1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,469 Marcel Hall: What, I mean, are you ready for Christmas? 2 00:00:01,469 --> 00:00:06,960 I'm not really referring to gifts, meals, and parties, but are you ready 3 00:00:06,990 --> 00:00:09,990 to celebrate the miracle of Jesus birth? 4 00:00:11,550 --> 00:00:14,700 Because I knew I was asked a question similar about a week or two ago and 5 00:00:14,700 --> 00:00:15,660 they said, Hey, what's going on? 6 00:00:15,660 --> 00:00:16,650 How you feeling about Christmas? 7 00:00:16,680 --> 00:00:19,500 And I was like, they were like, on a scale of one to 10 and the group was 8 00:00:19,500 --> 00:00:21,360 like eight and nine, I feel insecure. 9 00:00:21,360 --> 00:00:23,070 I'm like, I'm nowhere near eight to nine. 10 00:00:24,284 --> 00:00:26,115 I'm at like a four or five right now. 11 00:00:26,624 --> 00:00:31,095 There's just a lot going on, and so the idea of celebrating Jesus really 12 00:00:31,095 --> 00:00:36,705 has been foreign until really getting prepared for the sermon here today. 13 00:00:36,705 --> 00:00:40,695 So God has been ministering to me as I've been able to look at these things 14 00:00:40,695 --> 00:00:46,965 here because Christmas, as we all know, is what the celebration of Jesus' birth. 15 00:00:48,375 --> 00:00:52,425 And we can become so familiar with it, and we know there's a risk, there's 16 00:00:52,425 --> 00:00:57,465 always a danger of us focusing on everything else but Jesus' birth. 17 00:00:58,125 --> 00:01:01,905 We can focus in on the gifts, we can focus in on what we are receiving. 18 00:01:01,905 --> 00:01:05,730 We can focusing on getting a place ready or having to travel 19 00:01:06,075 --> 00:01:07,215 and all these different things. 20 00:01:07,215 --> 00:01:12,195 And none of those are bad, but the idea of what the season is 21 00:01:12,195 --> 00:01:16,245 about can become a little bit faded and and fade into a distant. 22 00:01:16,815 --> 00:01:17,565 Recognition. 23 00:01:17,565 --> 00:01:18,525 Are you with me here? 24 00:01:19,245 --> 00:01:22,725 I know that's how I can be unless I intentionally focus 25 00:01:22,725 --> 00:01:24,914 in Why are we gathering? 26 00:01:25,215 --> 00:01:28,035 I know I'm gonna get some good grub and in fact I have to cook. 27 00:01:28,035 --> 00:01:30,045 My mom makes me cook on Christmas. 28 00:01:30,795 --> 00:01:31,635 I get out there. 29 00:01:31,635 --> 00:01:32,505 We have a tradition. 30 00:01:32,505 --> 00:01:34,155 I barbecue on Christmas day. 31 00:01:35,205 --> 00:01:37,365 Now we're not talking steak brother can't do that. 32 00:01:37,425 --> 00:01:40,125 We're talking about some ribs down so we get down. 33 00:01:40,125 --> 00:01:41,895 Y'all might be having some Turkey and some ham. 34 00:01:41,895 --> 00:01:43,035 Hallelujah for you. 35 00:01:43,039 --> 00:01:43,190 Okay? 36 00:01:44,145 --> 00:01:45,435 But in my household, right? 37 00:01:45,435 --> 00:01:46,995 I'm out there on, it doesn't matter. 38 00:01:46,995 --> 00:01:51,045 One time it was raining at Christmas and I thought, mom, I don't have to do this. 39 00:01:51,045 --> 00:01:52,425 And she was like, boy, get out there. 40 00:01:53,025 --> 00:01:56,115 And thankfully there was a little covering and I was out there with a jacket on 41 00:01:56,115 --> 00:01:59,955 trying to barbecue the only foolish person outside on that Christmas day. 42 00:01:59,955 --> 00:02:00,445 You know what I'm saying? 43 00:02:01,320 --> 00:02:05,700 But Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, and it's important for 44 00:02:05,700 --> 00:02:11,730 us to take a moment, especially as we go into the next week here, to have a moment 45 00:02:11,730 --> 00:02:14,790 where we really appreciate all that is. 46 00:02:14,820 --> 00:02:21,840 In the Christmas, not story, but in the reality of Christmas that we live in, it's 47 00:02:21,840 --> 00:02:25,380 the time in which Divine took on flesh. 48 00:02:26,820 --> 00:02:28,770 Heaven entered earth. 49 00:02:30,105 --> 00:02:34,335 Eternity stepped into time. 50 00:02:35,445 --> 00:02:37,875 Christmas is not just the birth of a child. 51 00:02:38,085 --> 00:02:44,865 It is the arrival of a king and a kingdom that has been inaugurated. 52 00:02:45,975 --> 00:02:50,295 And so right now we're gonna take some time to look at a familiar passage, but 53 00:02:50,295 --> 00:02:54,885 we're going to have an opportunity to prepare our hearts to truly celebrate 54 00:02:54,945 --> 00:02:56,625 not just the birth of a child. 55 00:02:57,255 --> 00:03:01,605 But the arrival of the King of Kings Church. 56 00:03:01,605 --> 00:03:02,715 Are you with me this morning? 57 00:03:03,405 --> 00:03:03,915 Let's go ahead. 58 00:03:03,915 --> 00:03:05,385 Let's go to the father in prayer. 59 00:03:05,595 --> 00:03:12,165 Father, we come to you, grateful, humbled, excited, needing you and your 60 00:03:12,165 --> 00:03:16,725 presence, needing your word to guide us, to stir our hearts, to remember 61 00:03:16,725 --> 00:03:22,755 all that we have in Christ and all that we have in Christ came through. 62 00:03:23,145 --> 00:03:28,515 Christmas, the day in which Jesus was born, the king arrived. 63 00:03:28,665 --> 00:03:31,365 Father, allow us to put to the side anything that would 64 00:03:31,365 --> 00:03:35,954 distract us from hearing your spirit's voice in our ear today. 65 00:03:36,315 --> 00:03:40,995 Allow us to draw nearer to you and walk away with a greater appreciation and 66 00:03:40,995 --> 00:03:48,015 a conviction to live in the reality that Christmas we pray in Jesus name. 67 00:03:48,135 --> 00:03:49,185 Amen. 68 00:03:49,230 --> 00:03:49,380 Amen. 69 00:03:50,549 --> 00:03:54,030 Uh, before we get into this, uh, my wife was actually gonna come up 70 00:03:54,030 --> 00:03:55,950 and she's gonna help me here today. 71 00:03:56,220 --> 00:03:59,670 Uh, she's gonna be sharing some things as we go ahead and, uh, 72 00:03:59,670 --> 00:04:01,079 look into the scriptures there. 73 00:04:01,260 --> 00:04:02,250 So, uh, let you know. 74 00:04:02,250 --> 00:04:05,459 Let's give a, a quick love to my wife, Karina Hall right now. 75 00:04:05,459 --> 00:04:06,090 Amen. 76 00:04:10,380 --> 00:04:11,309 All right. 77 00:04:11,869 --> 00:04:14,749 We're gonna go on over to Isaiah chapter nine. 78 00:04:15,349 --> 00:04:17,149 We're not gonna look at the King James version. 79 00:04:18,334 --> 00:04:22,115 We're gonna go to Isaiah chapter nine, and for those of us we are very 80 00:04:22,115 --> 00:04:23,525 familiar, but some of us we don't know. 81 00:04:23,525 --> 00:04:29,224 There's actually several prophecies about Jesus' birth and Isaiah in which 82 00:04:29,224 --> 00:04:30,485 we'll look at the book of Isaiah. 83 00:04:30,485 --> 00:04:31,265 He was a prophet. 84 00:04:31,265 --> 00:04:34,005 What's a prophet Basically means to speak the word of God. 85 00:04:34,630 --> 00:04:37,930 And so sometimes prophets would have a divine inspiration and 86 00:04:37,930 --> 00:04:40,390 directional what to tell God's people. 87 00:04:40,540 --> 00:04:44,230 And there would be something which we would call prophecy, which is a prediction 88 00:04:44,380 --> 00:04:46,270 of something that was going to happen. 89 00:04:46,540 --> 00:04:51,550 And the cool thing is that God always comes through with his prophecies. 90 00:04:52,280 --> 00:04:55,790 He always comes through on his promises and the predictions, the 91 00:04:55,790 --> 00:04:58,220 prophecies if you will get fulfilled. 92 00:04:58,220 --> 00:05:02,540 And sometimes there's a dual prophecy, meaning it's for the immediate audience, 93 00:05:02,690 --> 00:05:07,760 but also for the future audience being me and you and the generations. 94 00:05:08,130 --> 00:05:08,940 After us. 95 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:14,310 And so the context and the background here for Isaiah Chapter nine, God's 96 00:05:14,310 --> 00:05:18,810 people had been a kingdom, but yet they had some division, some strife, 97 00:05:18,810 --> 00:05:20,430 and it splits into two kingdoms. 98 00:05:20,430 --> 00:05:23,070 Most of us know that there's a northern kingdom and a southern kingdom. 99 00:05:23,070 --> 00:05:25,470 The northern kingdom was the kingdom of Israel. 100 00:05:25,470 --> 00:05:27,090 The southern kingdom is the kingdom of. 101 00:05:27,800 --> 00:05:31,130 And the northern kingdom had really a lot of bad kings. 102 00:05:31,130 --> 00:05:36,230 They got into a lot of adultery, so they would worship foreign gods or gods that 103 00:05:36,320 --> 00:05:38,570 were images that they crafted themselves. 104 00:05:38,570 --> 00:05:40,820 And so they were unfaithful to God. 105 00:05:40,820 --> 00:05:43,790 And so God kept warning them and warning them, but they refused 106 00:05:43,790 --> 00:05:45,830 to repent and be faithful to God. 107 00:05:45,830 --> 00:05:51,260 So he allowed the Assyrian empire to come until a siege to their kingdom. 108 00:05:51,260 --> 00:05:52,970 And so this is the context. 109 00:05:53,414 --> 00:05:57,914 In which Isaiah writes this prophecy, the Northern Kingdom has been seized. 110 00:05:57,914 --> 00:06:00,914 They haven't been fully conquered yet by the Syrian empire, but 111 00:06:00,914 --> 00:06:04,065 the Southern Kingdom is in fear and also their king Ahaz. 112 00:06:04,065 --> 00:06:07,935 He's been making some poor choices and he is actually been rebelling against God. 113 00:06:08,435 --> 00:06:11,315 And so both kingdoms are in a bad spot spiritually. 114 00:06:11,375 --> 00:06:13,115 Are you with me, church? 115 00:06:13,595 --> 00:06:15,335 So again, this is really cool and important. 116 00:06:15,335 --> 00:06:19,325 When you see the context of this passage that you are very familiar with, you may 117 00:06:19,325 --> 00:06:23,915 be seeing in videos or little, you know, uh, uh, scripture postings or whatnot. 118 00:06:24,125 --> 00:06:28,145 It allows us to appreciate this prophecy, not only for them, but 119 00:06:28,145 --> 00:06:30,695 also how it applies to you and me. 120 00:06:30,905 --> 00:06:34,475 So in Isaiah chapter nine, in this time of darkness, oppression and 121 00:06:34,475 --> 00:06:37,205 hopelessness, God promises hope. 122 00:06:38,840 --> 00:06:43,730 God promises that a light is going to break into the darkness. 123 00:06:43,730 --> 00:06:45,920 Isaiah chapter nine, verse one. 124 00:06:45,920 --> 00:06:48,950 The title of the message today is Unto Us. 125 00:06:49,310 --> 00:06:50,900 Unto Us. 126 00:06:50,900 --> 00:06:53,240 Let's go to Isaiah chapter nine verse one. 127 00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:54,800 Brother and sisters, are you still with me? 128 00:06:55,610 --> 00:06:56,570 All right, let's go. 129 00:06:56,780 --> 00:06:58,250 Isaiah chapter nine, verse one. 130 00:06:58,250 --> 00:07:03,260 It says, nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. 131 00:07:03,770 --> 00:07:07,549 In the past, he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali 132 00:07:07,674 --> 00:07:11,719 or Naphtali, but in the future, he will honor Galilee of the nations. 133 00:07:11,749 --> 00:07:16,069 By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, the people walking in darkness 134 00:07:16,069 --> 00:07:19,909 has seen a great light on those living in the land of deep darkness. 135 00:07:19,969 --> 00:07:24,039 A light has dawned, in Matthew, he actually quotes this passage when 136 00:07:24,039 --> 00:07:26,409 Jesus starts his ministry in Galilee. 137 00:07:26,589 --> 00:07:29,949 So we're able to connect dots and understand that this 138 00:07:29,949 --> 00:07:32,199 prophecy applied not only. 139 00:07:32,828 --> 00:07:33,908 This prophecy. 140 00:07:33,938 --> 00:07:34,508 All right. 141 00:07:35,648 --> 00:07:36,457 That was strange. 142 00:07:36,457 --> 00:07:36,818 Wasn't that? 143 00:07:36,818 --> 00:07:37,778 That was kind of wild. 144 00:07:37,928 --> 00:07:39,518 I was like, Karina, what did you do back there? 145 00:07:39,578 --> 00:07:39,908 All right. 146 00:07:40,868 --> 00:07:43,868 This prophecy applied to Jesus in the New Testament. 147 00:07:43,868 --> 00:07:45,188 Is it still doing something? 148 00:07:45,238 --> 00:07:47,578 Sorry man, I, you know, I've been working out again. 149 00:07:47,578 --> 00:07:48,207 You know what I'm saying? 150 00:07:49,378 --> 00:07:49,918 All right. 151 00:07:51,238 --> 00:07:51,898 I really have. 152 00:07:51,898 --> 00:07:52,558 That's not a joke. 153 00:07:52,558 --> 00:07:53,758 Y'all laughing at a brother. 154 00:07:55,288 --> 00:07:56,878 Now, I haven't been doing much, you know what I'm saying? 155 00:07:56,878 --> 00:07:57,628 But I have been working out. 156 00:07:57,628 --> 00:07:58,198 All right, here we go. 157 00:07:58,707 --> 00:07:59,788 Alright, so. 158 00:08:01,273 --> 00:08:02,533 Let's continue with the verse here. 159 00:08:02,983 --> 00:08:06,643 In verse three, it says, you have enlarged the nation and increased their joy. 160 00:08:06,643 --> 00:08:08,773 They rejoice before you as a people. 161 00:08:08,863 --> 00:08:11,023 Rejoice at the harvest as warriors. 162 00:08:11,023 --> 00:08:13,333 Rejoice when dividing the plunder. 163 00:08:13,333 --> 00:08:13,633 Amen. 164 00:08:14,083 --> 00:08:17,683 For as in the day of Midian's defeat, that's a reference. 165 00:08:17,683 --> 00:08:21,643 Do you remember in the book of Judges, Gideon and God using Gideon to deliver 166 00:08:21,643 --> 00:08:23,653 his people from the Midianites? 167 00:08:23,863 --> 00:08:26,298 He says, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them. 168 00:08:27,088 --> 00:08:31,288 The bar across their shoulder, the rod of their oppressor. 169 00:08:32,068 --> 00:08:35,248 Every Warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled 170 00:08:35,248 --> 00:08:39,178 in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 171 00:08:39,388 --> 00:08:41,457 But here we go for to us. 172 00:08:41,457 --> 00:08:47,818 A child is born to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders 173 00:08:47,998 --> 00:08:50,458 and he will be called Wonderful counselor. 174 00:08:50,458 --> 00:08:55,408 Mighty God, everlasting Father, prince of Peace. 175 00:08:56,128 --> 00:09:00,598 Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. 176 00:09:00,688 --> 00:09:05,488 He will reign on Davis throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding 177 00:09:05,488 --> 00:09:07,768 it with justice and righteousness. 178 00:09:07,918 --> 00:09:12,478 From that time on and forever, the zeal of the Lord Almighty 179 00:09:12,568 --> 00:09:16,798 will accomplish this again. 180 00:09:16,798 --> 00:09:21,238 We see the people are actually in a moment of darkness, and what does God provide? 181 00:09:21,238 --> 00:09:24,913 He says There is going to be light that breaks through the darkness. 182 00:09:25,888 --> 00:09:29,068 And we know that this wasn't a promise that was just for them. 183 00:09:29,068 --> 00:09:33,358 It was a promise for all of God's people afterwards, because when the 184 00:09:33,358 --> 00:09:37,378 Messiah would come, this would be fulfilled and it would be completely 185 00:09:37,378 --> 00:09:39,868 fulfilled when the Messiah returns. 186 00:09:41,128 --> 00:09:46,798 But as prophecy reveals the power and the significance of Christmas. 187 00:09:47,593 --> 00:09:52,573 The power and the significance of the birth of Jesus, the power and the 188 00:09:52,573 --> 00:09:58,453 significance of the arrival of the king who is inaugurating his kingdom. 189 00:09:58,723 --> 00:10:00,733 So let's break this down some. 190 00:10:01,303 --> 00:10:07,063 In verse six, he says to us, A child is born, a son is given. 191 00:10:08,233 --> 00:10:12,463 This really highlights the scholarly term or a technical term. 192 00:10:12,463 --> 00:10:13,693 Any of us are familiar with it. 193 00:10:13,753 --> 00:10:14,833 The incarnation. 194 00:10:15,163 --> 00:10:18,073 And the incarnation means God in the flesh. 195 00:10:18,313 --> 00:10:24,853 And we see this in this passage that Jesus was fully human and fully divine 'cause he 196 00:10:24,853 --> 00:10:31,663 is a son that was born but yet a son that was given two things that the same time. 197 00:10:32,533 --> 00:10:36,043 And I love the way it was said this, the child was born in time 198 00:10:36,193 --> 00:10:38,743 but the son was given from eternity. 199 00:10:39,823 --> 00:10:42,463 So we get a chance to see the awe of Jesus. 200 00:10:42,523 --> 00:10:42,823 Yes. 201 00:10:42,823 --> 00:10:46,333 He was born as a human, fully taking on flesh. 202 00:10:46,423 --> 00:10:51,403 However, he was given to mankind because he already existed. 203 00:10:53,503 --> 00:10:57,763 And then it goes on and it says the government will be on his shoulders, 204 00:10:58,303 --> 00:11:03,943 a kingdom he will establish in the kingdom in which he will reign and rule. 205 00:11:04,723 --> 00:11:09,823 And then it goes on, and now it starts to give us a description of King Jesus 206 00:11:10,063 --> 00:11:15,523 and gives us titles and names in which he can be referred to as, but really more 207 00:11:15,553 --> 00:11:21,163 describing his character and his actions. 208 00:11:21,643 --> 00:11:26,443 And we will see how that applies to us today as citizens in. 209 00:11:27,043 --> 00:11:28,813 Jesus's kingdom. 210 00:11:29,173 --> 00:11:34,123 And so we start off here where he says he will be called, wonderful counselor. 211 00:11:35,083 --> 00:11:35,773 Wonderful. 212 00:11:36,403 --> 00:11:37,963 Another word is extraordinary. 213 00:11:37,963 --> 00:11:41,113 It's the closest, this Hebrew word, the closest word to what you get, 214 00:11:41,173 --> 00:11:43,333 uh, what we would call supernatural. 215 00:11:43,633 --> 00:11:47,323 And so it's saying that this counselor will be at supernatural 216 00:11:47,323 --> 00:11:50,923 wisdom, a divine wisdom. 217 00:11:51,313 --> 00:11:56,083 And so we see in Jesus that God's wisdom is revealed and seen. 218 00:11:56,458 --> 00:12:05,668 In Jesus and because Jesus came, that wisdom is now available to us. 219 00:12:07,438 --> 00:12:11,278 Jesus is the wonderful counselor to us. 220 00:12:11,338 --> 00:12:13,468 I don't know about you, but I need some good counseling in 221 00:12:13,468 --> 00:12:17,163 my life and I don't want this average Joe counselor in my life. 222 00:12:18,343 --> 00:12:22,153 But we have Jesus who has come and he is the wonderful, the 223 00:12:22,153 --> 00:12:27,283 supernatural, the extraordinary counselor for those who would be 224 00:12:27,403 --> 00:12:31,243 his royal subjects in his kingdom. 225 00:12:32,203 --> 00:12:34,033 He is a counselor for our life. 226 00:12:34,333 --> 00:12:40,273 When we are uncertain, overwhelmed, don't know which way to turn, we seek direction. 227 00:12:40,273 --> 00:12:43,033 And counsel from the King of King. 228 00:12:43,993 --> 00:12:49,303 So Christmas means we are never alone in our uncertainty. 229 00:12:49,603 --> 00:12:50,623 Karina's gonna share something 230 00:12:51,221 --> 00:12:55,031 Karina Hall: So I think when I think of Jesus as a wonderful 231 00:12:55,031 --> 00:12:59,561 counselor, I think about wisdom, uh, having wisdom in my life. 232 00:12:59,561 --> 00:13:00,881 I think about leadership. 233 00:13:01,256 --> 00:13:07,436 And I think about guidance and when I know, uh, what I'm supposed to do, when 234 00:13:07,436 --> 00:13:16,556 I have, um, when I feel like I have the answers, uh, I feel confident, I 235 00:13:16,556 --> 00:13:19,466 feel comfortable, and I feel at peace. 236 00:13:19,706 --> 00:13:24,026 It's a little bit like being a student for those who are students 237 00:13:24,236 --> 00:13:25,346 and the teacher calls on you. 238 00:13:25,976 --> 00:13:32,696 And you know the right answer, you know, you, you feel a sense of peace and a 239 00:13:32,696 --> 00:13:34,586 sense of confidence to say the answer. 240 00:13:34,586 --> 00:13:39,506 And that's what it's like to have a wonderful counselor by my side, is that 241 00:13:39,506 --> 00:13:46,773 I can, , let worry and fear disappear and decrease and let confidence, and peace 242 00:13:46,833 --> 00:13:49,623 increase, , because that is who Jesus is. 243 00:13:49,623 --> 00:13:52,203 And so I can walk in confidence. 244 00:13:52,303 --> 00:13:54,193 . Marcel Hall: Next up it says, mighty God. 245 00:13:55,033 --> 00:14:01,093 Being powerful and divine God's power to deliver spiritually and physically 246 00:14:01,453 --> 00:14:04,663 was encased in the body of Jesus. 247 00:14:05,028 --> 00:14:05,248 His 248 00:14:07,633 --> 00:14:13,363 power, the divine's power was encased in the body of Jesus. 249 00:14:13,363 --> 00:14:14,593 I don't know about you, but that's crazy. 250 00:14:15,463 --> 00:14:16,333 That's incredible. 251 00:14:16,333 --> 00:14:20,173 I wish I could have been here and touched Jesus's flesh and said, whoa, 252 00:14:20,203 --> 00:14:23,983 I touched the power of the living God. 253 00:14:25,603 --> 00:14:26,863 He is mighty. 254 00:14:27,193 --> 00:14:31,303 And, and again, Isaiah, he actually says in another prophecy, he says he's gonna 255 00:14:31,303 --> 00:14:34,993 be called the Emmanuel God with us. 256 00:14:35,113 --> 00:14:39,583 And so because Jesus came in the flesh, that power is not distant. 257 00:14:39,853 --> 00:14:41,383 It is near. 258 00:14:42,298 --> 00:14:47,668 Jesus is the strength that we need when we are weak and need help. 259 00:14:47,938 --> 00:14:51,628 Jesus is there to empower us to overcome. 260 00:14:52,678 --> 00:14:57,958 Christmas reminds us that God's power is not far, but it's close, 261 00:14:58,348 --> 00:15:01,108 and that's God's power will deliver. 262 00:15:02,317 --> 00:15:06,202 Karina Hall: Jesus as a mighty God for me calls me to humility. 263 00:15:07,117 --> 00:15:11,257 Because it means that I am not in control. 264 00:15:11,617 --> 00:15:16,027 I don't have all the answers, and that's okay. 265 00:15:16,027 --> 00:15:19,057 That's good because Jesus does. 266 00:15:19,117 --> 00:15:25,927 And when I think about Jesus as a mighty God, it, I don't, um, 267 00:15:26,197 --> 00:15:29,167 I don't have to do everything. 268 00:15:29,167 --> 00:15:30,277 I don't have to. 269 00:15:31,387 --> 00:15:32,527 Know everything. 270 00:15:32,557 --> 00:15:35,707 It, I, I can surrender to Jesus. 271 00:15:35,707 --> 00:15:41,017 I can surrender to his leadership and his wisdom and his power, as opposed to trying 272 00:15:41,017 --> 00:15:45,877 to do things on my own, as opposed to thinking that what my way is the best way. 273 00:15:45,877 --> 00:15:49,837 I, you know, when things are around me, out of my control, 274 00:15:49,837 --> 00:15:52,357 it's okay because I am not God. 275 00:15:52,807 --> 00:15:56,947 And I think that is what it reminds me when I think about Jesus as. 276 00:15:57,502 --> 00:15:59,872 Uh, mighty God is that I have to be humble. 277 00:15:59,872 --> 00:16:03,562 I have to surrender to Jesus's Lordship 278 00:16:04,578 --> 00:16:05,208 Marcel Hall: Goes on. 279 00:16:05,208 --> 00:16:07,488 He says He is everlasting father. 280 00:16:08,448 --> 00:16:14,178 It means Jesus' protector, provider, and faithful as a parent to their children. 281 00:16:14,658 --> 00:16:20,448 You know, God's provision, protection, and faithfulness is embodied in Jesus. 282 00:16:20,538 --> 00:16:23,748 The eternal God has made himself eternally accessible. 283 00:16:26,313 --> 00:16:31,683 God's love is no longer mysterious, but is made visible in Christ. 284 00:16:32,163 --> 00:16:36,753 And so Jesus is our everlasting protector and provider. 285 00:16:37,443 --> 00:16:41,883 Not temporary, not just for the moments, but always present, never 286 00:16:41,883 --> 00:16:46,953 ending, protecting, and providing what we need in every area of our 287 00:16:46,953 --> 00:16:49,713 lives and in all aspects of our lives. 288 00:16:49,713 --> 00:16:54,693 Whether the good or the hard in challenging times. 289 00:16:55,113 --> 00:16:58,653 When we need comfort, when we feel vulnerable or afraid, 290 00:16:58,953 --> 00:17:02,643 God's care is present. 291 00:17:03,573 --> 00:17:09,573 So Christmas assures us that we are looked after. 292 00:17:09,724 --> 00:17:14,135 Karina Hall: This is probably, my favorite I name for Jesus is to think 293 00:17:14,135 --> 00:17:16,085 about him as an everlasting father. 294 00:17:16,325 --> 00:17:22,255 I think about, . Him in the gospels when he talks about longing to , gather God's 295 00:17:22,255 --> 00:17:24,744 people, like a hen gathers his chicks. 296 00:17:25,105 --> 00:17:29,125 And that is the idea that I get as an everlasting father. 297 00:17:29,155 --> 00:17:29,995 That's who Jesus is. 298 00:17:29,995 --> 00:17:32,155 He wants to gather as close to him. 299 00:17:32,155 --> 00:17:36,055 And so he's not just this provider, he is this provider, but he's 300 00:17:36,055 --> 00:17:40,515 also this nurturer, he nurtures me as a parent does their child. 301 00:17:40,605 --> 00:17:43,765 And I also, I've been reading Galatians and. 302 00:17:44,395 --> 00:17:50,155 In Galatians three, it talks about how he was sent to specifically, uh, 303 00:17:50,215 --> 00:17:55,615 make us his God's children so that we could be adopted as God's child. 304 00:17:56,155 --> 00:18:00,685 And the idea of a parents sacrifice, parents sacrifice 305 00:18:00,685 --> 00:18:01,975 so much for their kids, right? 306 00:18:01,975 --> 00:18:06,505 I would gladly take the pain of any of my children and take 307 00:18:06,505 --> 00:18:09,235 it upon myself if it means that they don't have to experience it. 308 00:18:09,925 --> 00:18:11,785 And that's who Jesus is for us. 309 00:18:11,785 --> 00:18:13,225 He wants to nurture us. 310 00:18:13,495 --> 00:18:16,195 He wants to make those sacrifices. 311 00:18:16,195 --> 00:18:21,775 He's willing to leave heaven so that we could have a chance to be 312 00:18:21,805 --> 00:18:25,465 co-heirs with Christ so that we could have a chance to have eternal life. 313 00:18:25,795 --> 00:18:32,695 And it's not, um, it gives me a sense of security to have this type of father that, 314 00:18:32,785 --> 00:18:34,975 you know, I'm, I'm safe, I'm protected. 315 00:18:34,975 --> 00:18:35,935 I'm, I'm good. 316 00:18:36,325 --> 00:18:38,905 And also it gives me a joy. 317 00:18:38,935 --> 00:18:42,835 You know, you think, you think about when, uh, a child is with their parents. 318 00:18:42,835 --> 00:18:44,575 They're, they're joyful. 319 00:18:44,575 --> 00:18:47,365 They're happy to have to be with their parent. 320 00:18:47,365 --> 00:18:53,905 And I think that's who, that's who I can be when I have Jesus as my father. 321 00:18:54,055 --> 00:18:55,465 I can be joyful. 322 00:18:55,465 --> 00:18:59,935 I can be happy and at peace and secure in my relationship with him. 323 00:19:00,504 --> 00:19:03,474 Marcel Hall: And it goes on and says he's the prince of peace. 324 00:19:04,539 --> 00:19:09,939 The royalty who makes us whole calms our hearts and restores our 325 00:19:09,939 --> 00:19:12,579 brokenness as citizens in his kingdom. 326 00:19:12,909 --> 00:19:16,629 And because Jesus came, peace didn't remain a promise. 327 00:19:16,899 --> 00:19:19,119 It entered the world. 328 00:19:19,929 --> 00:19:24,669 That peace then can enter our hearts. 329 00:19:25,119 --> 00:19:28,299 Jesus is the peace that you and I need. 330 00:19:28,659 --> 00:19:35,019 When we are anxious, afraid, overwhelmed, stressed, the presence of Jesus 331 00:19:35,019 --> 00:19:39,849 brings a divine peace to our souls. 332 00:19:40,389 --> 00:19:46,899 So Christmas reminds us that the ultimate peace is found in God. 333 00:19:47,406 --> 00:19:50,166 Karina Hall: When I think about Jesus as the prince of peace, I also 334 00:19:50,166 --> 00:19:56,136 think about the, in verse five, uh, where it says, every Warrior's boot 335 00:19:56,316 --> 00:19:59,976 used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for 336 00:19:59,976 --> 00:20:02,526 burning, will be fueled for the fire. 337 00:20:02,646 --> 00:20:06,996 And this idea that Jesus, there's no war with Jesus. 338 00:20:06,996 --> 00:20:09,816 Like there's, there's no hatred, no bitterness. 339 00:20:09,816 --> 00:20:16,476 He really comes to bring peace, a, a, a peace that is in our hearts and. 340 00:20:16,731 --> 00:20:19,581 It can be in our lives and in our relationships. 341 00:20:19,851 --> 00:20:20,841 That's who he is. 342 00:20:20,841 --> 00:20:23,391 He doesn't want there to be hatred. 343 00:20:23,391 --> 00:20:25,191 He doesn't want there to be fighting. 344 00:20:25,191 --> 00:20:27,741 He wants to bring us together. 345 00:20:28,041 --> 00:20:29,781 Um, it with Jesus. 346 00:20:29,781 --> 00:20:33,921 There is no Jew or gentile slave or free male or female. 347 00:20:34,011 --> 00:20:35,751 We're all wanting Christ. 348 00:20:35,871 --> 00:20:40,641 And that's the kind of, um, that's why he made the sacrifice 349 00:20:40,641 --> 00:20:42,381 so that we could have peace. 350 00:20:43,011 --> 00:20:47,901 Uh, he wants us to get rid of the bitterness and the hatred, and even 351 00:20:47,901 --> 00:20:50,721 the war that takes place in my soul. 352 00:20:50,751 --> 00:20:53,741 I can't control the war that takes place , in the world. 353 00:20:53,741 --> 00:20:58,871 But I can take comfort in knowing that he gives me peace in my heart 354 00:20:58,871 --> 00:21:01,361 and that there doesn't have to be war. 355 00:21:01,661 --> 00:21:06,521 And so when I think about all these qualities of Jesus, all that He means 356 00:21:06,731 --> 00:21:11,411 in my life, and that he can give me confidence, that he can give me 357 00:21:11,411 --> 00:21:18,821 peace, that He can give me humility and joy, I also can feel a little 358 00:21:18,821 --> 00:21:24,041 insecure because I don't always a hundred percent feel that every day. 359 00:21:24,741 --> 00:21:29,871 I do have times where I'm anxious or I worry, or where I do struggle. 360 00:21:29,931 --> 00:21:34,581 To get rid of bitterness or whatever it is that, that, maybe I'm battling. 361 00:21:34,731 --> 00:21:40,641 But I know that because Jesus is a wonderful counselor, he is a mighty 362 00:21:40,641 --> 00:21:42,561 God, he is an everlasting father. 363 00:21:42,561 --> 00:21:48,501 He is a prince of peace, He's still those things even when I don't feel that. 364 00:21:49,101 --> 00:21:54,591 Even when I don't, I don't, uh, feel his presence in my life. 365 00:21:54,651 --> 00:21:56,751 That doesn't change who Jesus is. 366 00:21:56,961 --> 00:21:58,881 It doesn't change that he is. 367 00:21:58,896 --> 00:22:04,446 Still those things and those, um, and that he's accessible to me and that's something 368 00:22:04,446 --> 00:22:08,976 that is also really comforting that he doesn't change or give up on me, but that 369 00:22:09,066 --> 00:22:11,706 he will still be my wonderful counselor. 370 00:22:11,706 --> 00:22:15,606 He will still be my mighty God, my everlasting father and my prince of peace. 371 00:22:16,281 --> 00:22:17,751 When I'm ready and when I'm there. 372 00:22:17,968 --> 00:22:18,598 Marcel Hall: Amen. 373 00:22:18,598 --> 00:22:19,258 Amen. 374 00:22:19,678 --> 00:22:20,308 Awesome. 375 00:22:20,698 --> 00:22:21,618 Thank you, Karina. 376 00:22:23,428 --> 00:22:24,298 We continue. 377 00:22:24,598 --> 00:22:27,238 In verse seven, it says, of the greatness of his government and 378 00:22:27,238 --> 00:22:28,918 peace, there will be no end. 379 00:22:29,458 --> 00:22:30,778 His kingdom is eternal. 380 00:22:31,138 --> 00:22:36,713 That means that citizens in God's kingdom, we have eternal life with the king. 381 00:22:38,038 --> 00:22:44,848 Eternal life with the king, and it goes on in talking about El David's throne. 382 00:22:45,028 --> 00:22:48,988 Uh, he will rule over, establish, and hold it with justice and righteousness. 383 00:22:49,138 --> 00:22:54,328 This kingdom is not of military might but of righteousness and holiness, 384 00:22:54,388 --> 00:22:58,348 meaning it will be a kingdom that is filled with godliness and judgment 385 00:22:58,528 --> 00:23:01,378 and godly and holiness and behavior. 386 00:23:01,888 --> 00:23:05,248 And so that means that all of us as citizens in God's kingdom, we need 387 00:23:05,248 --> 00:23:07,558 to have godly and holy judgements. 388 00:23:07,918 --> 00:23:12,568 We need to have godly and holy behavior because that's the kingdom in which we. 389 00:23:12,883 --> 00:23:16,573 Get a chance to be in, not just for the now, but for all 390 00:23:16,633 --> 00:23:19,333 of eternity, and I love this. 391 00:23:19,333 --> 00:23:22,543 It says, the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this. 392 00:23:22,843 --> 00:23:25,363 God's passion for his creation. 393 00:23:25,783 --> 00:23:29,263 It says the zeal of the Lord, not the reluctance of God. 394 00:23:29,353 --> 00:23:31,393 I guess I gotta do this for the people. 395 00:23:31,513 --> 00:23:37,243 No, I want to do this and I'm gonna get over any hurdle that evil throws 396 00:23:37,243 --> 00:23:40,703 in my way, that prevents my people from knowing how much I love them. 397 00:23:40,993 --> 00:23:47,773 Yeah, the zeal of the Lord, the passion, the fire, that's what's in within God, 398 00:23:47,983 --> 00:23:55,933 made sure that Christmas happened so that we can live in the reality of Christmas. 399 00:23:57,313 --> 00:24:03,043 And so God zeal brought the birth of Jesus and it brought the arrival of the 400 00:24:03,043 --> 00:24:06,313 King, and because of King Jesus came. 401 00:24:07,063 --> 00:24:08,053 In the flesh. 402 00:24:08,113 --> 00:24:11,833 And because he still reigns today, this is not past reigning. 403 00:24:12,013 --> 00:24:13,513 This is a current reign. 404 00:24:14,353 --> 00:24:16,453 That means his wisdom guides us. 405 00:24:16,813 --> 00:24:25,063 His strength sustains us, his care surrounds us, and his peace steadies us. 406 00:24:26,293 --> 00:24:31,183 And so this Christmas is a time and an opportunity in which we are 407 00:24:31,183 --> 00:24:34,993 invited to stop, to look, to reflect. 408 00:24:35,878 --> 00:24:42,088 And to wonder, and I wanna present this to you, and here's the question. 409 00:24:42,088 --> 00:24:46,888 I believe for today and for this week, which name of Jesus do you 410 00:24:46,888 --> 00:24:49,348 need to receive this Christmas 411 00:24:52,378 --> 00:24:53,038 counselor? 412 00:24:54,208 --> 00:24:57,388 If you are uncertain, mighty God. 413 00:24:58,108 --> 00:25:00,868 If you're weary, everlasting. 414 00:25:00,868 --> 00:25:03,478 Father, if you need comfort. 415 00:25:04,438 --> 00:25:05,998 Or Prince of Be peace. 416 00:25:06,568 --> 00:25:14,188 If you're anxious, reflect on it this week and ask Jesus for it. 417 00:25:15,178 --> 00:25:19,828 Lord, help me experience this, not just to know it, not just to agree 418 00:25:19,828 --> 00:25:23,308 with it, but to experience it today. 419 00:25:25,348 --> 00:25:27,778 Christmas is not just a story we remember. 420 00:25:28,288 --> 00:25:31,353 It's a reality we get a chance to live in. 421 00:25:32,368 --> 00:25:39,268 The king has come and he is exactly who we need right now. 422 00:25:39,268 --> 00:25:40,528 We're gonna take communion. 423 00:25:41,008 --> 00:25:41,698 Communion. 424 00:25:41,908 --> 00:25:46,588 We have the emblems that represent Jesus' sacrifice with his blood and his body that 425 00:25:46,588 --> 00:25:52,228 was given so that again, we could have a relationship for eternity with the father. 426 00:25:52,888 --> 00:25:57,478 Isaiah tells us that a child is born and a son is given. 427 00:25:58,078 --> 00:26:00,433 Communion reminds us that the son who was given. 428 00:26:01,318 --> 00:26:04,858 Gave himself fully for us. 429 00:26:05,128 --> 00:26:07,528 Hebrews chapter two, verse 17. 430 00:26:07,888 --> 00:26:14,998 It says, for this reason, he talking about Jesus had to be made like them fully human 431 00:26:14,998 --> 00:26:20,428 in every way in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in 432 00:26:20,428 --> 00:26:27,448 service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 433 00:26:28,198 --> 00:26:33,718 Jesus took on flesh so that he could give us life through the cross, and 434 00:26:33,718 --> 00:26:36,598 Christmas made the cross possible. 435 00:26:36,688 --> 00:26:37,228 Let's pray. 436 00:26:37,858 --> 00:26:44,278 Father, thank you again for Jesus and the Christmas reality in which we get 437 00:26:44,278 --> 00:26:49,528 a chance to live in Father without the Christmas reality and experience. 438 00:26:49,678 --> 00:26:53,218 Father, there is no life, death and resurrection. 439 00:26:53,698 --> 00:26:58,078 So we praise you for your zeal to accomplish what you said. 440 00:26:58,078 --> 00:27:01,948 You would father, that you would've, a son that would be born and that 441 00:27:01,948 --> 00:27:06,388 would be given so that your kingdom would reign for all eternity. 442 00:27:06,388 --> 00:27:10,138 And thank you that we have that opportunity through your son Jesus. 443 00:27:10,378 --> 00:27:15,508 Father, I pray that as we reflect today in this week, that we will receive 444 00:27:15,508 --> 00:27:21,958 you as either wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father. 445 00:27:22,693 --> 00:27:27,343 Or Prince of Peace, may we receive that today, and thank you for the cross 446 00:27:27,553 --> 00:27:31,843 that allows us to have that confidence and assurance that it is not only 447 00:27:31,843 --> 00:27:37,963 possible, but it is accessible when we ask and receive in Jesus' name. 448 00:27:38,473 --> 00:27:38,893 Amen.