Freedom from the Curse
Series: WHY DO WE STILL NEED CHRISTMAS?
Speaker: James Barnett
Date: 30th November 2019
Passage: Genesis 3:1-24
00:00:00 --> 00:00:08 Do we still need Christmas? There are so many good things about Christmas,
00:00:08 --> 00:00:15 but they often bring out problems too. As a couple of people on the video said,
00:00:16 --> 00:00:22 it's such a great time to give gifts. And I love giving gifts to my kids, but the flip side of that
00:00:22 --> 00:00:29 is I see their struggle thinking this season is all about getting presents. And they struggle
00:00:29 --> 00:00:34 and wrestle with selfishness. Another person said on the video how much they love celebrating
00:00:34 --> 00:00:40 Christmas with family. And I love celebrating Christmas with family, but there is always pain
00:00:40 --> 00:00:46 with those who are not there. And family gatherings can be such a breeding ground for conflict
00:00:46 --> 00:00:54 and division. Old hurts rising to the surface. Even just yesterday, we were setting up our Christmas
00:00:54 --> 00:01:01 tree, put the decorations up, and it was all looking pretty good so far. I know it's Christmas
00:01:01 --> 00:01:06 when our Christmas-themed coffee mugs come out, so I had a really big one this morning. But even
00:01:06 --> 00:01:14 yesterday, conflict over who got to put the star on the top of the tree. What should be a good thing
00:01:14 --> 00:01:19 can bring out pain and conflict. And right now, at this point, on the 1st of December,
00:01:19 --> 00:01:27 I don't hate Christmas carols. But I can imagine when it's the 24th of December, and I've just
00:01:27 --> 00:01:32 started my Christmas shopping, it's going to be a little different. I've been hunting around in 30
00:01:32 --> 00:01:39 different shops looking for a very specific robot dinosaur for one of my children. And I finally
00:01:39 --> 00:01:46 found it, and I'm standing in the line at the checkout, and it's 40 minutes deep. And I'm just hearing
00:01:46 --> 00:01:54 those same Christmas songs on loop. And it's grating. And it brings outrage at those songs,
00:01:54 --> 00:02:01 and impatience and anger towards everyone else. This season of Christmas has so much promise.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:09 We have this hope that Christmas will be a wonderful time, but it can also bring out the
00:02:09 --> 00:02:15 worst in us. Would it just be better if we cancelled Christmas, save some money, save some pain?
00:02:15 --> 00:02:23 Why do we still need Christmas? That is the question that we are seeking to answer all throughout
00:02:23 --> 00:02:29 December. And as we seek to answer this, we're going to be looking at a couple parts of the Old
00:02:29 --> 00:02:35 Testament, the prophecies that are pointing to Jesus' coming. And then we're going to have a look
00:02:35 --> 00:02:42 at the story of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke. But today, we're starting in Genesis 3. We're going
00:02:42 --> 00:02:50 back to the root of all of our problems. And this also points to how our problems are fixed at Christmas.
00:02:51 --> 00:02:54 So, to understand Christmas, we're going to go back to the very start of the Bible,
00:02:55 --> 00:03:00 to the start of when the whole world was made. So please have your Bibles open at Genesis 3.
00:03:01 --> 00:03:09 Genesis 1 and 2 tells us the story in Hebrew poetry of how God made the universe,
00:03:09 --> 00:03:18 how he made earth and us humans in God's image. And then Genesis 3 shows this all fall apart.
00:03:19 --> 00:03:25 God made men and women and they were united and they had no shame. They followed God with no fear.
00:03:26 --> 00:03:31 And then the serpent, the deceiver, comes and questions Adam and Eve. Have a look with me at
00:03:31 --> 00:03:32 Genesis 3, verse 1.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:39 Now, the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:46 He said to the woman, did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?
00:03:47 --> 00:03:52 The woman said to the serpent, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say
00:03:52 --> 00:03:57 you must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden and you must not touch it
00:03:57 --> 00:04:06 or you will die. Adam and Eve who were united, Adam likely nearby, are about to be divided.
00:04:07 --> 00:04:13 Eve twists God's word and she remembers it incorrectly. God didn't actually command that
00:04:13 --> 00:04:19 they weren't allowed to touch the tree. And the serpent suggests an alternate gospel.
00:04:19 --> 00:04:27 A good news, not based on obeying God in his love, but one that would make them like God through
00:04:27 --> 00:04:28 disobedience. Verse 4.
00:04:29 --> 00:04:34 You will not certainly die, the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat from it,
00:04:35 --> 00:04:39 your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.
00:04:40 --> 00:04:47 You can be like God, not by following God and obeying him, but by disobeying him.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:54 On the back of the handouts, when we came in, you can read about what the gospel is, the good news is,
00:04:54 --> 00:05:02 but here, Satan is suggesting his own version of the good news. Disobeying God to become like him.
00:05:02 --> 00:05:11 And so Adam and Eve, they both disobey God and in an instant, the perfect garden is destroyed.
00:05:11 --> 00:05:17 The garden where husband and wife were perfectly united, that's destroyed. They're no longer united.
00:05:18 --> 00:05:24 Our God is no longer obeyed as the perfect and generous God. Work is no longer a good gift.
00:05:25 --> 00:05:32 A small, weak moment of disobedience causes thousands of years of devastation and destruction.
00:05:33 --> 00:05:34 Verse 7.
00:05:34 --> 00:05:42 Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realized they were naked, so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
00:05:43 --> 00:05:47 They were united and comfortable, naked in the presence of each other.
00:05:48 --> 00:05:54 Naked in both the literal sense and in the sense that they were completely open and knowable to the other person.
00:05:54 --> 00:06:04 But immediately after they have sinned, they are aware of the nakedness between each other and they seek to hide their shame.
00:06:04 --> 00:06:05 They make coverings.
00:06:06 --> 00:06:08 Their marriage is broken.
00:06:08 --> 00:06:10 They can't stand the sight of each other.
00:06:11 --> 00:06:14 They can't be vulnerable and open with each other.
00:06:15 --> 00:06:19 In this moment, not only is their perfect relationship destroyed,
00:06:19 --> 00:06:21 so too with God.
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 No longer close and obedient to their God.
00:06:25 --> 00:06:28 Now they see God as a tyrant to be feared.
00:06:29 --> 00:06:34 They run and hide behind a tree, which was supposed to be beautiful and fruitful for them.
00:06:34 --> 00:06:38 But now they are hiding behind a good gift from God.
00:06:38 --> 00:06:39 And God comes calling to them.
00:06:41 --> 00:06:43 And only selfishness is seen.
00:06:44 --> 00:06:44 Verse 9.
00:06:46 --> 00:06:47 The Lord God called to the man,
00:06:48 --> 00:06:48 Where are you?
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 He answered,
00:06:51 --> 00:06:52 I heard you in the garden,
00:06:52 --> 00:06:54 And I was afraid because I was naked,
00:06:54 --> 00:06:55 So I hid.
00:06:56 --> 00:06:58 I heard.
00:06:58 --> 00:06:59 I was afraid.
00:07:00 --> 00:07:01 I was naked.
00:07:01 --> 00:07:02 I hid.
00:07:04 --> 00:07:08 Adam plunges himself into selfishness.
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 Revealing the heart of his problem.
00:07:11 --> 00:07:12 His disobedience.
00:07:13 --> 00:07:16 Causing him to feel shame at his nakedness.
00:07:16 --> 00:07:19 And so God, knowing what's happened, asks,
00:07:19 --> 00:07:21 Oh, how did you know you were naked?
00:07:23 --> 00:07:30 And Adam's selfishness and desire to protect himself makes him blame Eve and God in the one breath.
00:07:30 --> 00:07:31 Verse 12.
00:07:31 --> 00:07:33 The man said,
00:07:34 --> 00:07:35 The woman you put me here with,
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 She gave me some fruit from the tree,
00:07:38 --> 00:07:39 And I ate it.
00:07:40 --> 00:07:43 Now I think this is a lot to do for Adam in one breath.
00:07:43 --> 00:07:47 He blames both God and the woman in one go.
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 The woman you put here with me.
00:07:51 --> 00:07:54 God, this is your fault and it's her fault.
00:07:54 --> 00:07:58 And he shifts the blame to somebody else out of fear to protect himself.
00:07:59 --> 00:08:01 The woman, Eve, does the same thing in verse 13.
00:08:02 --> 00:08:03 Then the Lord God said to the woman,
00:08:03 --> 00:08:05 What is this you have done?
00:08:05 --> 00:08:06 The woman said,
00:08:06 --> 00:08:09 The serpent deceived me and I ate.
00:08:10 --> 00:08:12 Again, she shifts the blame.
00:08:12 --> 00:08:13 She doesn't admit fault.
00:08:14 --> 00:08:17 Can you imagine how God would have felt in this moment?
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 I've given you this good gift.
00:08:20 --> 00:08:23 And now you three, the serpent, Adam and Eve,
00:08:23 --> 00:08:26 Now you are fighting and blaming each other.
00:08:27 --> 00:08:28 I've given you everything.
00:08:29 --> 00:08:31 And this is how you respond?
00:08:32 --> 00:08:36 God can't let this act of disobedience go on punishment.
00:08:37 --> 00:08:40 And so he curses the snake and sets consequences for Adam and Eve.
00:08:40 --> 00:08:41 Verse 14.
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 So the Lord God said to the serpent,
00:08:45 --> 00:08:46 Because you have done this,
00:08:47 --> 00:08:49 Cursed are you above all livestock,
00:08:50 --> 00:08:51 And all wild animals.
00:08:51 --> 00:08:52 You will crawl on your belly,
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 And you'll eat dust all the days of your life.
00:08:55 --> 00:08:55 Down to verse 16.
00:08:56 --> 00:08:56 To the woman he said,
00:08:57 --> 00:08:59 I'll make your pains in childbearing very severe.
00:09:00 --> 00:09:02 With painful labor you will give birth to children.
00:09:02 --> 00:09:04 Your desire will be for your husband,
00:09:04 --> 00:09:05 And he will rule over you.
00:09:06 --> 00:09:07 To Adam,
00:09:07 --> 00:09:09 Cursed is the ground because of you,
00:09:09 --> 00:09:10 Though through painful toil,
00:09:11 --> 00:09:14 You will eat food from it all the days of your life.
00:09:15 --> 00:09:18 The united and perfect relationship is no more.
00:09:18 --> 00:09:20 This man and this woman,
00:09:20 --> 00:09:21 They were created equal,
00:09:22 --> 00:09:26 But now she will long for her husband's position of authority.
00:09:27 --> 00:09:28 And because man is now sinful,
00:09:28 --> 00:09:32 He will abuse and exploit his position of authority.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 These two who were created to be one flesh,
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 And now tearing each other apart.
00:09:39 --> 00:09:41 Those who had no shame before each other,
00:09:42 --> 00:09:45 They can't stand the sight of each other.
00:09:45 --> 00:09:49 They're both selfishly protecting themselves,
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 And blaming others for their actions.
00:09:52 --> 00:09:54 Work that God had given them,
00:09:54 --> 00:09:55 As a good gift is now toil.
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 Man who had come from the dust,
00:09:58 --> 00:09:59 Is going to toil in the dust,
00:09:59 --> 00:10:00 Till he goes back to the dust.
00:10:02 --> 00:10:05 Instead of finding fulfillment in God,
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 Together they've chased other things,
00:10:08 --> 00:10:10 Trying to rule over each other,
00:10:10 --> 00:10:12 And it is a mess.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 Work is damaged,
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 Relationship with each other is damaged,
00:10:16 --> 00:10:18 Relationship with God is damaged.
00:10:19 --> 00:10:21 The consequences of this moment,
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 Just ripple throughout human history.
00:10:24 --> 00:10:27 People chasing knowledge and power for themselves,
00:10:27 --> 00:10:29 Not taking responsibility,
00:10:29 --> 00:10:30 But shifting blame,
00:10:30 --> 00:10:33 Fear leading to damaging people,
00:10:33 --> 00:10:34 That are the closest to you,
00:10:35 --> 00:10:36 Power plays,
00:10:36 --> 00:10:38 This is every drama,
00:10:38 --> 00:10:39 In movie and TV.
00:10:40 --> 00:10:41 But it's also the drama,
00:10:41 --> 00:10:43 Of our lives.
00:10:44 --> 00:10:45 We relate to each other,
00:10:46 --> 00:10:48 From places of sinful fear,
00:10:48 --> 00:10:49 And anxiety,
00:10:49 --> 00:10:52 Causing us to defend ourselves,
00:10:52 --> 00:10:53 And not admit fault.
00:10:54 --> 00:10:57 Not secure in the unending love,
00:10:57 --> 00:10:58 Of God as his children,
00:10:58 --> 00:10:59 We're tempted by more,
00:11:00 --> 00:11:02 And when we're caught out,
00:11:02 --> 00:11:03 We shift blame,
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 We care about only ourself.
00:11:05 --> 00:11:07 It causes problems,
00:11:07 --> 00:11:09 At Christmas,
00:11:10 --> 00:11:12 Because our desires,
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 Are so often clear,
00:11:13 --> 00:11:14 At Christmas time.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:17 You just think of the kid,
00:11:17 --> 00:11:18 Who opens the present,
00:11:18 --> 00:11:19 On Christmas morning,
00:11:19 --> 00:11:20 And it's not the right colour,
00:11:21 --> 00:11:22 They will tell you,
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 I wanted the purple one,
00:11:25 --> 00:11:26 Not the pink one.
00:11:28 --> 00:11:30 The heart is so clear.
00:11:30 --> 00:11:32 We,
00:11:33 --> 00:11:34 On the other side,
00:11:34 --> 00:11:35 We want someone to,
00:11:35 --> 00:11:36 We give them a gift,
00:11:36 --> 00:11:37 And we want to see,
00:11:37 --> 00:11:38 How joyful,
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 And how much gratitude,
00:11:40 --> 00:11:40 They have.
00:11:41 --> 00:11:41 And so we have,
00:11:41 --> 00:11:42 A sinful response as well.
00:11:43 --> 00:11:43 How come you're not,
00:11:44 --> 00:11:44 More thankful?
00:11:45 --> 00:11:46 I spent $15,
00:11:46 --> 00:11:46 On that present.
00:11:48 --> 00:11:49 We want our family,
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 To be happy.
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 These are good desires,
00:11:52 --> 00:11:53 To have.
00:11:53 --> 00:11:54 But so often,
00:11:54 --> 00:11:55 Our good desires,
00:11:56 --> 00:11:56 Especially at Christmas,
00:11:56 --> 00:11:59 Get expressed selfishly.
00:12:00 --> 00:12:02 So what do we do?
00:12:02 --> 00:12:03 Christmas is,
00:12:03 --> 00:12:06 Only 24 sleeps away.
00:12:09 --> 00:12:10 Should we just get,
00:12:10 --> 00:12:11 Rid of Christmas?
00:12:12 --> 00:12:13 How does God,
00:12:13 --> 00:12:14 Speak into this season,
00:12:14 --> 00:12:16 And guide us through it?
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 Well let's see,
00:12:18 --> 00:12:19 What God's solution is,
00:12:19 --> 00:12:21 To this issue of selfishness,
00:12:21 --> 00:12:22 And disobedience,
00:12:22 --> 00:12:23 And blame shifting.
00:12:24 --> 00:12:25 He's going to cover,
00:12:25 --> 00:12:27 Over their shame,
00:12:27 --> 00:12:28 And promise a solution.
00:12:30 --> 00:12:31 It seems that,
00:12:31 --> 00:12:32 A terrible wedge,
00:12:32 --> 00:12:33 Would have been driven,
00:12:33 --> 00:12:34 Between God,
00:12:34 --> 00:12:35 And his people at this point.
00:12:35 --> 00:12:36 But God is still,
00:12:36 --> 00:12:38 Amazingly compassionate,
00:12:38 --> 00:12:39 And loving,
00:12:39 --> 00:12:40 And caring.
00:12:40 --> 00:12:41 He is still a,
00:12:41 --> 00:12:42 Compassionate creator God.
00:12:43 --> 00:12:43 Verse 21,
00:12:44 --> 00:12:45 The Lord God,
00:12:45 --> 00:12:47 Made garments of skin,
00:12:47 --> 00:12:47 For Adam,
00:12:48 --> 00:12:48 And his wife,
00:12:49 --> 00:12:49 And clothed them.
00:12:50 --> 00:12:51 God meets his,
00:12:52 --> 00:12:53 Ashamed,
00:12:53 --> 00:12:54 And guilty people,
00:12:54 --> 00:12:55 In their need.
00:12:55 --> 00:12:57 He provides,
00:12:57 --> 00:12:57 He provides covering,
00:12:57 --> 00:12:58 For them,
00:12:58 --> 00:12:59 More effective,
00:12:59 --> 00:13:00 Than the leaves.
00:13:02 --> 00:13:03 Animals are sacrificed,
00:13:03 --> 00:13:05 To cover their shame,
00:13:05 --> 00:13:06 And disgrace.
00:13:07 --> 00:13:09 One has died,
00:13:09 --> 00:13:10 To cover their sin.
00:13:11 --> 00:13:12 These people,
00:13:12 --> 00:13:13 Who were united,
00:13:13 --> 00:13:14 Following God,
00:13:14 --> 00:13:16 Divided from each other now,
00:13:17 --> 00:13:19 But God has covered them.
00:13:19 --> 00:13:20 God's provision,
00:13:21 --> 00:13:22 Allows them to stand,
00:13:22 --> 00:13:24 Before each other.
00:13:24 --> 00:13:27 God is still for them.
00:13:28 --> 00:13:30 He has not separated himself,
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 From his damaged creation.
00:13:31 --> 00:13:31 He hasn't gone,
00:13:32 --> 00:13:32 Oh,
00:13:32 --> 00:13:33 Well you guys ate,
00:13:33 --> 00:13:34 From the wrong tree.
00:13:34 --> 00:13:35 I'm out of here.
00:13:35 --> 00:13:35 No,
00:13:35 --> 00:13:36 He is still,
00:13:36 --> 00:13:37 Caring.
00:13:38 --> 00:13:40 He separated from the tree,
00:13:40 --> 00:13:42 Separated them from the tree of life,
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 Because they've,
00:13:43 --> 00:13:44 Eaten of the tree of good and evil.
00:13:44 --> 00:13:46 If they ate from the tree of life,
00:13:46 --> 00:13:48 They would be stuck,
00:13:49 --> 00:13:51 In eternal life,
00:13:51 --> 00:13:52 In sin.
00:13:52 --> 00:13:55 So he separates them,
00:13:55 --> 00:13:57 As an act of grace,
00:13:57 --> 00:13:59 But he doesn't separate himself.
00:13:59 --> 00:14:01 He is still present,
00:14:01 --> 00:14:03 Despite all that we do,
00:14:03 --> 00:14:04 Our God is still present,
00:14:04 --> 00:14:06 And he compassionately cares,
00:14:06 --> 00:14:06 For Adam and Eve,
00:14:06 --> 00:14:07 In their fear,
00:14:08 --> 00:14:08 In their anxiety,
00:14:09 --> 00:14:09 And in their shame.
00:14:10 --> 00:14:11 He allows them,
00:14:11 --> 00:14:13 To continue in relationship,
00:14:14 --> 00:14:15 Now that they're covered up.
00:14:15 --> 00:14:17 But they are not whole.
00:14:17 --> 00:14:19 Their clothes point,
00:14:19 --> 00:14:19 To the distance,
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 Between themselves,
00:14:21 --> 00:14:21 And God.
00:14:22 --> 00:14:24 But God is still working,
00:14:24 --> 00:14:25 To see,
00:14:25 --> 00:14:27 Their relationship restored.
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 God has made a way,
00:14:29 --> 00:14:30 For them to continue,
00:14:30 --> 00:14:31 In the short term,
00:14:31 --> 00:14:33 But he also promises,
00:14:33 --> 00:14:34 A final solution.
00:14:35 --> 00:14:37 When God cursed the snake,
00:14:37 --> 00:14:39 He also promised,
00:14:39 --> 00:14:40 That someone would come,
00:14:40 --> 00:14:41 And deal with this problem.
00:14:41 --> 00:14:42 Verse 15,
00:14:42 --> 00:14:43 And this has got to be,
00:14:43 --> 00:14:44 One of my favorite parts,
00:14:44 --> 00:14:44 Of the Bible.
00:14:44 --> 00:14:45 Verse 15,
00:14:46 --> 00:14:47 And I will put enmity,
00:14:47 --> 00:14:48 Between you and the woman,
00:14:49 --> 00:14:51 And between your offspring,
00:14:51 --> 00:14:51 And hers,
00:14:51 --> 00:14:53 He will crush your head,
00:14:53 --> 00:14:55 And you will strike his heel.
00:14:55 --> 00:14:56 God promises,
00:14:57 --> 00:14:58 A head crusher.
00:14:59 --> 00:15:00 He promises to Adam and Eve,
00:15:00 --> 00:15:01 That one day,
00:15:01 --> 00:15:02 One of their children would come,
00:15:03 --> 00:15:04 And crush the snake's head.
00:15:05 --> 00:15:06 To right the wrong,
00:15:06 --> 00:15:08 That has caused so much devastation.
00:15:09 --> 00:15:10 And it points to a day,
00:15:10 --> 00:15:12 That the one who was instrumental,
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 In the fall,
00:15:14 --> 00:15:15 Would be crushed.
00:15:17 --> 00:15:18 And so when Jesus comes,
00:15:19 --> 00:15:20 And he defeats sin,
00:15:21 --> 00:15:21 Death,
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 And the devil,
00:15:23 --> 00:15:24 He is crushing,
00:15:24 --> 00:15:26 Its head on the cross,
00:15:26 --> 00:15:27 And in his resurrection.
00:15:28 --> 00:15:29 And yet as promised,
00:15:30 --> 00:15:31 That the snake would strike his heel,
00:15:31 --> 00:15:32 Jesus is struck,
00:15:32 --> 00:15:33 He is crucified.
00:15:34 --> 00:15:36 But he is raised by God,
00:15:36 --> 00:15:39 Enthroned as the long expected,
00:15:39 --> 00:15:39 Snake crusher,
00:15:40 --> 00:15:40 And king.
00:15:41 --> 00:15:42 He died,
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 And he was raised,
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 Ruling at God's right hand.
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 And he will return,
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 To take us with him.
00:15:48 --> 00:15:50 So how does God fix these,
00:15:50 --> 00:15:52 Issues of sin,
00:15:52 --> 00:15:53 And selfishness,
00:15:53 --> 00:15:53 And blame shifting?
00:15:55 --> 00:15:55 Well Christmas,
00:15:56 --> 00:15:58 Is the ultimate display,
00:15:58 --> 00:16:01 Of other person centered love.
00:16:01 --> 00:16:03 It's the opposite of selfishness.
00:16:04 --> 00:16:06 God gives,
00:16:06 --> 00:16:08 His one and only son,
00:16:08 --> 00:16:10 Who was mistreated,
00:16:10 --> 00:16:11 And killed,
00:16:12 --> 00:16:12 But raised.
00:16:14 --> 00:16:15 His death,
00:16:15 --> 00:16:16 And resurrection,
00:16:16 --> 00:16:17 Defeat Satan,
00:16:17 --> 00:16:18 But also,
00:16:18 --> 00:16:20 Provide a covering for us.
00:16:22 --> 00:16:23 God's generous gift,
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 Covers us,
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 Not just our skin,
00:16:25 --> 00:16:26 But our guilt,
00:16:27 --> 00:16:28 And our shame,
00:16:29 --> 00:16:30 And our,
00:16:30 --> 00:16:31 All of our problems.
00:16:31 --> 00:16:33 Jesus' righteousness,
00:16:33 --> 00:16:33 Jesus' righteousness,
00:16:34 --> 00:16:35 Is the cover,
00:16:35 --> 00:16:37 For our sinfulness.
00:16:38 --> 00:16:40 As Adam and Eve's clothes,
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 Cover their shame,
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 And fear,
00:16:42 --> 00:16:42 And anxiety,
00:16:42 --> 00:16:44 So they could continue together,
00:16:44 --> 00:16:46 God does the same for us.
00:16:47 --> 00:16:47 Jesus,
00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 Is our covering,
00:16:49 --> 00:16:51 So we can stand before God,
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 In his sight.
00:16:53 --> 00:16:55 And we no longer need to be afraid,
00:16:55 --> 00:16:56 Or to run off and hide behind a tree,
00:16:57 --> 00:16:58 Like Adam and Eve tried to.
00:16:59 --> 00:17:01 We no longer need to stand,
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 Like Adam and Eve,
00:17:02 --> 00:17:03 Shifting blame,
00:17:03 --> 00:17:04 Out of self-protection.
00:17:05 --> 00:17:07 Jesus' blood,
00:17:07 --> 00:17:08 Protects us.
00:17:09 --> 00:17:10 And we are forgiven and loved.
00:17:10 --> 00:17:12 So,
00:17:13 --> 00:17:14 It's 2019,
00:17:15 --> 00:17:16 It's another Christmas,
00:17:16 --> 00:17:17 Coming very soon.
00:17:18 --> 00:17:20 Why do we still need Christmas?
00:17:22 --> 00:17:22 Well,
00:17:22 --> 00:17:24 Genesis 3 reminds us of what we are like.
00:17:25 --> 00:17:27 We're inherently selfish,
00:17:27 --> 00:17:29 We're worried about protecting ourselves,
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 We shift blame to others,
00:17:31 --> 00:17:34 We pursue wisdom and knowledge,
00:17:34 --> 00:17:35 And satisfaction,
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 In all the wrong ways,
00:17:38 --> 00:17:39 That damage us.
00:17:39 --> 00:17:40 And we can be tricked,
00:17:41 --> 00:17:43 Into ignoring or twisting,
00:17:43 --> 00:17:44 God's words to us.
00:17:45 --> 00:17:46 So,
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 I need,
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 Christmas this year.
00:17:50 --> 00:17:50 I need it when it,
00:17:50 --> 00:17:52 It brings out that default,
00:17:52 --> 00:17:53 Selfish response.
00:17:54 --> 00:17:55 Because I can get,
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 Tricked into thinking that Christmas,
00:17:57 --> 00:17:57 Is,
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 Is just about food,
00:17:59 --> 00:17:59 And presents.
00:18:00 --> 00:18:02 And we plan so much of our year,
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 And so much of the month,
00:18:03 --> 00:18:05 About Christmas day.
00:18:05 --> 00:18:05 You know,
00:18:05 --> 00:18:06 It can just be about family,
00:18:06 --> 00:18:07 And food.
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 And I can get tricked,
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 Into thinking that,
00:18:10 --> 00:18:11 That's all Christmas is.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 I can get,
00:18:12 --> 00:18:14 Selfish and impatient,
00:18:16 --> 00:18:16 Blaming others,
00:18:16 --> 00:18:17 For doing their shopping,
00:18:18 --> 00:18:18 At the last minute,
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 And getting in my way,
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 When I'm doing shopping,
00:18:21 --> 00:18:22 At the last minute.
00:18:22 --> 00:18:23 I really,
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 I really shouldn't do that,
00:18:24 --> 00:18:25 Now that I've said this,
00:18:25 --> 00:18:26 So far in advance.
00:18:27 --> 00:18:27 I can forget,
00:18:28 --> 00:18:28 Christmas is about,
00:18:29 --> 00:18:29 The God who gave us,
00:18:29 --> 00:18:30 The best gift.
00:18:31 --> 00:18:32 His son,
00:18:32 --> 00:18:33 Who entered the world,
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 To save us.
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 I think Christmas,
00:18:35 --> 00:18:37 Is God's best,
00:18:37 --> 00:18:38 On display.
00:18:39 --> 00:18:40 His generosity,
00:18:40 --> 00:18:40 To us,
00:18:40 --> 00:18:42 In his only son.
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 His grace,
00:18:43 --> 00:18:44 Giving us,
00:18:44 --> 00:18:45 What we don't deserve.
00:18:45 --> 00:18:47 This mercy,
00:18:47 --> 00:18:48 That he would cover,
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 Our sin,
00:18:49 --> 00:18:50 And shame,
00:18:50 --> 00:18:51 With his son's blood,
00:18:52 --> 00:18:52 On the cross.
00:18:53 --> 00:18:55 We need Christmas,
00:18:55 --> 00:18:55 Now,
00:18:56 --> 00:18:56 In 2019,
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 To remember,
00:18:58 --> 00:18:59 God's,
00:18:59 --> 00:19:00 Present goodness,
00:19:00 --> 00:19:02 His love for us,
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 In Jesus.
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 And how,
00:19:05 --> 00:19:06 He is uniting,
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 A diverse community,
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 In Jesus.
00:19:09 --> 00:19:10 What was,
00:19:10 --> 00:19:11 Divided at the fall,
00:19:11 --> 00:19:12 He is,
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 Reuniting,
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 In Jesus.
00:19:15 --> 00:19:16 We need,
00:19:16 --> 00:19:16 This Christmas,
00:19:17 --> 00:19:17 More than,
00:19:17 --> 00:19:18 Anything else,
00:19:18 --> 00:19:19 Right now.
00:19:19 --> 00:19:20 Because we all,
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 Need to remember,
00:19:21 --> 00:19:21 God's,
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 Goodness to us,
00:19:23 --> 00:19:23 In his son.
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 And expect,
00:19:25 --> 00:19:25 Our God,
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 To work,
00:19:26 --> 00:19:27 In our hearts too.
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 Now,
00:19:29 --> 00:19:29 Instead of letting,
00:19:29 --> 00:19:30 A busy,
00:19:31 --> 00:19:31 And expect,
00:19:32 --> 00:19:32 Expensive,
00:19:32 --> 00:19:33 And tiring,
00:19:33 --> 00:19:33 Christmas,
00:19:34 --> 00:19:34 Season,
00:19:35 --> 00:19:35 Bring you down,
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 Remember,
00:19:36 --> 00:19:38 All that God,
00:19:38 --> 00:19:38 Has done.
00:19:39 --> 00:19:39 All God,
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 Has done,
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 Since Adam and Eve,
00:19:41 --> 00:19:42 Through Jesus,
00:19:42 --> 00:19:42 And he,
00:19:42 --> 00:19:43 Continues to do,
00:19:43 --> 00:19:44 Today.
00:19:45 --> 00:19:46 Over,
00:19:46 --> 00:19:47 The next couple of weeks,
00:19:47 --> 00:19:47 As the,
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 The Christmas season,
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 Gets upon us,
00:19:49 --> 00:19:49 Use this season,
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 To remind you,
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 Of why we still need,
00:19:52 --> 00:19:52 Christmas.
00:19:53 --> 00:19:53 When you're,
00:19:53 --> 00:19:54 Buying gifts,
00:19:55 --> 00:19:56 Remember that,
00:19:56 --> 00:19:56 It's not about,
00:19:56 --> 00:19:57 Whatever present,
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 We are buying,
00:19:58 --> 00:19:59 But the God,
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 Who gave us,
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 The snake crusher,
00:20:01 --> 00:20:02 To deal with sin,
00:20:03 --> 00:20:03 Death,
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 And the devil.
00:20:05 --> 00:20:05 In the midst,
00:20:06 --> 00:20:06 Of painful times,
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 With family,
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 Remember all that,
00:20:08 --> 00:20:08 God has done,
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 To cover our sin,
00:20:10 --> 00:20:10 And shame,
00:20:11 --> 00:20:11 And mistakes,
00:20:11 --> 00:20:13 So that Jesus' blood,
00:20:13 --> 00:20:14 Covers our sin,
00:20:15 --> 00:20:15 But also,
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 Reunites us,
00:20:16 --> 00:20:17 With people.
00:20:18 --> 00:20:19 Now imagine,
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 That it's Christmas Eve,
00:20:21 --> 00:20:22 I'm down there,
00:20:22 --> 00:20:22 At Westfield,
00:20:23 --> 00:20:24 Chatswood,
00:20:24 --> 00:20:25 I'm stuck in that line,
00:20:26 --> 00:20:27 With a trolley of presents,
00:20:27 --> 00:20:28 Last minute gifts,
00:20:28 --> 00:20:31 I'll be tempted,
00:20:31 --> 00:20:32 To feelings of impatience,
00:20:32 --> 00:20:33 And anger,
00:20:34 --> 00:20:34 You know,
00:20:34 --> 00:20:35 I'm going to be late,
00:20:35 --> 00:20:35 For our,
00:20:35 --> 00:20:37 Christmas Eve service,
00:20:38 --> 00:20:38 Probably,
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 You know,
00:20:39 --> 00:20:40 Standing there frustrated,
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 At everyone else,
00:20:42 --> 00:20:42 Listening to those,
00:20:42 --> 00:20:43 Christmas carols,
00:20:43 --> 00:20:43 Thinking,
00:20:44 --> 00:20:44 Why,
00:20:45 --> 00:20:46 Why am I here?
00:20:46 --> 00:20:46 Why do I even,
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 Still need Christmas?
00:20:48 --> 00:20:50 What a great chance,
00:20:50 --> 00:20:50 For me,
00:20:50 --> 00:20:51 And for us,
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 In these,
00:20:53 --> 00:20:54 Challenging times,
00:20:54 --> 00:20:55 That lead us,
00:20:55 --> 00:20:55 To selfishness,
00:20:55 --> 00:20:56 To be reminded,
00:20:57 --> 00:20:59 That God has planned out,
00:20:59 --> 00:21:01 Jesus' moment of salvation,
00:21:01 --> 00:21:02 Not the last minute,
00:21:03 --> 00:21:04 But since,
00:21:04 --> 00:21:06 The world began,
00:21:06 --> 00:21:07 Since before that,
00:21:08 --> 00:21:10 God doesn't get impatient,
00:21:10 --> 00:21:11 Or angry with me,
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 Or us,
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 But he has covered,
00:21:13 --> 00:21:15 Over our sin,
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 And our impatience,
00:21:16 --> 00:21:16 And anger,
00:21:16 --> 00:21:17 He has clothed me,
00:21:18 --> 00:21:19 Not with the skin of animals,
00:21:19 --> 00:21:20 For a short time,
00:21:21 --> 00:21:22 But he has clothed me,
00:21:22 --> 00:21:23 With his son,
00:21:23 --> 00:21:24 And with his son's righteousness,
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 So why,
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 Do we still need Christmas?
00:21:28 --> 00:21:30 Because we still need,
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 God's goodness to us,
00:21:31 --> 00:21:31 In Jesus.
00:21:32 --> 00:21:33 Let me pray for us.
00:21:36 --> 00:21:37 Heavenly Father,