told you before he was kind of the founding father of grace Baptist church with the Bible studies in fact this week I finally I cannot remember the name of this person for any amount of money in the whole wide world I could not remember it at all and I was just talking to Ted and I don't know what happened but the name came into my mind because I it was we we started the Bible studies at at a doctor's house. Over by like in 28 in I finally made it was a doctor at the VA hospital doctor octave Yanni and it was at his house that's where the Bible study started that all 3 lead to grace Baptist church but doctor McLaughlin in in a brilliant man a brilliant mind in a godly man and a humble man in in he would talk about the Christmas. When he was he in and I I think is is mom were locked out of their house in flint Michigan on Christmas Eve because his dad was so drunk. In a locked the family outside. And they had to find other shelter for that night. And of course you know the rest of the story when doctor McLaughlin lived on campus at north when he was our next door neighbor in his dad moved in with him. In came out our house mates I think Luke invited OR one the kids invited to come meet with us every me whole and so but while he was there grandpa McLachlan came to saving faith. But I still and doctor McLaughlin he calls himself a little doggie. You know. Because that's what he was but that was his Christmas. There is someone in this community that we have a Christmas just like that. But the message of this angel. What is that there is a birth it is so it is a celebration that has great July. And you know what there was cause for rejoicing. It it the this is great joy to Ron Medellin it is ecstatic joy and it was a contrast to what the world of the day was like pessimism despair darkness paganism that was the first entry world and Jesus burst into that world. That's why when you read that work call rock juillet if you read it in the writings of the day you rarely see it because it had a Christian origin because they had no joy. They had everything in some cases but they still had no joy that's why with pagans use it it is almost unit almost never see again the writings. Because it was never a true joy of the soul like believers have or should have. The this joy is the pleasure of a traveler returning to his homeland is forever in spreading the news and telling news is rejoicing when you welcome someone. But when we talk about the birth of Christ this joy what is it what is this joy for us it means salvation in may's deliverance from the bondage of said it means that there is no grace it means that we have a union with Christ in these it we are abiding in Christ. We're talking about the incarnation and the great joy the incarnation is the entry of the god man into the human race Jesus Christ fully human. What it what does that mean that means that Jesus com plete Lee entered the human situation and that is why. In Hebrews we read that he is a great high priest that is touch with the feelings of our infirmities he knows he understands everything about your human condition so well does he care yeah he cares he understand everything only doesn't understand my situation yes he does he understands pain sorrow loss deprivation he well he suffered he was cruelly horribly evil Lee wickedly traded throughout his lifetime and especially on the cross he faced every kind of moral shame that anyone could ever have because the the son of god god himself is hanging bare naked for the whole world to see hanging on a cross he understood every single thing that is in the human situation no one is exempt from what Jesus understands he was fully human he knew hunger and thirst. Rejection by all. Fully human and fully god. He was a god man in car in it. John 114 and the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory glory as of the only son from the father full of grace and truth John 180 no 1 has ever seen god the only god who is all at the father's side he has made him known Jesus may god known because he was god he was a guide me in. And and and this is great joy this is this is a great choice for this world. Later we'll even understand more of the depth of this joy as you read to the New Testament you understand joy because it comes to the heart and life of every believer because we have the fruit of the Holy Spirit and what is it love joy peace. There is joy when we disciple other people in and there is joy to them it does what it's a cycling others that is me telling you and you telling me in each of us telling someone else this is how you live the Christian life sometimes it means we tell them this is how you don't live the Christian life. Because I didn't do it all right. That's discipleship it brings joy. Reading the gospel telling someone else about Jesus that is joyful saying another believer that is old Bedia to Christ and they live their lifestyle and they're just walking in obedience that brings joy there is joy even when there are difficult circumstances and suffering and even persecution looking forward to the second coming of Jesus that brings us joy. And again so many passages of scripture John 1511 these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full 40 is 4 verse 4 rejoice in the lord always again I say rejoice Philippians 411 not that in speaking of being in need for I have learned 1 ever situation I am to be content to have joy and first Estonian 516 rejoice all ways. If you are looking for the true. Hallmark story. Then you need to look no further. Then a Christian that has joy. July is the hallmark of a believer. Because for believers there could be joy even when there's pain there can be a joy even when there's loss there could be joy in suffering there can be joy when there is separation by death there can be July even when there's poverty see and the world doesn't understand that when they see it they don't comprehend that. The question of suffering is always brought up. My. Often by 80 S. but. Philosophers theologians laypeople they they they debate the question of suffering and evil and Leslie and most often no answers. Well the real reason for suffering in this world is because we live in a fallen world. We suffer because their sin. The Custer sin there will be. Suffering is inevitable. So if a believer. Living in a fallen world has joy when they are suffering there is no explanation other than that which is supernatural. Great July. That's what the angel said to the shepherd. Good news of great joy in any said that will be for all the people not just use. The message came to them first but then it spread to gentiles to the whole world. What is this this is a global message. This birth of Jesus and the salvation that comes to him is the good news that we need to tell to the whole world. This is something we don't keep to ourselves we don't you know hide it under a bushel. Put it behind a rock. No. Everyone here knows anchor quote Matthew 2819 and 20 go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have,nded you and behold I am with you always to the end of the age that,nd did not cease it does not cease and it has not been completed. It is not finished the good news to the whole world in fact the need for the spread of the gospel is greater than ever with the world population of over 7000000000 not all have heard. I think I'd mentioned it recently but you know there are languages in the world they don't they don't they don't have Old Testament New Testament. They don't have New Testament they don't have just the gospels or the or the order this and not get or they they they don't have portions. They don't have chapters. They have a verse. In their language some of them do not even have a language that is printed. And there are translators thankfully that are working hard to learn languages so that they have the Bible in their own language this is not finished. I there are many reasons but. There is at least one reason why you are given one more day of life. And that is so that you can tell others about Jesus. Now you might not do it every day. But your beat you the days are extended so that you can do that. I can look one said the 9 were talks about giving like to those who sit in darkness in the shadow of death and now and then so what did Jesus say to his disciples and wanted to say to us you are the light. He is the light and then you said you are the light of the world. That helps us realize the privilege that we have of sherry this message of good news that produces great joy to the whole world. But you know what I I think that is very very easy to lose sight of this good news. We get cold. We become indifferent to good news. What you think for a moment what Jesus offered what did Jesus offer but it didn't it this is not even up barely scanning of the the scripture what what did Jesus offer he offered the adulteress woman forgiveness. That's what she needed that's what she received. Jesus offered the woman at the well. Living water. Jesus offered Nicodemus a second birth. He offered the way. To those headed the wrong direction he offered the truth to those who had believe lies he offered the life to those who were dead in trespasses instead he offered light to those in darkness he offered rast to those who had heavy burdens. He offered peace to those in turmoil he offered salvation to those in St and he offered. Himself. Maybe. Maybe you need maybe I need maybe a Christmas we all need a refresher course on how jubilant this good news reality is. There's a lot of fake news in the world. There's a lot of bad news in the world. We've got good news. And it's a global message. And finally. To the shepherds. It goes on. Laugh they say he said I bring you good news the verse let me sit for unto you I mean look up personal this says unto you yeah it's going to be global but it's for you unto you is born. This day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the lord that title Christ the lord this is the only place you find out in that form in the New Testament. I mean he is lord appears many times in scripture. X. 236 let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that god has made him both lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified yes he is known as lord. Check radios for 5 for what we proclaim is not our cells that Jesus Christ as lord. Ourselves as your service for Jesus sake Philippians 211 every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is lord to the glory of god the father. Christ as savior Christ. The lord. Christ. That's the Greek word for the anointed one. Not the messiah that is the Hebrew term has the same meaning and it's so to be annoying it means to be set apart for a special purpose. Like when Moses I know I did Aaron and his sons as the first priest of Israel the profits Samuel was annoying did or he annoying as Saul and David to be kings. That title applied to that future one that god would raise up the annoying did one and and that's what the Jews were waiting for they were waiting for a special delivery one that would be the annoying ID one of god the messiah the Christ. Lord means his deity. This. Tiny baby was the lord. Who it was god. A calm in human form and so the angel makes it very clear no doubt. Who this child is he is Christ the lord. One thing it save your reminds us of is that he is the one that truly satisfies. Jesus truly satisfied and I wonder if a lot of Christians lose that. Because we want everything else to satisfy we want another person to satisfy we want our spouse to satisfy we we we they they have to bring us happiness after bring us to our children and to bring us joy are our occupation is to bring us joy in satisfy us our riches are this are there no. Now which I know something about Jesus he satisfied. The demands the just demands of god. So when you think about being satisfied remember that Jesus satisfied the just demands are gotta love how Charles Ryrie off the great scholar wrote how god is satisfied he wrote this now crisis died and god is satisfied. There's no need to ask him to be propitiated he is appeased he is placated he is satisfied he carnal lady and that's the message we bring to a lost world what is it receive the savior through who through his death satisfied the wrath of god Jesus satisfied all the wrath of god and Jesus will fill you to the fullest when using that him. Because he satisfied all of the righteous demands of god and Jesus will satisfy every being that you desire. That you should desire. All of us are familiar were some of the in during programs at Christmas a couple of them were going on last night the ambiance of the couple of programs that were there we know the enduring stories. In there there's one that. Probably everyone knows. How the Grinch stole Christmas. I don't look at the grants for theology. But there there is a segment I don't know what doctor Seuss thought believed or whatever but but I I thought this many many times there is a a section that relates to satisfaction. Number. After the grants did all of his green G. things. I need to call the toll eighties and he thought he was gonna take away every single thing that would bring joy and he laughed nothing. But what he was hoping to hear was sadness. You know Chris was warning here joy here's what the who's. Saying a. Remember this little segment of that book. That's a no lace when the grants that I simply must hear. He taken everything so I paused in the Grinch put a hand to his ear any did hear a sound rising over the snow it started in Lowell then it started to grow but the sound wasn't sad. Why this sound sounded Mary it couldn't be cell but it was very very. He stared down at Whoville the Grinch pop designs Danny shook what he saw was a shocking surprise every who down in who ville the tall and the small was singing with out any presence at all. He had it stop Christmas from coming it came somehow or other it came just the same. And the Grinch with his Grinch feet ice cold and the snow stood puzzling and puzzling how could it be so. It came without ribbons it came without tags it came without packages boxes or bags. Any puzzle 3:00 hours till this puzzler was sore then the great start of something he hadn't before maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. It's not the ology. But I force a muscle the world attach as their life to that. The box under the tree. The person there with. The job that they think satisfies. You have to understand how deeply that Jesus satisfies your soul. At Christmas. Jesus satisfies. He satisfies your quest to know god. Hey satisfies your desire for peace. He satisfies your need for love. He satisfy your craving for acceptance. Yes Jesus Christ grew and later died we understand the fullness of Christ and what salvation brings Matthew 56 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for day and what it is is say they in the Greek that term they and they alone. Are satisfied. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and Jesus in John 635 I am the bread of life whoever comes to me shall not hunger there were a blaze in the sun never first. John chapter 4 real quickly there's another statement there verse 7. It's a story how one inference americain to draw water Jesus said or give me a drink. What is a site pulls a gun away into the city to buy food in this American woman said to him how is it that you would you ask for a drink for me a woman of Samaria for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans Jesus answered her if you knew the gift of god is who it is that is saying to you give me a drink you would have asked him and he would have given you living water in the woman said I'm sorry you have nothing to draw water within the well is deep what where do you get that living water are you greater than our father Jacob he gave us the well and drank from it himself as it is sons in his life so Jesus said to her everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again. Whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water Welling up to eternal life Jesus said I alone satisfy. Highly satisfied a Christmas. I'll give you 3 tips. If you would be satisfied at Christ spent time working to know Jesus. Get to know Jesus all I know him. You can only better. More deeply more fully more intensely more intimately. No Jesus secondly it if you want to be satisfied at Christmas you need to know the scripture. Just keep reading your Bible. With understanding but like I said you know what what I'm sure we today is is only the tip of the iceberg of the elements of Christmas is my said you could read it many times every year for 50 years. And there's more depth. Yeah a third thing I would recommend is is do a study of knowing what you have in Christ just look it up in Christ. It will still your soul. So it could be. It could be this year. It should be at Christmas this year. All I Want for Christmas. Is what I already have. Jesus. What about his with me. Christmas is busy Christmas is. Active Christmas is filled with all kinds of things but you know what if it's not filled with Jesus did then you're not really going to have a good Christmas. You're not going to enjoy it. The shepherds did. Can you imagine. Think about on. Good news great joy global message glorious saviour. That's for us as for us this morning that's for us this Christmas season All I Want for Christmas Jesus. We're gonna close with there is a redeemer. Wonderful. Reminder for us. So feel free to stand enjoying in worship together and singing or perhaps. They seated and pray. Just thoughtful about Christ. Few down your knees. You're welcome to do that if you have a spiritual need we would love to know about it then try to minister to you in some way but as godly to please join us.