How to Step Into a Better Story | Andy Wood

Well, welcome everybody. So good to be Well, welcome everybody. So good to be together. It's officially Christmas time together. It's officially Christmas time together. It's officially Christmas time at Saddleback. And I love this time of at Saddleback. And I love this time of at Saddleback. And I love this time of year. year. year. And I do want to say welcome to all of And I do want to say welcome to all of And I do want to say welcome to all of our campuses. So glad that you're our campuses. So glad that you're our campuses. So glad that you're joining us. Everybody online. It's It's joining us. Everybody online. It's It's joining us. Everybody online. It's It's great during this time of year to slow great during this time of year to slow great during this time of year to slow down, to focus our hearts on the down, to focus our hearts on the down, to focus our hearts on the Christmas story. The message of God Christmas story. The message of God Christmas story. The message of God coming from heaven to earth to make a coming from heaven to earth to make a coming from heaven to earth to make a way that we can live life to the fullest way that we can live life to the fullest way that we can live life to the fullest and have a relationship with God. And I and have a relationship with God. And I and have a relationship with God. And I wonder, you know, as we we think about wonder, you know, as we we think about wonder, you know, as we we think about the church, there are a lot of people the church, there are a lot of people the church, there are a lot of people who love Christmas and a lot of people who love Christmas and a lot of people who love Christmas and a lot of people that maybe you despise Christmas. I that maybe you despise Christmas. I that maybe you despise Christmas. I wonder how many of you are the kind of wonder how many of you are the kind of wonder how many of you are the kind of people you've had your decorations up people you've had your decorations up people you've had your decorations up since like early November. Just out of since like early November. Just out of since like early November. Just out of curiosity, raise your hand up at all of curiosity, raise your hand up at all of curiosity, raise your hand up at all of our campuses. Not not a whole lot in our campuses. Not not a whole lot in our campuses. Not not a whole lot in this service. Okay, how many of you this service. Okay, how many of you this service. Okay, how many of you don't have them up yet? Just out of don't have them up yet? Just out of don't have them up yet? Just out of curiosity. All right, that's great. So curiosity. All right, that's great. So curiosity. All right, that's great. So we got two clubs. We got the we got two clubs. We got the we got two clubs. We got the overachievers and the procrastinators. overachievers and the procrastinators. overachievers and the procrastinators. And then the rest of us somewhere in And then the rest of us somewhere in And then the rest of us somewhere in between. But you know, Christmas really between. But you know, Christmas really between. But you know, Christmas really is a wonderful time of the year. And for is a wonderful time of the year. And for is a wonderful time of the year. And for those of us who are followers of Jesus, those of us who are followers of Jesus, those of us who are followers of Jesus, it's a reminder over and over and over it's a reminder over and over and over it's a reminder over and over and over again that God came from heaven to again that God came from heaven to again that God came from heaven to earth. And one of the most wonderful earth. And one of the most wonderful earth. And one of the most wonderful things about this time of year is it's things about this time of year is it's things about this time of year is it's the greatest opportunity of the year to the greatest opportunity of the year to the greatest opportunity of the year to see people impacted with the love of see people impacted with the love of see people impacted with the love of Jesus. You know, for the next 3 weeks Jesus. You know, for the next 3 weeks Jesus. You know, for the next 3 weeks we're going to be leading into our we're going to be leading into our we're going to be leading into our Christmas services. And I love Christmas Christmas services. And I love Christmas Christmas services. And I love Christmas at Saddleback. Our Christmas Eve at Saddleback. Our Christmas Eve at Saddleback. Our Christmas Eve services are one of the greatest things services are one of the greatest things services are one of the greatest things I've ever experienced in my life. And I I've ever experienced in my life. And I I've ever experienced in my life. And I believe there are people in your life believe there are people in your life believe there are people in your life that God wants to use you to impact that God wants to use you to impact that God wants to use you to impact them. Friends, family members,

them. Friends, family members, them. Friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors. That one invite coworkers, neighbors. That one invite coworkers, neighbors. That one invite God could use you to radically transform God could use you to radically transform God could use you to radically transform their lives. There're going to be people their lives. There're going to be people their lives. There're going to be people seated next to you in a service that seated next to you in a service that seated next to you in a service that their life will be forever transformed. their life will be forever transformed. their life will be forever transformed. And every year we hear stories of people And every year we hear stories of people And every year we hear stories of people who came to Christmas services, they who came to Christmas services, they who came to Christmas services, they made a decision to follow Jesus, they made a decision to follow Jesus, they made a decision to follow Jesus, they were never the same. And so I want to were never the same. And so I want to were never the same. And so I want to encourage you to begin praying about who encourage you to begin praying about who encourage you to begin praying about who is that person that God wants to use you is that person that God wants to use you is that person that God wants to use you to bring a text, a call, an email, just to bring a text, a call, an email, just to bring a text, a call, an email, just simply reaching out to them and saying, simply reaching out to them and saying, simply reaching out to them and saying, "Hey, come to Christmas at Saddleback "Hey, come to Christmas at Saddleback "Hey, come to Christmas at Saddleback Church with me." And that's why we're Church with me." And that's why we're Church with me." And that's why we're starting a new series called Stories of starting a new series called Stories of starting a new series called Stories of Christmas. I want to invite you to pull Christmas. I want to invite you to pull Christmas. I want to invite you to pull your notes out. your notes out. your notes out. And we're going to talk for these next And we're going to talk for these next And we're going to talk for these next few weeks few weeks few weeks we're going to talk about three we're going to talk about three we're going to talk about three snapshots snapshots snapshots from the Christmas story found in the from the Christmas story found in the from the Christmas story found in the Bible. And when we think about Bible. And when we think about Bible. And when we think about Christmas, you know, there's found in Christmas, you know, there's found in Christmas, you know, there's found in the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew chapter 1 the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew chapter 1 the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew chapter 1 and 2, and the Gospel of Luke 1 and 2 as and 2, and the Gospel of Luke 1 and 2 as and 2, and the Gospel of Luke 1 and 2 as well, you see these snapshots of the well, you see these snapshots of the well, you see these snapshots of the Christmas story. Christmas story. Christmas story. And a lot of us have various traditions And a lot of us have various traditions And a lot of us have various traditions that we maybe try to remember the that we maybe try to remember the that we maybe try to remember the Christmas story. One of ours as a family Christmas story. One of ours as a family Christmas story. One of ours as a family was we when the kids were young, we was we when the kids were young, we was we when the kids were young, we would read this big Advent book. And would read this big Advent book. And would read this big Advent book. And this Advent book has inside of it these this Advent book has inside of it these this Advent book has inside of it these little doors and you open up the door little doors and you open up the door little doors and you open up the door and it tells the Christmas story as you and it tells the Christmas story as you and it tells the Christmas story as you go through. It's really cool. And some go through. It's really cool. And some go through. It's really cool. And some of you are going to want to email me.

of you are going to want to email me. of you are going to want to email me. It's just says Advent book. You can find It's just says Advent book. You can find It's just says Advent book. You can find it on Amazon. Somebody gave it to us as it on Amazon. Somebody gave it to us as it on Amazon. Somebody gave it to us as a gift in 2012. But one of the things a gift in 2012. But one of the things a gift in 2012. But one of the things that we started doing, we didn't really that we started doing, we didn't really that we started doing, we didn't really play this out when the kids were young, play this out when the kids were young, play this out when the kids were young, but we would on the first day of but we would on the first day of but we would on the first day of December we would read the first door December we would read the first door December we would read the first door and then on the second day we'd read the and then on the second day we'd read the and then on the second day we'd read the first and second door and then on the first and second door and then on the first and second door and then on the third day we'd go 1 2 3. And by the time third day we'd go 1 2 3. And by the time third day we'd go 1 2 3. And by the time we're at 24, kids were getting in we're at 24, kids were getting in we're at 24, kids were getting in fistfights with each other. Um so we fistfights with each other. Um so we fistfights with each other. Um so we gave them chocolate chips to kind of gave them chocolate chips to kind of gave them chocolate chips to kind of help with it. And one of the things that help with it. And one of the things that help with it. And one of the things that they discovered is that there were five they discovered is that there were five they discovered is that there were five double doors inside the book. In fact, double doors inside the book. In fact, double doors inside the book. In fact, on page 6 and 7, on page 6 and 7, on page 6 and 7, you see there's a double door and a you see there's a double door and a you see there's a double door and a single door. single door. single door. That the middle schoolers all just said That the middle schoolers all just said That the middle schoolers all just said 6 7. But 6 7. But 6 7. But on page 6 and 7 there's a double door. on page 6 and 7 there's a double door. on page 6 and 7 there's a double door. You can see that. That's what they would You can see that. That's what they would You can see that. That's what they would fight over. So they would position fight over. So they would position fight over. So they would position themselves around the circle to see who themselves around the circle to see who themselves around the circle to see who would get the double door. And one thing would get the double door. And one thing would get the double door. And one thing that would happen to me, there would be that would happen to me, there would be that would happen to me, there would be a moment pretty much every Christmas a moment pretty much every Christmas a moment pretty much every Christmas we're reading through the Christmas we're reading through the Christmas we're reading through the Christmas story going one by one, all of all of story going one by one, all of all of story going one by one, all of all of the things that happened. And my heart the things that happened. And my heart the things that happened. And my heart again would just connect with the beauty again would just connect with the beauty again would just connect with the beauty of this story. It It is the most of this story. It It is the most of this story. It It is the most incredible amazing story that no human incredible amazing story that no human incredible amazing story that no human being could ever write. And we love being could ever write. And we love being could ever write. And we love stories. You know, deep in our hearts stories. You know, deep in our hearts stories. You know, deep in our hearts like we're drawn to movies and books, like we're drawn to movies and books, like we're drawn to movies and books, especially during Christmas. Like we all especially during Christmas. Like we all especially during Christmas. Like we all have our most favorite Christmas movie.

have our most favorite Christmas movie. have our most favorite Christmas movie. For us as a family, it's Home Alone. How For us as a family, it's Home Alone. How For us as a family, it's Home Alone. How many of you guys are like Home Alone many of you guys are like Home Alone many of you guys are like Home Alone folks? You love love it. We watch it a folks? You love love it. We watch it a folks? You love love it. We watch it a lot. And in every story, one of the lot. And in every story, one of the lot. And in every story, one of the things that you'll notice is that there things that you'll notice is that there things that you'll notice is that there is a main character and that main is a main character and that main is a main character and that main character is often the hero. Within character is often the hero. Within character is often the hero. Within that, there's a guide that comes that, there's a guide that comes that, there's a guide that comes alongside that main character. There's a alongside that main character. There's a alongside that main character. There's a struggle that they have to overcome. And struggle that they have to overcome. And struggle that they have to overcome. And there's usually a villain in the story. there's usually a villain in the story. there's usually a villain in the story. And then at the end there's a victory. And then at the end there's a victory. And then at the end there's a victory. Now that's the story arc that you see in Now that's the story arc that you see in Now that's the story arc that you see in most movies, but it's also the story arc most movies, but it's also the story arc most movies, but it's also the story arc of the Bible. From Genesis to of the Bible. From Genesis to of the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God is writing this Revelation, God is writing this Revelation, God is writing this beautiful story and it truly culminates beautiful story and it truly culminates beautiful story and it truly culminates with the life of Jesus from Christmas to with the life of Jesus from Christmas to with the life of Jesus from Christmas to Easter. And today we're going to open up Easter. And today we're going to open up Easter. And today we're going to open up Matthew chapter 2 looking at the story Matthew chapter 2 looking at the story Matthew chapter 2 looking at the story of the Magi. And as we look at this of the Magi. And as we look at this of the Magi. And as we look at this story, I want to give you three major story, I want to give you three major story, I want to give you three major questions that these stories all wrestle questions that these stories all wrestle questions that these stories all wrestle through. And you'll see these questions through. And you'll see these questions through. And you'll see these questions in movies and in novels and books. But in movies and in novels and books. But in movies and in novels and books. But the first one is this This is the the first one is this This is the the first one is this This is the question number one is what do you want?

question number one is what do you want? question number one is what do you want? So in every movie, there's something So in every movie, there's something So in every movie, there's something that the main character wants. And that the main character wants. And that the main character wants. And sometimes it's what they think they want sometimes it's what they think they want sometimes it's what they think they want and then there's something greater that and then there's something greater that and then there's something greater that they want at the end. So Kevin thinks in they want at the end. So Kevin thinks in they want at the end. So Kevin thinks in Home Alone he wants to be home alone. Home Alone he wants to be home alone. Home Alone he wants to be home alone. And then in the end he realizes, "No, And then in the end he realizes, "No, And then in the end he realizes, "No, actually he wants to be with Buzz. He He actually he wants to be with Buzz. He He actually he wants to be with Buzz. He He loves his family." And so there's loves his family." And so there's loves his family." And so there's something that he wants at a deeper something that he wants at a deeper something that he wants at a deeper level. There's also the question of why level. There's also the question of why level. There's also the question of why does it matter? So what Why does the does it matter? So what Why does the does it matter? So what Why does the thing that that person or that you want thing that that person or that you want thing that that person or that you want truly matter? And then ultimately, how truly matter? And then ultimately, how truly matter? And then ultimately, how will you respond? So we're going to see will you respond? So we're going to see will you respond? So we're going to see these three questions in the stories these three questions in the stories these three questions in the stories that we look at over these next 3 weeks. that we look at over these next 3 weeks. that we look at over these next 3 weeks. But they're also questions that help us But they're also questions that help us But they're also questions that help us step into the greater story that God has step into the greater story that God has step into the greater story that God has been writing and is inviting us into. been writing and is inviting us into. been writing and is inviting us into. And I hope that when we journey through And I hope that when we journey through And I hope that when we journey through these stories, you can see the these stories, you can see the these stories, you can see the invitation from God to live in a bigger, invitation from God to live in a bigger, invitation from God to live in a bigger, grander story. So Matthew chapter 2, I grander story. So Matthew chapter 2, I grander story. So Matthew chapter 2, I want to invite you to pull those notes want to invite you to pull those notes want to invite you to pull those notes out. We're going to read through this out. We're going to read through this out. We're going to read through this passage. It begins by saying this.

passage. It begins by saying this. passage. It begins by saying this. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod, Judea during the time of King Herod, Judea during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been asked, "Where is the one who has been asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star born king of the Jews? We saw his star born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and we have come to worship in the east and we have come to worship in the east and we have come to worship him." Underline that phrase that says, him." Underline that phrase that says, him." Underline that phrase that says, "We've come to worship him." "We've come to worship him." "We've come to worship him." And when King Herod heard this, he was And when King Herod heard this, he was And when King Herod heard this, he was disturbed. disturbed. disturbed. And all of Jerusalem with him. And all of Jerusalem with him. And all of Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the When he had called together all the When he had called together all the people's chief priests and the teachers people's chief priests and the teachers people's chief priests and the teachers of the law, he asked them where the of the law, he asked them where the of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. Christ was to be born. Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied. "For this is what the prophet has "For this is what the prophet has "For this is what the prophet has written. But you, Bethlehem written. But you, Bethlehem written. But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means in the land of Judah, are by no means in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. For out least among the rulers of Judah. For out least among the rulers of Judah. For out of you will come a ruler who will be the of you will come a ruler who will be the of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." shepherd of my people Israel." shepherd of my people Israel." And then Herod called the Magi secretly And then Herod called the Magi secretly And then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time and found out from them the exact time and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. the star had appeared. the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for this and make a careful search for this and make a careful search for this child. And as soon as you find him, child. And as soon as you find him, child. And as soon as you find him, report to me so that I too may go and report to me so that I too may go and report to me so that I too may go and worship him." Now if you read on, you worship him." Now if you read on, you worship him." Now if you read on, you know he had no intent of worshiping know he had no intent of worshiping know he had no intent of worshiping Jesus. In fact, he was threatened by Jesus. In fact, he was threatened by Jesus. In fact, he was threatened by Jesus coming.

Jesus coming. Jesus coming. And it says then, "After they had heard And it says then, "After they had heard And it says then, "After they had heard the king, they went on their way and the the king, they went on their way and the the king, they went on their way and the star they had seen in the east went star they had seen in the east went star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the ahead of them until it stopped over the ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. place where the child was. place where the child was. And when they saw the star, they were And when they saw the star, they were And when they saw the star, they were overjoyed. overjoyed. overjoyed. And then on coming to the house, they And then on coming to the house, they And then on coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother. This is saw the child with his mother. This is saw the child with his mother. This is Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And they bowed down and they worshiped And they bowed down and they worshiped And they bowed down and they worshiped him. And they opened their treasures and him. And they opened their treasures and him. And they opened their treasures and they presented him with gifts of gold they presented him with gifts of gold they presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having and of incense and of myrrh. And having and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to been warned in a dream not to go back to been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by Herod, they returned to their country by Herod, they returned to their country by another route. This is the word of God. another route. This is the word of God. another route. This is the word of God. And I love this story. And I love this story. And I love this story. I love this story because these Magi I love this story because these Magi I love this story because these Magi were unlikely people to be at the feet were unlikely people to be at the feet were unlikely people to be at the feet of Jesus. Now there's a lot that we of Jesus. Now there's a lot that we of Jesus. Now there's a lot that we really don't know about these guys. And really don't know about these guys. And really don't know about these guys. And some of the traditions that we have is some of the traditions that we have is some of the traditions that we have is that there were three of them. And maybe that there were three of them. And maybe that there were three of them. And maybe you've seen a nativity scene before you've seen a nativity scene before you've seen a nativity scene before where there's the little shepherds and where there's the little shepherds and where there's the little shepherds and Mary and Joseph and then there are the Mary and Joseph and then there are the Mary and Joseph and then there are the Magi. I just kind of pop your bubble. Magi. I just kind of pop your bubble. Magi. I just kind of pop your bubble. Okay. So they weren't actually there Okay. So they weren't actually there Okay. So they weren't actually there when baby Jesus was born. It was most when baby Jesus was born. It was most when baby Jesus was born. It was most likely about 2 years after Jesus was likely about 2 years after Jesus was likely about 2 years after Jesus was born that they came.

born that they came. born that they came. And these Magi, we don't know exactly And these Magi, we don't know exactly And these Magi, we don't know exactly where they were from. Most likely they where they were from. Most likely they where they were from. Most likely they were from what is now modern day Iran. were from what is now modern day Iran. were from what is now modern day Iran. It was the Persian and Babylonian It was the Persian and Babylonian It was the Persian and Babylonian empire. And then over time it changed empire. And then over time it changed empire. And then over time it changed hands. But this area still had many of hands. But this area still had many of hands. But this area still had many of the same people from the people group the same people from the people group the same people from the people group there. And these Magi, they they were there. And these Magi, they they were there. And these Magi, they they were astronomers. They were the kind of astronomers. They were the kind of astronomers. They were the kind of people that study stars. They were the people that study stars. They were the people that study stars. They were the kind of people with lots of knowledge. kind of people with lots of knowledge. kind of people with lots of knowledge. And they would actually train up kings. And they would actually train up kings. And they would actually train up kings. And before a king would be appointed in And before a king would be appointed in And before a king would be appointed in their land, they had to place their their land, they had to place their their land, they had to place their stamp on him. stamp on him. stamp on him. But if you look at them, you're like, But if you look at them, you're like, But if you look at them, you're like, "Well, why did they come to Bethlehem?" "Well, why did they come to Bethlehem?" "Well, why did they come to Bethlehem?" Like they weren't Jewish. They They They Like they weren't Jewish. They They They Like they weren't Jewish. They They They didn't seemingly have all of the didn't seemingly have all of the didn't seemingly have all of the prophecies that the Israelites had of prophecies that the Israelites had of prophecies that the Israelites had of the baby Jesus of baby Jesus that would the baby Jesus of baby Jesus that would the baby Jesus of baby Jesus that would come, the Messiah. Yet somehow they come, the Messiah. Yet somehow they come, the Messiah. Yet somehow they found themselves at the feet of Jesus found themselves at the feet of Jesus found themselves at the feet of Jesus worshiping him. So what was it about worshiping him. So what was it about worshiping him. So what was it about them that caused them to be written into them that caused them to be written into them that caused them to be written into the story of God? And the first thing I the story of God? And the first thing I the story of God? And the first thing I want to see I want us to see from this want to see I want us to see from this want to see I want us to see from this passage is their focus and what they passage is their focus and what they passage is their focus and what they gave their eyes to. And if we're going gave their eyes to. And if we're going gave their eyes to. And if we're going to step into the story of God, the first to step into the story of God, the first to step into the story of God, the first thing that's so important is that we thing that's so important is that we thing that's so important is that we have to shift our focus. And this is have to shift our focus. And this is have to shift our focus. And this is what we see.

what we see. what we see. See, these Magi saw a star. See, these Magi saw a star. See, these Magi saw a star. And that star for them was enough to And that star for them was enough to And that star for them was enough to lead them hundreds of miles across the lead them hundreds of miles across the lead them hundreds of miles across the Arabian desert. Cold winter nights, the Arabian desert. Cold winter nights, the Arabian desert. Cold winter nights, the threats that were in front of them of threats that were in front of them of threats that were in front of them of losing their life, great sacrifice for losing their life, great sacrifice for losing their life, great sacrifice for them to move towards this star. And it them to move towards this star. And it them to move towards this star. And it comes out of a prophecy in Numbers comes out of a prophecy in Numbers comes out of a prophecy in Numbers chapter 24. chapter 24. chapter 24. You may have heard of this story before You may have heard of this story before You may have heard of this story before in Numbers chapter 24, right before in Numbers chapter 24, right before in Numbers chapter 24, right before this, this, this, uh where there's a guy uh where there's a guy uh where there's a guy who is spoken to by a donkey. It's a who is spoken to by a donkey. It's a who is spoken to by a donkey. It's a very fascinating story in the Old very fascinating story in the Old very fascinating story in the Old Testament. Only time in the Bible where Testament. Only time in the Bible where Testament. Only time in the Bible where an animal speaks. The guy's like beating an animal speaks. The guy's like beating an animal speaks. The guy's like beating the donkey trying to get it to move and the donkey trying to get it to move and the donkey trying to get it to move and the donkey says, "Stop beating me. Have the donkey says, "Stop beating me. Have the donkey says, "Stop beating me. Have I ever done anything wrong to you?" I ever done anything wrong to you?" I ever done anything wrong to you?" And so Balaam is the guy that was And so Balaam is the guy that was And so Balaam is the guy that was beating his donkey. So eventually, after beating his donkey. So eventually, after beating his donkey. So eventually, after the donkey speak speaks, he goes to the the donkey speak speaks, he goes to the the donkey speak speaks, he goes to the Israelites and there's a man that wants Israelites and there's a man that wants Israelites and there's a man that wants him to curse the Israelites, but he him to curse the Israelites, but he him to curse the Israelites, but he can't. And so he gives this oracle or can't. And so he gives this oracle or can't. And so he gives this oracle or this prophecy that is pointing to the this prophecy that is pointing to the this prophecy that is pointing to the Messiah. Now, watch what it says. "The Messiah. Now, watch what it says. "The Messiah. Now, watch what it says. "The oracle of Balaam, son of Beor. The oracle of Balaam, son of Beor. The oracle of Balaam, son of Beor. The oracle of one whose eyes see clearly.

oracle of one whose eyes see clearly. oracle of one whose eyes see clearly. The oracle of one who hears the words of The oracle of one who hears the words of The oracle of one who hears the words of God, who has the knowledge from the Most God, who has the knowledge from the Most God, who has the knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the High, who sees a vision from the High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate prostrate Almighty, who falls prostrate prostrate Almighty, who falls prostrate prostrate That was bad. Prostrate. Maybe I have a Freudian slip there. Who Maybe I have a Freudian slip there. Who falls prostrate. Excuse me. falls prostrate. Excuse me. falls prostrate. Excuse me. That was awesome. Whose eyes are open. I That was awesome. Whose eyes are open. I That was awesome. Whose eyes are open. I see him, but not now. I behold him, but see him, but not now. I behold him, but see him, but not now. I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob not near. A star will come out of Jacob not near. A star will come out of Jacob and a scepter will rise out of Israel." and a scepter will rise out of Israel." and a scepter will rise out of Israel." Now, notice this one prophecy that they Now, notice this one prophecy that they Now, notice this one prophecy that they had a star was coming out of Israel. had a star was coming out of Israel. had a star was coming out of Israel. That there's one who would rise up and That there's one who would rise up and That there's one who would rise up and it was enough for them to move across it was enough for them to move across it was enough for them to move across the world to come see this baby Jesus. the world to come see this baby Jesus. the world to come see this baby Jesus. Now, we don't know a lot about how they Now, we don't know a lot about how they Now, we don't know a lot about how they got this prophecy, but many historians got this prophecy, but many historians got this prophecy, but many historians believe the way that they had this one believe the way that they had this one believe the way that they had this one verse is from a guy named Daniel. There verse is from a guy named Daniel. There verse is from a guy named Daniel. There was a period of 70 years where the was a period of 70 years where the was a period of 70 years where the Israelites were in exile in Babylon. And Israelites were in exile in Babylon. And Israelites were in exile in Babylon. And if you go to Daniel chapter two, one of if you go to Daniel chapter two, one of if you go to Daniel chapter two, one of the things you notice about Daniel was the things you notice about Daniel was the things you notice about Daniel was that he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's that he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's that he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream. And in the moment that he dream. And in the moment that he dream. And in the moment that he interpreted the dream, Nebuchadnezzar interpreted the dream, Nebuchadnezzar interpreted the dream, Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel the leader of the Magi.

made Daniel the leader of the Magi. made Daniel the leader of the Magi. So Daniel, hundreds of years before, led So Daniel, hundreds of years before, led So Daniel, hundreds of years before, led this group. And somehow this information this group. And somehow this information this group. And somehow this information and knowledge got passed on from and knowledge got passed on from and knowledge got passed on from generation to generation. And all they generation to generation. And all they generation to generation. And all they had was this one word, but that one word had was this one word, but that one word had was this one word, but that one word was enough to get them to the feet of was enough to get them to the feet of was enough to get them to the feet of Jesus. They were so focused on this Jesus. They were so focused on this Jesus. They were so focused on this prophecy that they gave their life to it prophecy that they gave their life to it prophecy that they gave their life to it and they were worshipping Jesus when he and they were worshipping Jesus when he and they were worshipping Jesus when he came. Now, it leads us to really wrestle came. Now, it leads us to really wrestle came. Now, it leads us to really wrestle through There there are things that you through There there are things that you through There there are things that you give your attention to. And sometimes give your attention to. And sometimes give your attention to. And sometimes maybe you're like hanging out with maybe you're like hanging out with maybe you're like hanging out with friends and you do the selfie and you're friends and you do the selfie and you're friends and you do the selfie and you're trying to get everybody in. Have you trying to get everybody in. Have you trying to get everybody in. Have you Have you ever had it where you like get Have you ever had it where you like get Have you ever had it where you like get the picture back and you're not in it? the picture back and you're not in it? the picture back and you're not in it? Anybody have that happen? Or like Anybody have that happen? Or like Anybody have that happen? Or like somebody's not in it and you're like, somebody's not in it and you're like, somebody's not in it and you're like, "Oop, I accidentally cut them out on "Oop, I accidentally cut them out on "Oop, I accidentally cut them out on purpose." And like the the the reality purpose." And like the the the reality purpose." And like the the the reality with a picture though is there's only so with a picture though is there's only so with a picture though is there's only so much you can fit into focus. And there's much you can fit into focus. And there's much you can fit into focus. And there's a lot that's happening outside. You You a lot that's happening outside. You You a lot that's happening outside. You You and I are like this. There there's only and I are like this. There there's only and I are like this. There there's only so much that we can give our attention so much that we can give our attention so much that we can give our attention to. to. to. And if you consider what you give your And if you consider what you give your And if you consider what you give your attention to, you one of the things that attention to, you one of the things that attention to, you one of the things that you'll notice is that when your eyes are you'll notice is that when your eyes are you'll notice is that when your eyes are focused on something, you start to see focused on something, you start to see focused on something, you start to see that thing everywhere you go. Like if that thing everywhere you go. Like if that thing everywhere you go. Like if you want a new car, one of the things you want a new car, one of the things you want a new car, one of the things that you'll notice is that the moment that you'll notice is that the moment that you'll notice is that the moment you decide what the car is that you you decide what the car is that you you decide what the car is that you want, you see it everywhere.

want, you see it everywhere. want, you see it everywhere. Now, this is wild cuz maybe you didn't Now, this is wild cuz maybe you didn't Now, this is wild cuz maybe you didn't see it before and now you see it. This see it before and now you see it. This see it before and now you see it. This is not true with Teslas. Teslas are is not true with Teslas. Teslas are is not true with Teslas. Teslas are everywhere. But maybe you want a Jeep or everywhere. But maybe you want a Jeep or everywhere. But maybe you want a Jeep or a pickup truck and a pickup truck and a pickup truck and an F-350 or something really big like an F-350 or something really big like an F-350 or something really big like that and you see it now everywhere that that and you see it now everywhere that that and you see it now everywhere that you go. you go. you go. So wants have a way of moving us forward So wants have a way of moving us forward So wants have a way of moving us forward and they're powerful. So there was a and they're powerful. So there was a and they're powerful. So there was a moment where, you know, we were talking moment where, you know, we were talking moment where, you know, we were talking to the kids about what they wanted for to the kids about what they wanted for to the kids about what they wanted for Christmas. And every year we collect Christmas. And every year we collect Christmas. And every year we collect their list and then on the 23rd they their list and then on the 23rd they their list and then on the 23rd they give us another list of the things that give us another list of the things that give us another list of the things that they want. And sometimes they're like they want. And sometimes they're like they want. And sometimes they're like small things. You know, like they they small things. You know, like they they small things. You know, like they they want, you know, I don't know. Maybe want, you know, I don't know. Maybe want, you know, I don't know. Maybe maybe some more toys, a book. My kids maybe some more toys, a book. My kids maybe some more toys, a book. My kids don't ask for books. Never mind. But an don't ask for books. Never mind. But an don't ask for books. Never mind. But an Xbox. And it's like something that they Xbox. And it's like something that they Xbox. And it's like something that they kind of want. It's the cool thing for kind of want. It's the cool thing for kind of want. It's the cool thing for the year. But every once in a while the year. But every once in a while the year. But every once in a while there's something that they really want. there's something that they really want. there's something that they really want. So this one year, my three kids, they So this one year, my three kids, they So this one year, my three kids, they kind of pulled together their list and kind of pulled together their list and kind of pulled together their list and they said, "Hey Dad, we all want a dog. they said, "Hey Dad, we all want a dog. they said, "Hey Dad, we all want a dog. We want a puppy." We want a puppy." We want a puppy." And I'm like, "I don't want a puppy. And I'm like, "I don't want a puppy. And I'm like, "I don't want a puppy. We're not getting a puppy. Everybody I We're not getting a puppy. Everybody I We're not getting a puppy. Everybody I know that has a puppy regrets getting a know that has a puppy regrets getting a know that has a puppy regrets getting a puppy. The puppy pees everywhere, puppy. The puppy pees everywhere, puppy. The puppy pees everywhere, doesn't learn to sleep for months on doesn't learn to sleep for months on doesn't learn to sleep for months on end, chews up the furniture.

end, chews up the furniture. end, chews up the furniture. I don't want a puppy. You guys won't I don't want a puppy. You guys won't I don't want a puppy. You guys won't take Yes, we will. We'll take care of take Yes, we will. We'll take care of take Yes, we will. We'll take care of the puppy." the puppy." the puppy." And so I'm like, "I am committed to not And so I'm like, "I am committed to not And so I'm like, "I am committed to not getting a puppy." Until one day getting a puppy." Until one day getting a puppy." Until one day I'm out walking and I see my friend I'm out walking and I see my friend I'm out walking and I see my friend Ivan. Ivan. Ivan. And Ivan is walking this dog. I'm like, And Ivan is walking this dog. I'm like, And Ivan is walking this dog. I'm like, "That's a beautiful dog. That's "That's a beautiful dog. That's "That's a beautiful dog. That's amazing." So I walk over to Ivan and I'm amazing." So I walk over to Ivan and I'm amazing." So I walk over to Ivan and I'm like, "Bro, that's that's I haven't seen like, "Bro, that's that's I haven't seen like, "Bro, that's that's I haven't seen you with your dog yet." And he's like, you with your dog yet." And he's like, you with your dog yet." And he's like, "Yeah, this is It's pretty incredible "Yeah, this is It's pretty incredible "Yeah, this is It's pretty incredible dog." And I'm like, "Oh, what what kind dog." And I'm like, "Oh, what what kind dog." And I'm like, "Oh, what what kind of breed is it?" And he's like, "It's a of breed is it?" And he's like, "It's a of breed is it?" And he's like, "It's a Labradoodle." I'm like, "Oh, that's Labradoodle." I'm like, "Oh, that's Labradoodle." I'm like, "Oh, that's cool. Labradoodle." He's like, "Yeah, cool. Labradoodle." He's like, "Yeah, cool. Labradoodle." He's like, "Yeah, they don't shed. They're calm. If you they don't shed. They're calm. If you they don't shed. They're calm. If you get a girl, everything's awesome. If you get a girl, everything's awesome. If you get a girl, everything's awesome. If you get a boy, it's not as good, but if you get a boy, it's not as good, but if you get a boy, it's not as good, but if you get a girl, everything's awesome and get a girl, everything's awesome and get a girl, everything's awesome and they're chill." And so I went home and they're chill." And so I went home and they're chill." And so I went home and I'm like, "Hmm, Labradoodles." So I I'm like, "Hmm, Labradoodles." So I I'm like, "Hmm, Labradoodles." So I search online. I'm like, "Labradoodles." search online. I'm like, "Labradoodles." search online. I'm like, "Labradoodles." Some Labradoodles pop up and then I Some Labradoodles pop up and then I Some Labradoodles pop up and then I search Labradoodles for purchase. search Labradoodles for purchase. search Labradoodles for purchase. And some more pop up. And then this And some more pop up. And then this And some more pop up. And then this picture pops up, right here. picture pops up, right here. picture pops up, right here. This picture. This picture. This picture. And then now And then now And then now all of a sudden I want a puppy. I see I all of a sudden I want a puppy. I see I all of a sudden I want a puppy. I see I see the picture. I'm like, "I want I see the picture. I'm like, "I want I see the picture. I'm like, "I want I want that dog." And so wouldn't you want that dog." And so wouldn't you want that dog." And so wouldn't you know, less than 2 weeks later we had our know, less than 2 weeks later we had our know, less than 2 weeks later we had our dog Mercy celebrating Christmas as the dog Mercy celebrating Christmas as the dog Mercy celebrating Christmas as the Christmas gift for our kids.

Christmas gift for our kids. Christmas gift for our kids. And what I think is so powerful about And what I think is so powerful about And what I think is so powerful about that story. We all have stories like that story. We all have stories like that story. We all have stories like this. This is important. Your desires this. This is important. Your desires this. This is important. Your desires move you. move you. move you. The desires on the inside have a way of The desires on the inside have a way of The desires on the inside have a way of moving our lives forward. And this is moving our lives forward. And this is moving our lives forward. And this is for good or for bad. If you have great for good or for bad. If you have great for good or for bad. If you have great desires, if you want the right things, desires, if you want the right things, desires, if you want the right things, it moves you in the right direction. If it moves you in the right direction. If it moves you in the right direction. If you have bad desires or you want the you have bad desires or you want the you have bad desires or you want the wrong things, it moves you in the wrong wrong things, it moves you in the wrong wrong things, it moves you in the wrong direction. But what's what's so direction. But what's what's so direction. But what's what's so beautiful about the dynamic between us beautiful about the dynamic between us beautiful about the dynamic between us and the living God. He is not far off and the living God. He is not far off and the living God. He is not far off and distant. He's a near and present and distant. He's a near and present and distant. He's a near and present God. And not only do your desires move God. And not only do your desires move God. And not only do your desires move you, you, you, but your desires move God. but your desires move God. but your desires move God. And there's something about what's on And there's something about what's on And there's something about what's on the inside of you that when when God the inside of you that when when God the inside of you that when when God really knows the thing that you want really knows the thing that you want really knows the thing that you want more than anything else is him and the more than anything else is him and the more than anything else is him and the things that matter in this life, it things that matter in this life, it things that matter in this life, it moves the heart of God. moves the heart of God. moves the heart of God. And I think about this verse often. This And I think about this verse often. This And I think about this verse often. This week I was meditating on it and really week I was meditating on it and really week I was meditating on it and really moved by this verse right here. Psalm moved by this verse right here. Psalm moved by this verse right here. Psalm 37, verse four says this, "Delight 37, verse four says this, "Delight 37, verse four says this, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give yourself in the Lord and he will give yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."

you the desires of your heart." you the desires of your heart." So how do you shape and shift your So how do you shape and shift your So how do you shape and shift your desires? Because if you're like me, desires? Because if you're like me, desires? Because if you're like me, there are a lot of moments where what there are a lot of moments where what there are a lot of moments where what you want is really not what you really you want is really not what you really you want is really not what you really want at a deeper level. There's want at a deeper level. There's want at a deeper level. There's something that you kind of want at a something that you kind of want at a something that you kind of want at a surface level, but there's something surface level, but there's something surface level, but there's something deeper that you desire. So how do you deeper that you desire. So how do you deeper that you desire. So how do you shift your desires and your wants? And shift your desires and your wants? And shift your desires and your wants? And what the psalmist saying is you do this what the psalmist saying is you do this what the psalmist saying is you do this through what you delight in. through what you delight in. through what you delight in. And have you have you ever noticed like And have you have you ever noticed like And have you have you ever noticed like if you start to delight in something if you start to delight in something if you start to delight in something more, more, more, you start to want it more. you start to want it more. you start to want it more. For example, chocolate chips like I For example, chocolate chips like I For example, chocolate chips like I mentioned earlier. I love chocolate mentioned earlier. I love chocolate mentioned earlier. I love chocolate chips. And sometimes I will get a little chips. And sometimes I will get a little chips. And sometimes I will get a little handful of chocolate chips at the end of handful of chocolate chips at the end of handful of chocolate chips at the end of the day. the day. the day. And I want one right now even as I'm And I want one right now even as I'm And I want one right now even as I'm just describing it. They just melt in just describing it. They just melt in just describing it. They just melt in your mouth. It's so good. But But what your mouth. It's so good. But But what your mouth. It's so good. But But what happens? happens? happens? I already said prostrate in the message, I already said prostrate in the message, I already said prostrate in the message, so I might as well make some other bad so I might as well make some other bad so I might as well make some other bad jokes. So um jokes. So um jokes. So um But you start eating them and you're But you start eating them and you're But you start eating them and you're like, "Oh, I want what?" More. I want like, "Oh, I want what?" More. I want like, "Oh, I want what?" More. I want more. And you have one handful and then more. And you have one handful and then more. And you have one handful and then you want two handfuls. The next day you you want two handfuls. The next day you you want two handfuls. The next day you have two handfuls and then the next day have two handfuls and then the next day have two handfuls and then the next day you want three. And what you delight in, you want three. And what you delight in, you want three. And what you delight in, you have a tendency to want more of.

you have a tendency to want more of. you have a tendency to want more of. So the question then becomes, "How do I So the question then becomes, "How do I So the question then becomes, "How do I delight in God more? How do I fix my delight in God more? How do I fix my delight in God more? How do I fix my life in such a way or focus my life in life in such a way or focus my life in life in such a way or focus my life in such a way that my attention is given to such a way that my attention is given to such a way that my attention is given to delight in the character and the nature delight in the character and the nature delight in the character and the nature of God?" So really practically what this of God?" So really practically what this of God?" So really practically what this means for me on a personal level this means for me on a personal level this means for me on a personal level this Christmas. So Stacy has her whole Christmas. So Stacy has her whole Christmas. So Stacy has her whole Christmas routine together. We I should Christmas routine together. We I should Christmas routine together. We I should say we have it, but her timing is the say we have it, but her timing is the say we have it, but her timing is the day after Thanksgiving all the Christmas day after Thanksgiving all the Christmas day after Thanksgiving all the Christmas decorations go up. And I'm the box guy. decorations go up. And I'm the box guy. decorations go up. And I'm the box guy. So I get the boxes and bring them to So I get the boxes and bring them to So I get the boxes and bring them to her. And then that weekend all of the her. And then that weekend all of the her. And then that weekend all of the all of the lights are set up in our all of the lights are set up in our all of the lights are set up in our house. house. house. And I love the tree's up. I'll wake up And I love the tree's up. I'll wake up And I love the tree's up. I'll wake up early in the morning, come down, turn early in the morning, come down, turn early in the morning, come down, turn the tree on or I turn the lights on on the tree on or I turn the lights on on the tree on or I turn the lights on on the tree and turn the fire on. And then the tree and turn the fire on. And then the tree and turn the fire on. And then I'll sit there with my Bible open, put I'll sit there with my Bible open, put I'll sit there with my Bible open, put my worship music on and just worship my worship music on and just worship my worship music on and just worship God. And I'm I'm like delighting in his God. And I'm I'm like delighting in his God. And I'm I'm like delighting in his presence this Christmas. And it's it's presence this Christmas. And it's it's presence this Christmas. And it's it's bringing so much of a greater desire to bringing so much of a greater desire to bringing so much of a greater desire to my heart for more of God.

my heart for more of God. my heart for more of God. And what I've noticed is when I when I And what I've noticed is when I when I And what I've noticed is when I when I will simply focus in on how great and will simply focus in on how great and will simply focus in on how great and awesome God is. Like the majesty and the awesome God is. Like the majesty and the awesome God is. Like the majesty and the wonder. And I'll just say, "God, you're wonder. And I'll just say, "God, you're wonder. And I'll just say, "God, you're you're so good. Thank you for your you're so good. Thank you for your you're so good. Thank you for your faithfulness to me. You you are so faithfulness to me. You you are so faithfulness to me. You you are so powerful and mighty." And when I powerful and mighty." And when I powerful and mighty." And when I meditate on these stories, it's like meditate on these stories, it's like meditate on these stories, it's like that delight shifts my desires on the that delight shifts my desires on the that delight shifts my desires on the inside. inside. inside. Now, this is also why we do small groups Now, this is also why we do small groups Now, this is also why we do small groups because, you know, the reality is your because, you know, the reality is your because, you know, the reality is your desires are shaped not just by what you desires are shaped not just by what you desires are shaped not just by what you delight in, but by the people you're delight in, but by the people you're delight in, but by the people you're with and what they delight in. Like have with and what they delight in. Like have with and what they delight in. Like have you ever noticed if you're around people you ever noticed if you're around people you ever noticed if you're around people who like cookies, you want cookies more? who like cookies, you want cookies more? who like cookies, you want cookies more? And the tendency is when you get in And the tendency is when you get in And the tendency is when you get in community with other people that want community with other people that want community with other people that want more of God and more of what's right and more of God and more of what's right and more of God and more of what's right and a true meaningful life of joy and peace, a true meaningful life of joy and peace, a true meaningful life of joy and peace, you start to want it more. And this last you start to want it more. And this last you start to want it more. And this last week we wrapped up all of our small week we wrapped up all of our small week we wrapped up all of our small groups. And I got to take just a moment groups. And I got to take just a moment groups. And I got to take just a moment right here in the middle of the message right here in the middle of the message right here in the middle of the message because on a personal level, I've been because on a personal level, I've been because on a personal level, I've been impacted because of our small groups and impacted because of our small groups and impacted because of our small groups and my family has. And I think it's good for my family has. And I think it's good for my family has. And I think it's good for us right now as we're wrapping up small us right now as we're wrapping up small us right now as we're wrapping up small groups just to take a quick minute in groups just to take a quick minute in groups just to take a quick minute in the middle of our service and honor our the middle of our service and honor our the middle of our service and honor our 2,000 plus small group leaders who led 2,000 plus small group leaders who led 2,000 plus small group leaders who led and hosted small groups and we just want and hosted small groups and we just want and hosted small groups and we just want to celebrate and honor you.

to celebrate and honor you. to celebrate and honor you. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your leadership. You're helping many people delight in You're helping many people delight in You're helping many people delight in God and their lives be changed. And some God and their lives be changed. And some God and their lives be changed. And some of you maybe you're not leading a group of you maybe you're not leading a group of you maybe you're not leading a group or you're not in a group and you can get or you're not in a group and you can get or you're not in a group and you can get in one early next year, there's going to in one early next year, there's going to in one early next year, there's going to be a great opportunity. But that's a be a great opportunity. But that's a be a great opportunity. But that's a that's a powerful way to shape your that's a powerful way to shape your that's a powerful way to shape your desires. This is why like next year, desires. This is why like next year, desires. This is why like next year, we're going to start the year with 21 we're going to start the year with 21 we're going to start the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting. Because when days of prayer and fasting. Because when days of prayer and fasting. Because when we focus our heart on God, it shifts our we focus our heart on God, it shifts our we focus our heart on God, it shifts our desires. And the the the truth is that I desires. And the the the truth is that I desires. And the the the truth is that I want to be we want to be as a church want to be we want to be as a church want to be we want to be as a church family at a place where the thing that family at a place where the thing that family at a place where the thing that we want more than anything else is God. we want more than anything else is God. we want more than anything else is God. That we want more of him. So here's a That we want more of him. So here's a That we want more of him. So here's a question. What is the more that you're question. What is the more that you're question. What is the more that you're looking for? looking for? looking for? And if I were to say to you you could And if I were to say to you you could And if I were to say to you you could have more of anything, what would that have more of anything, what would that have more of anything, what would that more be? More money, a bigger house, more be? More money, a bigger house, more be? More money, a bigger house, maybe more kids. But that more, it maybe more kids. But that more, it maybe more kids. But that more, it drives you on. So what if your more drives you on. So what if your more drives you on. So what if your more was more of God? was more of God? was more of God? And what if the deepest desire of your And what if the deepest desire of your And what if the deepest desire of your heart that you put fuel into is to heart that you put fuel into is to heart that you put fuel into is to worship and to pursue God? See, these worship and to pursue God? See, these worship and to pursue God? See, these unlikely men find themselves at the feet unlikely men find themselves at the feet unlikely men find themselves at the feet of Jesus because they were looking for of Jesus because they were looking for of Jesus because they were looking for him. And they had fixed their eyes, him. And they had fixed their eyes, him. And they had fixed their eyes, their focus on the Messiah. One verse, their focus on the Messiah. One verse, their focus on the Messiah. One verse, one word was all they needed to get to one word was all they needed to get to one word was all they needed to get to Bethlehem. And that leads to the second Bethlehem. And that leads to the second Bethlehem. And that leads to the second point. In addition to focusing and point. In addition to focusing and point. In addition to focusing and fixing what we give our attention to, fixing what we give our attention to, fixing what we give our attention to, the next part is to elevate our the next part is to elevate our the next part is to elevate our expectation. Elevate what we anticipate expectation. Elevate what we anticipate expectation. Elevate what we anticipate with our lives.

with our lives. with our lives. And if you notice, the natural tendency And if you notice, the natural tendency And if you notice, the natural tendency is to keep our gaze down. Like we have a is to keep our gaze down. Like we have a is to keep our gaze down. Like we have a tendency in life to get so focused on tendency in life to get so focused on tendency in life to get so focused on the mundane. And I want to give you a the mundane. And I want to give you a the mundane. And I want to give you a little example of this. Look at this little example of this. Look at this little example of this. Look at this picture with me for just a moment. And picture with me for just a moment. And picture with me for just a moment. And I'd like for you in your notes or maybe I'd like for you in your notes or maybe I'd like for you in your notes or maybe with with a neighbor right next to you, with with a neighbor right next to you, with with a neighbor right next to you, just tell them what you think this just tell them what you think this just tell them what you think this picture is. Just Just take a moment and picture is. Just Just take a moment and picture is. Just Just take a moment and tell them what you think this picture tell them what you think this picture tell them what you think this picture is, okay? And while you're doing that, is, okay? And while you're doing that, is, okay? And while you're doing that, you can maybe write it down. And then you can maybe write it down. And then you can maybe write it down. And then I'll show you, in addition to that, I'll show you, in addition to that, I'll show you, in addition to that, another picture. What do you think this another picture. What do you think this another picture. What do you think this is? This is pretty obvious. This is a is? This is pretty obvious. This is a is? This is pretty obvious. This is a star. star. star. Now, I want you to see both of them in Now, I want you to see both of them in Now, I want you to see both of them in one picture together. one picture together. one picture together. So what you were looking at the first So what you were looking at the first So what you were looking at the first shot was camels' butts. And shot was camels' butts. And shot was camels' butts. And what that is is the whole landscape, a what that is is the whole landscape, a what that is is the whole landscape, a big picture of these magi coming to big picture of these magi coming to big picture of these magi coming to Jesus. And if you can go back to that Jesus. And if you can go back to that Jesus. And if you can go back to that first shot for just a moment, this is first shot for just a moment, this is first shot for just a moment, this is where a lot of us live our lives. where a lot of us live our lives. where a lot of us live our lives. We just focused on We just focused on We just focused on what's ahead of us and focused on what's ahead of us and focused on what's ahead of us and focused on camels' butts. So you know, it's like camels' butts. So you know, it's like camels' butts. So you know, it's like all your attention is going to the thing all your attention is going to the thing all your attention is going to the thing right in front of you. And what God is right in front of you. And what God is right in front of you. And what God is saying is to elevate elevate what you saying is to elevate elevate what you saying is to elevate elevate what you expect with your life, to believe that expect with your life, to believe that expect with your life, to believe that God is able to do more than you can ask God is able to do more than you can ask God is able to do more than you can ask or imagine, to put your faith in him.

or imagine, to put your faith in him. or imagine, to put your faith in him. That's what drove these men to the feet That's what drove these men to the feet That's what drove these men to the feet of Jesus. So I want to look one more of Jesus. So I want to look one more of Jesus. So I want to look one more time the whole picture with both of time the whole picture with both of time the whole picture with both of these. You There you go. So I want you I these. You There you go. So I want you I these. You There you go. So I want you I think there's actually two. There we go. think there's actually two. There we go. think there's actually two. There we go. So I want you to ask the question, which So I want you to ask the question, which So I want you to ask the question, which of these are you focused on? And perhaps of these are you focused on? And perhaps of these are you focused on? And perhaps today would be a moment for you to lift today would be a moment for you to lift today would be a moment for you to lift your vision to something greater, to your vision to something greater, to your vision to something greater, to recognize there's an invitation from God recognize there's an invitation from God recognize there's an invitation from God for more, more joy, more peace, more of for more, more joy, more peace, more of for more, more joy, more peace, more of his presence in your life. It's entirely his presence in your life. It's entirely his presence in your life. It's entirely possible for God to be in our midst and possible for God to be in our midst and possible for God to be in our midst and for us to miss him. John 1:10 says this. for us to miss him. John 1:10 says this. for us to miss him. John 1:10 says this. Says he was in the world Says he was in the world Says he was in the world and though the world was made through and though the world was made through and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He him, the world did not recognize him. He him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his came to that which was his own, but his came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. own did not receive him. own did not receive him. So in Bethlehem as baby Jesus is running So in Bethlehem as baby Jesus is running So in Bethlehem as baby Jesus is running around as a little toddler, there are around as a little toddler, there are around as a little toddler, there are people that are completely missing him. people that are completely missing him. people that are completely missing him. And there was a group of religious And there was a group of religious And there was a group of religious leaders that when the magi came, they leaders that when the magi came, they leaders that when the magi came, they knew exactly where the Messiah was going knew exactly where the Messiah was going knew exactly where the Messiah was going to be born. They had hundreds of to be born. They had hundreds of to be born. They had hundreds of prophecies, but they were so indifferent prophecies, but they were so indifferent prophecies, but they were so indifferent to God that when God was in their midst, to God that when God was in their midst, to God that when God was in their midst, they didn't notice him.

they didn't notice him. they didn't notice him. And it it it makes me concerned And it it it makes me concerned And it it it makes me concerned because on a personal level, you know, because on a personal level, you know, because on a personal level, you know, in addition to being a follower of in addition to being a follower of in addition to being a follower of Jesus, like teaching this stuff is what Jesus, like teaching this stuff is what Jesus, like teaching this stuff is what I do vocationally. I do vocationally. I do vocationally. And it's very easy in the midst of all And it's very easy in the midst of all And it's very easy in the midst of all the activity with what is my vocation to the activity with what is my vocation to the activity with what is my vocation to just go through the motions. And one of just go through the motions. And one of just go through the motions. And one of the things I've just been saying to God the things I've just been saying to God the things I've just been saying to God at my own prayer times, God, I I don't at my own prayer times, God, I I don't at my own prayer times, God, I I don't want to go through the motions. I don't want to go through the motions. I don't want to go through the motions. I don't want to just do this thing day in day want to just do this thing day in day want to just do this thing day in day out year over year and miss the wonder out year over year and miss the wonder out year over year and miss the wonder of the reality that you came from heaven of the reality that you came from heaven of the reality that you came from heaven to earth to make a way that I can know to earth to make a way that I can know to earth to make a way that I can know you. And the truth is there there's you. And the truth is there there's you. And the truth is there there's something so much more that God invites something so much more that God invites something so much more that God invites us into, but our tendency is to settle us into, but our tendency is to settle us into, but our tendency is to settle for less. It's to focus on all the for less. It's to focus on all the for less. It's to focus on all the things that are not rather than who God things that are not rather than who God things that are not rather than who God is and what God is truly like. is and what God is truly like. is and what God is truly like. And I've been ministered to by this And I've been ministered to by this And I've been ministered to by this quote from C.S. Lewis time and time quote from C.S. Lewis time and time quote from C.S. Lewis time and time again. But it says this, it would seem again. But it says this, it would seem again. But it says this, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too that our Lord finds our desires not too that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We're half-hearted strong, but too weak. We're half-hearted strong, but too weak. We're half-hearted creatures fooling about with drink and creatures fooling about with drink and creatures fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is sex and ambition when infinite joy is sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us.

offered to us. offered to us. And like an ignorant child who wants to And like an ignorant child who wants to And like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because go on making mud pies in a slum because go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the he cannot imagine what is meant by the he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea, we are offer of a holiday at the sea, we are offer of a holiday at the sea, we are far too easily pleased. We are far too far too easily pleased. We are far too far too easily pleased. We are far too easily pleased. There's so many moments easily pleased. There's so many moments easily pleased. There's so many moments in our lives where we are settling for in our lives where we are settling for in our lives where we are settling for less. And when we taste and see the less. And when we taste and see the less. And when we taste and see the goodness of God, the blessing of goodness of God, the blessing of goodness of God, the blessing of relationship with him, that our heart is relationship with him, that our heart is relationship with him, that our heart is stirred and that becomes the more that stirred and that becomes the more that stirred and that becomes the more that we want. And the question I want to we want. And the question I want to we want. And the question I want to wrestle through with you in the second wrestle through with you in the second wrestle through with you in the second point is what what do you what where do point is what what do you what where do point is what what do you what where do your expectations need to be elevated? your expectations need to be elevated? your expectations need to be elevated? So where in your life have you kind of So where in your life have you kind of So where in your life have you kind of settled in and God is saying, "No, settled in and God is saying, "No, settled in and God is saying, "No, there's more that I have in store for there's more that I have in store for there's more that I have in store for you. There's more in your marriage. you. There's more in your marriage. you. There's more in your marriage. There there's more in your relationship There there's more in your relationship There there's more in your relationship with your kids. I'm able to do with your kids. I'm able to do with your kids. I'm able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what exceedingly and abundantly beyond what exceedingly and abundantly beyond what you could think, ask, or imagine." And I you could think, ask, or imagine." And I you could think, ask, or imagine." And I believe that this Christmas God wants to believe that this Christmas God wants to believe that this Christmas God wants to elevate our expectation as a church elevate our expectation as a church elevate our expectation as a church family, to believe at our Christmas family, to believe at our Christmas family, to believe at our Christmas services that there will be thousands of services that there will be thousands of services that there will be thousands of people that come through our doors for people that come through our doors for people that come through our doors for the very first time, hundreds and the very first time, hundreds and the very first time, hundreds and hundreds of people that make decisions hundreds of people that make decisions hundreds of people that make decisions to follow Jesus with their whole heart to follow Jesus with their whole heart to follow Jesus with their whole heart for the very first time, that God for the very first time, that God for the very first time, that God responds to this kind of faith in a responds to this kind of faith in a responds to this kind of faith in a people, that we would collectively people, that we would collectively people, that we would collectively believe and anticipate the goodness of believe and anticipate the goodness of believe and anticipate the goodness of God in our future. I I love the story in God in our future. I I love the story in God in our future. I I love the story in Mark where these four guys bring their Mark where these four guys bring their Mark where these four guys bring their friend to Jesus and they climb up the friend to Jesus and they climb up the friend to Jesus and they climb up the side of a building and they kind of side of a building and they kind of side of a building and they kind of carve a hole in the roof and they lower carve a hole in the roof and they lower carve a hole in the roof and they lower their friend down so he can be healed by

their friend down so he can be healed by their friend down so he can be healed by Jesus and it says that Jesus looked and Jesus and it says that Jesus looked and Jesus and it says that Jesus looked and saw their faith. Don't you want to be saw their faith. Don't you want to be saw their faith. Don't you want to be the church that Jesus looks and sees our the church that Jesus looks and sees our the church that Jesus looks and sees our faith and he's moved by it? faith and he's moved by it? faith and he's moved by it? Maybe, anybody in this service. That we Maybe, anybody in this service. That we Maybe, anybody in this service. That we would be the people that we have faith would be the people that we have faith would be the people that we have faith to believe that God can move. So God is to believe that God can move. So God is to believe that God can move. So God is inviting us to elevate, elevate what we inviting us to elevate, elevate what we inviting us to elevate, elevate what we expect. And finally, that leads to the expect. And finally, that leads to the expect. And finally, that leads to the third point and we'll finish with this. third point and we'll finish with this. third point and we'll finish with this. It's to step into God's story. It's to step into God's story. It's to step into God's story. To take a step into the story, that's To take a step into the story, that's To take a step into the story, that's what we do. That's how we respond to the what we do. That's how we respond to the what we do. That's how we respond to the story of Jesus coming near. story of Jesus coming near. story of Jesus coming near. And the these men, they respond, they do And the these men, they respond, they do And the these men, they respond, they do something, but it's at a great cost to something, but it's at a great cost to something, but it's at a great cost to them. I mean, you have to think about them. I mean, you have to think about them. I mean, you have to think about this for just a moment. They're this for just a moment. They're this for just a moment. They're traveling across the desert, it could traveling across the desert, it could traveling across the desert, it could cost them their life. There's great cost them their life. There's great cost them their life. There's great sacrifice, they bring gifts. We don't sacrifice, they bring gifts. We don't sacrifice, they bring gifts. We don't know, do they have families? Were these know, do they have families? Were these know, do they have families? Were these men leaving behind their spouses and men leaving behind their spouses and men leaving behind their spouses and kids for a period of time? But all that kids for a period of time? But all that kids for a period of time? But all that went into them getting to the place went into them getting to the place went into them getting to the place where they would worship Jesus, they where they would worship Jesus, they where they would worship Jesus, they stepped into the story. And there were stepped into the story. And there were stepped into the story. And there were so many other people closer in proximity so many other people closer in proximity so many other people closer in proximity to them, but they weren't in the story.

to them, but they weren't in the story. to them, but they weren't in the story. And for us, God's inviting us to step And for us, God's inviting us to step And for us, God's inviting us to step into the story. into the story. into the story. And I want you to see just again the the And I want you to see just again the the And I want you to see just again the the the beauty of this moment where they the beauty of this moment where they the beauty of this moment where they come to Jesus with their gifts. come to Jesus with their gifts. come to Jesus with their gifts. It says, "After they had heard the king, It says, "After they had heard the king, It says, "After they had heard the king, they went on their way they went on their way they went on their way and the star they had seen in the east and the star they had seen in the east and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over went ahead of them until it stopped over went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was and when the place where the child was and when the place where the child was and when they saw the star, they were overjoyed." they saw the star, they were overjoyed." they saw the star, they were overjoyed." You think about the the longevity of You think about the the longevity of You think about the the longevity of this trip, months and months on end. And this trip, months and months on end. And this trip, months and months on end. And maybe you've had those moments where maybe you've had those moments where maybe you've had those moments where you're driving across town or across the you're driving across town or across the you're driving across town or across the country and you finally get there. But country and you finally get there. But country and you finally get there. But for them, this is the culmination of a for them, this is the culmination of a for them, this is the culmination of a journey. They're in the presence of the journey. They're in the presence of the journey. They're in the presence of the Messiah. And the Bible says that on Messiah. And the Bible says that on Messiah. And the Bible says that on coming to the house, they saw the child coming to the house, they saw the child coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary with his mother Mary with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him. and they bowed down and worshiped him. and they bowed down and worshiped him. Like no frame of reference for for the Like no frame of reference for for the Like no frame of reference for for the religion and beliefs of the Jewish religion and beliefs of the Jewish religion and beliefs of the Jewish people other than from afar with what people other than from afar with what people other than from afar with what they had read in the scriptures, but they had read in the scriptures, but they had read in the scriptures, but such an understanding of who this such an understanding of who this such an understanding of who this Messiah was that they fell down and Messiah was that they fell down and Messiah was that they fell down and worshiped him. And it says, "Then they worshiped him. And it says, "Then they worshiped him. And it says, "Then they presented him with their gifts. They presented him with their gifts. They presented him with their gifts. They opened treasures and gave him gifts of opened treasures and gave him gifts of opened treasures and gave him gifts of gold, which is a gift that you would gold, which is a gift that you would gold, which is a gift that you would give to a king. And they gave him gifts give to a king. And they gave him gifts give to a king. And they gave him gifts of incense, which represents a kind of of incense, which represents a kind of of incense, which represents a kind of priestly reality. The incense which priestly reality. The incense which priestly reality. The incense which would be burned in worship as the would be burned in worship as the would be burned in worship as the priests would would come into the priests would would come into the priests would would come into the temple. And then finally, the myrrh, temple. And then finally, the myrrh, temple. And then finally, the myrrh, which represents the balm on a body that which represents the balm on a body that which represents the balm on a body that was dying. And they may not have even was dying. And they may not have even was dying. And they may not have even known the prophetic significance of known the prophetic significance of known the prophetic significance of these gifts that they were giving to

these gifts that they were giving to these gifts that they were giving to Jesus. For them, it was simply an act of Jesus. For them, it was simply an act of Jesus. For them, it was simply an act of worship. Like here's our gifts, here's worship. Like here's our gifts, here's worship. Like here's our gifts, here's our heart. We've come all this way to our heart. We've come all this way to our heart. We've come all this way to worship this newborn king. That it is worship this newborn king. That it is worship this newborn king. That it is different than any other king. We're not different than any other king. We're not different than any other king. We're not just professing allegiance, we are just professing allegiance, we are just professing allegiance, we are adoring and worshiping him. adoring and worshiping him. adoring and worshiping him. This is such a beautiful picture This is such a beautiful picture This is such a beautiful picture of the of the nature of God's worthiness of the of the nature of God's worthiness of the of the nature of God's worthiness that he is worthy of these Magi, he's that he is worthy of these Magi, he's that he is worthy of these Magi, he's worthy of you. worthy of you. worthy of you. And maybe for some of you like you And maybe for some of you like you And maybe for some of you like you marvel at it. Like you're like, "Wow, marvel at it. Like you're like, "Wow, marvel at it. Like you're like, "Wow, that's awesome." And you can write this that's awesome." And you can write this that's awesome." And you can write this down, I can marvel at God's story with down, I can marvel at God's story with down, I can marvel at God's story with wonder wonder wonder and never step into it. and never step into it. and never step into it. Like you some of you maybe you love Like you some of you maybe you love Like you some of you maybe you love Christmas. Like you love the lights and Christmas. Like you love the lights and Christmas. Like you love the lights and your peppermint mocha and all the things your peppermint mocha and all the things your peppermint mocha and all the things that happen during the holidays. that happen during the holidays. that happen during the holidays. It's possible to like listen to It's possible to like listen to It's possible to like listen to Christmas songs about Jesus and come to Christmas songs about Jesus and come to Christmas songs about Jesus and come to Christmas services and be like, "Wow, Christmas services and be like, "Wow, Christmas services and be like, "Wow, that's amazing. I love the lights." that's amazing. I love the lights." that's amazing. I love the lights." But it's so much more than that.

But it's so much more than that. But it's so much more than that. And the invitation from God is not for And the invitation from God is not for And the invitation from God is not for you just to wonder, like look at this you just to wonder, like look at this you just to wonder, like look at this story in awe, but for you to step into story in awe, but for you to step into story in awe, but for you to step into this bigger story that God is writing. this bigger story that God is writing. this bigger story that God is writing. All the way from Genesis to Revelation, All the way from Genesis to Revelation, All the way from Genesis to Revelation, God wrote a story and then he invites us God wrote a story and then he invites us God wrote a story and then he invites us to step into the story. to step into the story. to step into the story. And notice for them, they step into the And notice for them, they step into the And notice for them, they step into the story with their heart and with their story with their heart and with their story with their heart and with their gifts. And finally, I want you to see gifts. And finally, I want you to see gifts. And finally, I want you to see this, to step into the story, I must this, to step into the story, I must this, to step into the story, I must worship Jesus. worship Jesus. worship Jesus. Now, maybe for you you're like, "Yeah, Now, maybe for you you're like, "Yeah, Now, maybe for you you're like, "Yeah, I'm I'm at church, I'm singing songs and I'm I'm at church, I'm singing songs and I'm I'm at church, I'm singing songs and I worship Jesus." But there's something I worship Jesus." But there's something I worship Jesus." But there's something so much greater in this picture of so much greater in this picture of so much greater in this picture of worship. worship. worship. It's sacrifice. It's sacrifice. It's sacrifice. It's a whole heart falling before a It's a whole heart falling before a It's a whole heart falling before a king. It's adoration. It's recognizing king. It's adoration. It's recognizing king. It's adoration. It's recognizing his value and his worth that there's no his value and his worth that there's no his value and his worth that there's no one like him, no one who is worthy of one like him, no one who is worthy of one like him, no one who is worthy of their pursuit, no one who's worthy of their pursuit, no one who's worthy of their pursuit, no one who's worthy of their gifts. And what God wants from you their gifts. And what God wants from you their gifts. And what God wants from you and what God wants for you is for you to and what God wants for you is for you to and what God wants for you is for you to encounter him and to worship him as the encounter him and to worship him as the encounter him and to worship him as the living God, to know him on a personal living God, to know him on a personal living God, to know him on a personal level and to say, "Jesus, you are worthy level and to say, "Jesus, you are worthy level and to say, "Jesus, you are worthy of my life. I give you my whole heart."

of my life. I give you my whole heart." of my life. I give you my whole heart." And some of you if you're honest, like And some of you if you're honest, like And some of you if you're honest, like you've been doing this thing for a long you've been doing this thing for a long you've been doing this thing for a long time. Like you you know God, you come to time. Like you you know God, you come to time. Like you you know God, you come to church. Maybe you've come to Saddleback church. Maybe you've come to Saddleback church. Maybe you've come to Saddleback since 1980, the year before I was born. since 1980, the year before I was born. since 1980, the year before I was born. And maybe maybe like you've been doing And maybe maybe like you've been doing And maybe maybe like you've been doing this thing, but your heart is cold to this thing, but your heart is cold to this thing, but your heart is cold to God. And like you're just going through God. And like you're just going through God. And like you're just going through the motions and might I just with the the motions and might I just with the the motions and might I just with the help of the Holy Spirit wake up wonder help of the Holy Spirit wake up wonder help of the Holy Spirit wake up wonder in your heart this Christmas and to call in your heart this Christmas and to call in your heart this Christmas and to call you to something greater. That God wants you to something greater. That God wants you to something greater. That God wants your whole heart. He's not after just your whole heart. He's not after just your whole heart. He's not after just kind of this casual interaction with kind of this casual interaction with kind of this casual interaction with you. He's after your life in full you. He's after your life in full you. He's after your life in full pursuit of him. pursuit of him. pursuit of him. And there there there is nothing that And there there there is nothing that And there there there is nothing that will satisfy your soul like worship of will satisfy your soul like worship of will satisfy your soul like worship of God because there's nothing that's God because there's nothing that's God because there's nothing that's worthy of your whole heart aside from worthy of your whole heart aside from worthy of your whole heart aside from God. And the invitation this Christmas God. And the invitation this Christmas God. And the invitation this Christmas is for you to give your heart in worship is for you to give your heart in worship is for you to give your heart in worship to Jesus. It might be with a song that to Jesus. It might be with a song that to Jesus. It might be with a song that you listen, a Christmas song. It might you listen, a Christmas song. It might you listen, a Christmas song. It might be in a conversation that you have where be in a conversation that you have where be in a conversation that you have where you're honest about what God's done in you're honest about what God's done in you're honest about what God's done in your life as you're bringing a friend to your life as you're bringing a friend to your life as you're bringing a friend to church. It might be for you that you church. It might be for you that you church. It might be for you that you make a decision to give up something so make a decision to give up something so make a decision to give up something so that you can trust God at a deeper that you can trust God at a deeper that you can trust God at a deeper level. But notice in this passage, two level. But notice in this passage, two level. But notice in this passage, two things and then we'll finish. I want you things and then we'll finish. I want you things and then we'll finish. I want you to notice that they bowed down and they to notice that they bowed down and they to notice that they bowed down and they worshipped Jesus. So they start with worshipped Jesus. So they start with worshipped Jesus. So they start with their hearts and then it says and then their hearts and then it says and then their hearts and then it says and then they opened their treasures and they they opened their treasures and they they opened their treasures and they presented him with their gifts. It's presented him with their gifts. It's presented him with their gifts. It's impossible to worship Jesus if both your impossible to worship Jesus if both your impossible to worship Jesus if both your heart and your hands are not in it. And

heart and your hands are not in it. And heart and your hands are not in it. And the invitation is to worship him with the invitation is to worship him with the invitation is to worship him with your heart first and then your hands your heart first and then your hands your heart first and then your hands open to him to say, "You have my entire open to him to say, "You have my entire open to him to say, "You have my entire life." Some of you today, life." Some of you today, life." Some of you today, the invitation is to open your heart to the invitation is to open your heart to the invitation is to open your heart to Jesus for the very first time and today Jesus for the very first time and today Jesus for the very first time and today you're going to get saved. You're going you're going to get saved. You're going you're going to get saved. You're going to open your heart to God, you're going to open your heart to God, you're going to open your heart to God, you're going to say, "I believe in you, I receive the to say, "I believe in you, I receive the to say, "I believe in you, I receive the gift of salvation." Here's the beauty of gift of salvation." Here's the beauty of gift of salvation." Here's the beauty of this story. Jesus comes, he lives a this story. Jesus comes, he lives a this story. Jesus comes, he lives a perfect sinless life, he goes to a cross perfect sinless life, he goes to a cross perfect sinless life, he goes to a cross for the sins of the world, he's placed for the sins of the world, he's placed for the sins of the world, he's placed into a grave and on the third day he into a grave and on the third day he into a grave and on the third day he rises again from the dead. He's he is rises again from the dead. He's he is rises again from the dead. He's he is ruling and reigning now as the high king ruling and reigning now as the high king ruling and reigning now as the high king of heaven and he's the creator and of heaven and he's the creator and of heaven and he's the creator and sustainer of the universe. And he has sustainer of the universe. And he has sustainer of the universe. And he has the ability to forgive every one of your the ability to forgive every one of your the ability to forgive every one of your sins. He has the ability to make you new sins. He has the ability to make you new sins. He has the ability to make you new from the inside out. The Bible says that from the inside out. The Bible says that from the inside out. The Bible says that he takes us from death to life. That he takes us from death to life. That he takes us from death to life. That when you put your faith in Jesus, you're when you put your faith in Jesus, you're when you put your faith in Jesus, you're made new and you can do that today. Just made new and you can do that today. Just made new and you can do that today. Just simply opening your heart to Jesus, simply opening your heart to Jesus, simply opening your heart to Jesus, putting your faith in him. I'm going to putting your faith in him. I'm going to putting your faith in him. I'm going to give you an opportunity in just a moment give you an opportunity in just a moment give you an opportunity in just a moment to do that. Some of you, the invitation to do that. Some of you, the invitation to do that. Some of you, the invitation is really to open your hands to God. And is really to open your hands to God. And is really to open your hands to God. And maybe there's an area of your life that maybe there's an area of your life that maybe there's an area of your life that you've been holding on to that you've you've been holding on to that you've you've been holding on to that you've just been clenching tight. And you know, just been clenching tight. And you know, just been clenching tight. And you know, this is why for us as a church next this is why for us as a church next this is why for us as a church next weekend, we have our dream now year end weekend, we have our dream now year end weekend, we have our dream now year end offering. It's really not just about the offering. It's really not just about the offering. It's really not just about the difference that we can make in our difference that we can make in our difference that we can make in our community, although it is. We want to community, although it is. We want to community, although it is. We want to feed 50,000 people this Christmas and we feed 50,000 people this Christmas and we feed 50,000 people this Christmas and we want to serve those in need, but it's want to serve those in need, but it's want to serve those in need, but it's really about our heart and our really about our heart and our really about our heart and our relationship with Jesus. There's some of relationship with Jesus. There's some of relationship with Jesus. There's some of you that you've never taken that step to you that you've never taken that step to you that you've never taken that step to trust God and just release and say,

trust God and just release and say, trust God and just release and say, "God, I worship you with my giving." And "God, I worship you with my giving." And "God, I worship you with my giving." And next week I'm inviting all of us to come next week I'm inviting all of us to come next week I'm inviting all of us to come and to participate in that. And to just and to participate in that. And to just and to participate in that. And to just worship God and say, "Thank you." If worship God and say, "Thank you." If worship God and say, "Thank you." If God's been good to you, if he's been God's been good to you, if he's been God's been good to you, if he's been kind, you can worship him by opening kind, you can worship him by opening kind, you can worship him by opening your hands. So right now I want to lead your hands. So right now I want to lead your hands. So right now I want to lead you in a moment of response. I'd like to you in a moment of response. I'd like to you in a moment of response. I'd like to invite you just to close your eyes invite you just to close your eyes invite you just to close your eyes and consider for just a moment, what is and consider for just a moment, what is and consider for just a moment, what is the gift the gift the gift that you can bring to Jesus this that you can bring to Jesus this that you can bring to Jesus this Christmas? Christmas? Christmas? And let's start with our hearts. And let's start with our hearts. And let's start with our hearts. Start with deep in our soul to give our Start with deep in our soul to give our Start with deep in our soul to give our adoration and our worship to Jesus. adoration and our worship to Jesus. adoration and our worship to Jesus. Some of you right now need to just say, Some of you right now need to just say, Some of you right now need to just say, "God, "God, "God, I'm sorry that I've been going through I'm sorry that I've been going through I'm sorry that I've been going through the motions. the motions. the motions. Sorry that I've just been playing Sorry that I've just been playing Sorry that I've just been playing religion religion religion and I want to know you more." and I want to know you more." and I want to know you more." Deep in your heart just say, "God, help Deep in your heart just say, "God, help Deep in your heart just say, "God, help me. me. me. I know my desires are all over the I know my desires are all over the I know my desires are all over the place, but I want to delight in you and place, but I want to delight in you and place, but I want to delight in you and I want to know you more." Just tell him I want to know you more." Just tell him I want to know you more." Just tell him from deep in your soul. "God, I want from deep in your soul. "God, I want from deep in your soul. "God, I want you. I want more of you." And if you're you. I want more of you." And if you're you. I want more of you." And if you're listening to my voice and you've never listening to my voice and you've never listening to my voice and you've never taken that step to open your heart to taken that step to open your heart to taken that step to open your heart to Jesus, to put your trust in him right Jesus, to put your trust in him right Jesus, to put your trust in him right now in this moment, you can. Just say, now in this moment, you can. Just say, now in this moment, you can. Just say, "Dear Jesus, I believe you died on a "Dear Jesus, I believe you died on a "Dear Jesus, I believe you died on a cross for my sins.

cross for my sins. cross for my sins. I believe you rose again from the dead. I believe you rose again from the dead. I believe you rose again from the dead. Please forgive me for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins. I'm turning my life over to you the best I'm turning my life over to you the best I'm turning my life over to you the best I know how. I know how. I know how. Choosing to follow you as my savior and Choosing to follow you as my savior and Choosing to follow you as my savior and my Lord." my Lord." my Lord." And if you're praying this prayer right And if you're praying this prayer right And if you're praying this prayer right now, you're you're making the most now, you're you're making the most now, you're you're making the most important decision of your entire life. important decision of your entire life. important decision of your entire life. And in just a moment, I'm going to tell And in just a moment, I'm going to tell And in just a moment, I'm going to tell you how to respond. you how to respond. you how to respond. Others of us perhaps right now, we just Others of us perhaps right now, we just Others of us perhaps right now, we just need to recognize need to recognize need to recognize that the invitation from God to open our that the invitation from God to open our that the invitation from God to open our hands, that invitation is for us. And hands, that invitation is for us. And hands, that invitation is for us. And between you and God just say, "God, I between you and God just say, "God, I between you and God just say, "God, I want to live with open hands for you in want to live with open hands for you in want to live with open hands for you in worship." worship." worship." Jesus, you are Jesus, you are Jesus, you are worthy worthy worthy of our entire lives. And I pray like of our entire lives. And I pray like of our entire lives. And I pray like these Magi that we would be men and these Magi that we would be men and these Magi that we would be men and women that our gaze is fixed on you. women that our gaze is fixed on you. women that our gaze is fixed on you. Lord, that we anticipate the reality of Lord, that we anticipate the reality of Lord, that we anticipate the reality of you moving in our midst and changing our you moving in our midst and changing our you moving in our midst and changing our lives and those around us. lives and those around us. lives and those around us. And Lord, we adore you. We worship you. And Lord, we adore you. We worship you. And Lord, we adore you. We worship you. We crown you as king. We pray these We crown you as king. We pray these We crown you as king. We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Hey, things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Hey, things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Hey, if you just prayed that prayer with me, if you just prayed that prayer with me, if you just prayed that prayer with me, I want to invite you to let me know that I want to invite you to let me know that I want to invite you to let me know that you made that decision to follow Jesus.

you made that decision to follow Jesus. you made that decision to follow Jesus. You can just text decision to 83,000. You can just text decision to 83,000. You can just text decision to 83,000. And we're going to stand right now. And we're going to stand right now. And we're going to stand right now. You know, we do worship with song. It's You know, we do worship with song. It's You know, we do worship with song. It's not the only way that we worship, but not the only way that we worship, but not the only way that we worship, but there is something about your heart there is something about your heart there is something about your heart coming before the living God and one of coming before the living God and one of coming before the living God and one of the things I notice is a great the things I notice is a great the things I notice is a great temptation at Lake Forest. It's more temptation at Lake Forest. It's more temptation at Lake Forest. It's more Sunday morning is like when this kind of Sunday morning is like when this kind of Sunday morning is like when this kind of last song comes, everybody slips out. I last song comes, everybody slips out. I last song comes, everybody slips out. I know it's not you, but some people do know it's not you, but some people do know it's not you, but some people do it. And what I want to say is this last it. And what I want to say is this last it. And what I want to say is this last song is actually the beauty of this song song is actually the beauty of this song song is actually the beauty of this song is an opportunity for your heart to is an opportunity for your heart to is an opportunity for your heart to connect with what you've just heard connect with what you've just heard connect with what you've just heard about God. For you deep in your soul to about God. For you deep in your soul to about God. For you deep in your soul to say, "Oh God, you are worthy of my life. say, "Oh God, you are worthy of my life. say, "Oh God, you are worthy of my life. You're worthy of my heart." So I want to You're worthy of my heart." So I want to You're worthy of my heart." So I want to invite you tonight as we're singing this invite you tonight as we're singing this invite you tonight as we're singing this song just to bring your heart before song just to bring your heart before song just to bring your heart before Jesus. If you're grateful that he's come Jesus. If you're grateful that he's come Jesus. If you're grateful that he's come from heaven to earth, if you're thankful from heaven to earth, if you're thankful from heaven to earth, if you're thankful that he's conquered the grave, if he's that he's conquered the grave, if he's that he's conquered the grave, if he's washed your sin away, you ought to washed your sin away, you ought to washed your sin away, you ought to celebrate to him today and tell him how celebrate to him today and tell him how celebrate to him today and tell him how great and wonderful he is. So let's great and wonderful he is. So let's great and wonderful he is. So let's worship together as we celebrate Jesus.

worship together as we celebrate Jesus. worship together as we celebrate Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] [Music] For the Lord God Almighty For the Lord God Almighty For the Lord God Almighty reigns. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] [Music] Hallelujah. For the Lord God Almighty For the Lord God Almighty reigns. reigns. reigns. [Music] [Music] [Music] Let's sing together. Let's sing together. Let's sing together. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] [Music] Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy are you, Lord God are you, Lord God Almighty.

Almighty. Almighty. [Music] [Music] [Music] Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the lamb. You are holy, Lord. Holy Lord. Holy [Music] [Music] [Music] are you, Lord God are you, Lord God are you, Lord God Almighty. Almighty. Almighty. [Music] [Music] [Music] Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the lamb. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. You are holy. You are holy. You are holy. You are holy. You are holy. You are holy. [Music] [Music] [Music] Holy. Holy. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] >> Well, what a great way to start our

>> Well, what a great way to start our Christmas season together. I love that Christmas season together. I love that Christmas season together. I love that message that Pastor Andy just brought to message that Pastor Andy just brought to message that Pastor Andy just brought to us. And if you said that prayer with him us. And if you said that prayer with him us. And if you said that prayer with him for the very first time, or you want to for the very first time, or you want to for the very first time, or you want to invite Jesus into your story, we would invite Jesus into your story, we would invite Jesus into your story, we would love to know about it so we can be love to know about it so we can be love to know about it so we can be praying for you. Or if there's something praying for you. Or if there's something praying for you. Or if there's something that you need prayer for, or another that you need prayer for, or another that you need prayer for, or another next step that you want to take, we next step that you want to take, we next step that you want to take, we would love to know about it as well so would love to know about it as well so would love to know about it as well so we can help walk you through that. You we can help walk you through that. You we can help walk you through that. You can let us know by clicking the link in can let us know by clicking the link in can let us know by clicking the link in the description if you're watching on the description if you're watching on the description if you're watching on YouTube, or you can open the Saddleback YouTube, or you can open the Saddleback YouTube, or you can open the Saddleback app and let us know that way as well. We app and let us know that way as well. We app and let us know that way as well. We also want to remind you to be thinking also want to remind you to be thinking also want to remind you to be thinking about who you can invite to watch the about who you can invite to watch the about who you can invite to watch the Christmas service with you because one Christmas service with you because one Christmas service with you because one invitation might just change somebody's invitation might just change somebody's invitation might just change somebody's eternity. Church family, we love you so eternity. Church family, we love you so eternity. Church family, we love you so much. We hope to see you again next week much. We hope to see you again next week much. We hope to see you again next week as we continue Stories of Christmas.