These are the amazing Billy Graham Crusades from the past 25 years that bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to the world.
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Billy Graham Crusade Classics | Billy Graham - A Family Christmas | December 23, 2024
- ♪
- 00:00:00.995 --> 00:00:02.797
- ♪ here we come a-caroling, among the leaves so green ♪
- 00:00:02.797 --> 00:00:07.668
- ♪ and here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen! ♪
- 00:00:07.668 --> 00:00:12.973
- ♪ love and joy come to you ♪
- 00:00:12.973 --> 00:00:15.276
- ♪ and to you glad christmas, too ♪
- 00:00:15.276 --> 00:00:17.945
- ♪ and god bless you and send you ♪
- 00:00:17.945 --> 00:00:20.581
- ♪ a happy new year ♪
- 00:00:20.581 --> 00:00:23.918
- ♪ and god send you a happy new year! ♪
- 00:00:23.918 --> 00:00:27.988
- ♪
- 00:00:27.988 --> 00:00:28.722
- ♪ god rest ye, merry gentlemen ♪
- 00:00:28.722 --> 00:00:30.524
- ♪ let nothing you dismay ♪
- 00:00:30.524 --> 00:00:32.493
- ♪ remember christ the savior was born on christmas day ♪
- 00:00:32.493 --> 00:00:36.263
- ♪ to save us all from satan's power ♪
- 00:00:36.263 --> 00:00:38.399
- ♪ when we were gone astray ♪
- 00:00:38.399 --> 00:00:40.401
- ♪ o tidings of comfort and joy ♪
- 00:00:40.401 --> 00:00:43.337
- ♪ comfort and joy ♪
- 00:00:43.337 --> 00:00:44.505
- ♪ o tidings of comfort and joy ♪
- 00:00:44.505 --> 00:00:47.875
- ♪
- 00:00:47.875 --> 00:00:48.476
- ♪ and joy ♪
- 00:00:48.476 --> 00:00:51.912
- ♪
- 00:00:51.912 --> 00:00:53.647
- ♪ it came upon the midnight clear ♪
- 00:00:53.647 --> 00:00:59.353
- ♪ that glorious song of old ♪
- 00:00:59.353 --> 00:01:05.059
- ♪ from angels bending near the earth ♪
- 00:01:05.059 --> 00:01:11.565
- ♪ to touch their harps of gold ♪
- 00:01:11.565 --> 00:01:17.605
- ♪ peace on the earth, good will to men ♪
- 00:01:17.605 --> 00:01:23.677
- ♪ from heaven's all gracious king ♪
- 00:01:23.677 --> 00:01:29.850
- ♪ the world in solemn stillness lay ♪
- 00:01:29.850 --> 00:01:36.090
- ♪ to hear the angel's sing ♪
- 00:01:36.090 --> 00:01:40.461
- ♪ sing ♪
- 00:01:40.461 --> 00:01:42.029
- Hey, bev! merry christmas!
- 00:01:42.029 --> 00:01:43.197
- ♪ hark the herald angels sing ♪
- 00:01:43.197 --> 00:01:46.200
- ♪ glory to the newborn king ♪
- 00:01:46.200 --> 00:01:49.436
- Hi, cliff!
- 00:01:49.436 --> 00:01:50.404
- ♪ peace on earth and mercy mild ♪
- 00:01:50.404 --> 00:01:54.108
- ♪ god and sinners reconciled ♪
- 00:01:54.108 --> 00:01:57.912
- ♪ joyful all ye nations rise ♪
- 00:01:57.912 --> 00:02:02.016
- ♪ join the triumph of the skies ♪
- 00:02:02.016 --> 00:02:06.086
- ♪ with angelic hosts proclaim ♪
- 00:02:06.086 --> 00:02:10.124
- ♪ christ is born in bethlehem ♪
- 00:02:10.124 --> 00:02:14.061
- ♪ hark the herald angels sing ♪
- 00:02:14.061 --> 00:02:18.032
- ♪ glory to the newborn king ♪
- 00:02:18.032 --> 00:02:25.406
- ♪ o little town of bethlehem ♪
- 00:02:25.406 --> 00:02:29.643
- ♪ how still we see thee lie ♪
- 00:02:29.643 --> 00:02:34.215
- ♪ above thy deep ♪
- 00:02:34.215 --> 00:02:36.383
- ♪ and dreamless sleep ♪
- 00:02:36.383 --> 00:02:38.519
- ♪ the silent stars go by ♪
- 00:02:38.519 --> 00:02:43.324
- ♪ yet in thy dark streets ♪
- 00:02:43.324 --> 00:02:46.093
- ♪ shineth ♪
- 00:02:46.093 --> 00:02:47.361
- ♪ the everlasting light ♪
- 00:02:47.361 --> 00:02:51.799
- ♪ the hopes and fears ♪
- 00:02:51.799 --> 00:02:54.868
- ♪ of all the years ♪
- 00:02:54.868 --> 00:02:56.403
- ♪ are met in thee tonight ♪
- 00:02:56.403 --> 00:03:02.309
- ♪ how silently, how silently ♪
- 00:03:02.309 --> 00:03:06.380
- ♪ the wond'rous gift is giv'n ♪
- 00:03:06.380 --> 00:03:10.985
- ♪ so god imparts to human hearts ♪
- 00:03:10.985 --> 00:03:15.456
- ♪ the blessing of his heav'n ♪
- 00:03:15.456 --> 00:03:19.793
- ♪ no ear may hear his coming ♪
- 00:03:19.793 --> 00:03:24.298
- ♪ but in this world of sin ♪
- 00:03:24.298 --> 00:03:29.169
- ♪ where meek souls will receive him still ♪
- 00:03:29.169 --> 00:03:33.607
- ♪ the dear lord enters in ♪
- 00:03:33.607 --> 00:03:38.312
- ♪
- 00:03:38.312 --> 00:03:40.447
- ♪ o holy child of bethlehem ♪
- 00:03:40.447 --> 00:03:44.952
- ♪ descend to us, we pray ♪
- 00:03:44.952 --> 00:03:49.423
- ♪ cast out our sin and enter in ♪
- 00:03:49.423 --> 00:03:53.861
- ♪ be born in us today ♪
- 00:03:53.861 --> 00:03:57.831
- ♪
- 00:03:57.831 --> 00:03:59.667
- ♪ we hear the christmas angels ♪
- 00:03:59.667 --> 00:04:03.470
- ♪ the great glad tidings tell ♪
- 00:04:03.470 --> 00:04:08.142
- ♪ o come to us, abide with us ♪
- 00:04:08.142 --> 00:04:13.047
- ♪ our lord ♪
- 00:04:13.047 --> 00:04:15.949
- ♪ emmanuel ♪
- 00:04:15.949 --> 00:04:22.423
- ♪
- 00:04:22.423 --> 00:04:25.059
- ♪ joyful, joyful we adore thee ♪
- 00:04:25.059 --> 00:04:29.496
- ♪ god of glory, lord of love ♪
- 00:04:29.496 --> 00:04:33.100
- ♪ hearts unfold like flowers before thee ♪
- 00:04:33.100 --> 00:04:36.737
- ♪ hail thee as the son above ♪
- 00:04:36.737 --> 00:04:40.374
- ♪ melt the clouds of sin and sadness ♪
- 00:04:40.374 --> 00:04:44.011
- ♪ drive the dark of doubt away ♪
- 00:04:44.011 --> 00:04:47.214
- ♪ giver of immortal gladness ♪
- 00:04:47.214 --> 00:04:51.352
- ♪ fill us with the light ♪
- 00:04:51.352 --> 00:04:54.421
- ♪ of day ♪
- 00:04:54.421 --> 00:04:55.989
- ♪ now go tell it on the mountain ♪
- 00:04:55.989 --> 00:05:00.494
- ♪ over the hills and everywhere ♪
- 00:05:00.494 --> 00:05:04.465
- ♪ go tell it on the mountain ♪
- 00:05:04.465 --> 00:05:07.801
- ♪ that jesus christ is born ♪
- 00:05:07.801 --> 00:05:11.271
- ♪
- 00:05:11.271 --> 00:05:12.106
- ♪ down in a lowly manger ♪
- 00:05:12.106 --> 00:05:15.576
- ♪ our humble christ was born ♪
- 00:05:15.576 --> 00:05:19.279
- ♪ and god sent us salvation ♪
- 00:05:19.279 --> 00:05:23.250
- ♪ that blessed christmas morn ♪
- 00:05:23.250 --> 00:05:29.556
- ♪ go tell it on the mountain ♪
- 00:05:29.556 --> 00:05:32.593
- ♪ over the hills and everywhere ♪
- 00:05:32.593 --> 00:05:36.330
- ♪ go tell it on the highest mountain ♪
- 00:05:36.330 --> 00:05:39.633
- ♪ that jesus christ is born ♪
- 00:05:39.633 --> 00:05:42.803
- ♪
- 00:05:42.803 --> 00:05:55.749
- ♪ o holy night ♪
- 00:05:45.873 --> 00:05:58.452
- ♪ the stars are brightly shining ♪
- 00:05:58.452 --> 00:06:02.823
- ♪ it is the night of the dear savior's birth ♪
- 00:06:02.823 --> 00:06:09.963
- ♪
- 00:06:09.963 --> 00:06:13.634
- ♪ long lay the world in sin and error pining ♪
- 00:06:13.634 --> 00:06:20.774
- ♪ 'til he appeared, and the soul felt its worth ♪
- 00:06:20.774 --> 00:06:27.881
- ♪
- 00:06:27.881 --> 00:06:29.650
- ♪ a thrill of hope ♪
- 00:06:29.650 --> 00:06:32.519
- ♪ the weary world rejoices ♪
- 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:36.290
- ♪ for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn ♪
- 00:06:36.290 --> 00:06:43.263
- ♪ fall on your knees ♪
- 00:06:43.263 --> 00:06:49.336
- ♪ o hear the angel voices ♪
- 00:06:49.336 --> 00:06:55.476
- ♪ o night divine ♪
- 00:06:55.476 --> 00:07:01.748
- ♪ o night when christ was born ♪
- 00:07:01.748 --> 00:07:08.322
- ♪ o night ♪
- 00:07:08.322 --> 00:07:11.492
- ♪ o holy night ♪
- 00:07:11.492 --> 00:07:17.397
- ♪ o night divine ♪
- 00:07:17.397 --> 00:07:23.003
- ♪
- 00:07:23.003 --> 00:07:24.571
- ♪ a thrill of hope ♪
- 00:07:24.571 --> 00:07:27.074
- ♪ the weary world rejoices ♪
- 00:07:27.074 --> 00:07:30.911
- ♪ for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn ♪
- 00:07:30.911 --> 00:07:38.485
- ♪ fall on your knees ♪
- 00:07:38.485 --> 00:07:44.258
- ♪ o hear the angel voices ♪
- 00:07:44.258 --> 00:07:50.931
- ♪ o night divine ♪
- 00:07:50.931 --> 00:07:57.204
- ♪ o night when christ was born ♪
- 00:07:57.204 --> 00:08:03.577
- ♪ o night ♪
- 00:08:03.577 --> 00:08:06.914
- ♪ o holy night ♪
- 00:08:06.914 --> 00:08:16.256
- ♪ o night divine ♪
- 00:08:16.256 --> 00:08:27.167
- ♪
- 00:08:27.167 --> 00:08:32.573
- ♪♪
- 00:08:32.573 --> 00:08:33.440
- [applause]
- 00:08:33.440 --> 00:08:34.441
- (billy graham) all right, that's beautiful.
- 00:08:34.441 --> 00:08:36.476
- Thank you, norma.
- 00:08:36.476 --> 00:08:37.377
- I think that's the most beautiful
- 00:08:37.377 --> 00:08:38.712
- I've ever heard that christmas carol sung
- 00:08:38.712 --> 00:08:40.714
- And it's my favorite christmas carol.
- 00:08:40.714 --> 00:08:42.649
- Well, i am a part of this family.
- 00:08:45.018 --> 00:08:46.787
- Yes, you are.
- 00:08:46.787 --> 00:08:47.721
- I sure am.
- 00:08:47.721 --> 00:08:51.258
- ♪ i heard the bells on christmas day ♪
- 00:08:51.291 --> 00:08:56.797
- ♪ their old familiar carols play ♪
- 00:08:56.797 --> 00:09:02.369
- ♪ and wild and sweet the words repeat ♪
- 00:09:02.369 --> 00:09:07.841
- ♪ of peace on earth ♪
- 00:09:07.841 --> 00:09:10.577
- ♪ goodwill to men ♪
- 00:09:10.577 --> 00:09:13.814
- ♪
- 00:09:13.814 --> 00:09:17.351
- ♪ i thought how as ♪
- 00:09:17.351 --> 00:09:20.220
- ♪ the day had come ♪
- 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:22.689
- ♪ the belfries ♪
- 00:09:22.689 --> 00:09:24.524
- ♪ of all christendom ♪
- 00:09:24.524 --> 00:09:28.362
- ♪ had roll'd along ♪
- 00:09:28.362 --> 00:09:30.998
- ♪ unbroken song ♪
- 00:09:30.998 --> 00:09:33.734
- ♪ of peace on earth ♪
- 00:09:33.734 --> 00:09:36.603
- ♪ goodwill to men ♪
- 00:09:36.603 --> 00:09:40.474
- ♪
- 00:09:40.474 --> 00:09:44.978
- [speaking] then in despair i hung my head
- 00:09:44.978 --> 00:09:50.317
- There is no peace on earth i said
- 00:09:50.317 --> 00:09:55.122
- For hate is strong and it mocks the song
- 00:09:55.122 --> 00:10:00.827
- ♪ of peace on earth ♪
- 00:10:00.827 --> 00:10:02.863
- ♪ goodwill to men ♪
- 00:10:02.863 --> 00:10:09.870
- ♪ then pealed the bells more loud and deep ♪
- 00:10:09.870 --> 00:10:15.342
- ♪ god is not dead nor does he sleep ♪
- 00:10:15.342 --> 00:10:20.914
- ♪ the wrong shall fail, the right prevail ♪
- 00:10:20.914 --> 00:10:26.286
- ♪ of peace on earth ♪
- 00:10:26.286 --> 00:10:28.555
- ♪ goodwill to men ♪
- 00:10:28.555 --> 00:10:31.858
- ♪
- 00:10:31.858 --> 00:10:35.796
- ♪ 'til ringing, singing on its way ♪
- 00:10:35.796 --> 00:10:41.068
- ♪ the world revolved from night to day ♪
- 00:10:41.068 --> 00:10:46.406
- ♪ a voice, a chime ♪
- 00:10:46.406 --> 00:10:49.076
- ♪ a chant sublime ♪
- 00:10:49.076 --> 00:10:51.411
- ♪ of peace on earth ♪
- 00:10:51.411 --> 00:10:54.448
- ♪ goodwill to men ♪
- 00:10:54.448 --> 00:10:56.883
- ♪
- 00:10:56.883 --> 00:11:00.921
- ♪ then pealed the bells more loud and deep ♪
- 00:11:00.921 --> 00:11:06.259
- ♪ god is not dead nor does he sleep ♪
- 00:11:06.259 --> 00:11:11.698
- ♪ the wrong shall fail, the right prevail ♪
- 00:11:11.698 --> 00:11:17.137
- ♪ of peace on earth ♪
- 00:11:17.137 --> 00:11:19.740
- ♪ goodwill to men ♪
- 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:25.145
- ♪
- 00:11:25.145 --> 00:11:28.882
- ♪♪
- 00:11:28.882 --> 00:11:30.317
- [applause]
- 00:11:30.317 --> 00:11:37.691
- The most thrilling season of the year is christmas.
- 00:11:37.724 --> 00:11:40.160
- And in some ways,
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- This should be one of the best christmas seasons
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- That americans have spent in many years.
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- It's certainly been one of the best we've ever had.
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- To have members of our own family here
- 00:11:48.401 --> 00:11:49.970
- And our team family,
- 00:11:49.970 --> 00:11:51.238
- And johnny and june cash.
- 00:11:51.238 --> 00:11:52.973
- What a christmas season this has been for us.
- 00:11:52.973 --> 00:11:55.742
- But this past year,
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- We visited a number of countries throughout the world
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- Preaching the gospel.
- 00:12:00.013 --> 00:12:01.982
- And in many of the places that we visited,
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- We sensed that some sort of crisis threatens
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- The very foundations of their societies.
- 00:12:07.254 --> 00:12:10.257
- Thus, as we celebrate christmas,
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- Ominous clouds are gathering on the horizon
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- In many parts of the world
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- That could affect the whole world,
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- Including your world and mine.
- 00:12:18.732 --> 00:12:20.634
- In addition, i'm speaking to many of you tonight
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- Who have your own personal crisis.
- 00:12:23.537 --> 00:12:26.406
- It could be in your home, your health, your work,
- 00:12:26.406 --> 00:12:30.777
- Or just the pressures of life itself.
- 00:12:30.777 --> 00:12:32.913
- But in the midst of all these problems,
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- There comes the message of christmas
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- With all of its hope, its goodwill, and its cheer.
- 00:12:38.351 --> 00:12:41.922
- I think the message of christmas
- 00:12:41.922 --> 00:12:43.757
- Has been generally misunderstood and misapplied.
- 00:12:43.757 --> 00:12:46.993
- Some think only of business profits,
- 00:12:46.993 --> 00:12:49.663
- Shopping, gifts, tinsel, toys and celebrations.
- 00:12:49.663 --> 00:12:53.700
- Others think only of bethlehem; of the star in the sky,
- 00:12:53.700 --> 00:12:57.704
- Shepherds in the field, and angels singing.
- 00:12:57.704 --> 00:13:00.607
- And still others cynically ask,
- 00:13:00.607 --> 00:13:02.709
- “where is the prince of peace?”
- 00:13:02.709 --> 00:13:05.078
- But the real christmas message goes much deeper.
- 00:13:05.078 --> 00:13:08.248
- It answers all the great questions that plague
- 00:13:08.248 --> 00:13:10.750
- The human race at this, or any other, hour.
- 00:13:10.750 --> 00:13:13.553
- The christmas message is relevant,
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- Revolutionary, and reassuring
- 00:13:16.122 --> 00:13:18.859
- In a world of confusion and crisis.
- 00:13:18.859 --> 00:13:21.461
- It can be summed up in three tremendous events:
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- A birth, a death, and the climax of human history.
- 00:13:25.432 --> 00:13:30.637
- First, the birth.
- 00:13:30.637 --> 00:13:32.372
- On that first christmas night the bible tells of the angel
- 00:13:32.372 --> 00:13:35.442
- Who said to the fearful shepherds,
- 00:13:35.442 --> 00:13:37.310
- As we read a few minutes ago,
- 00:13:37.310 --> 00:13:39.579
- "fear not, for behold i bring you
- 00:13:39.579 --> 00:13:42.015
- "good tidings of great joy
- 00:13:42.015 --> 00:13:44.317
- "which shall be to all people."
- 00:13:44.317 --> 00:13:46.586
- What is the real meaning of these good tidings?
- 00:13:46.586 --> 00:13:49.923
- During various wars, many a mother
- 00:13:49.923 --> 00:13:52.058
- Tries to keep in memory
- 00:13:52.058 --> 00:13:53.727
- Of her young son's father fresh on the boy's mind.
- 00:13:53.727 --> 00:13:57.264
- I heard of one during world war ii,
- 00:13:57.264 --> 00:13:59.633
- Who took her young son into the bedroom every day,
- 00:13:59.633 --> 00:14:02.202
- And they would stand and gaze at a large portrait
- 00:14:02.202 --> 00:14:05.205
- Of the father, who was away at war.
- 00:14:05.205 --> 00:14:07.874
- And one day the young boy looked long and wistfully
- 00:14:07.874 --> 00:14:10.310
- At his father's picture and said to his mother,
- 00:14:10.310 --> 00:14:12.913
- "mom, wouldn't it be great
- 00:14:12.913 --> 00:14:14.781
- "if dad would just step down from the frame?"
- 00:14:14.781 --> 00:14:18.184
- For centuries, men had looked into the heavens
- 00:14:18.184 --> 00:14:21.554
- Longing for god to step out of the frame.
- 00:14:21.554 --> 00:14:24.391
- At bethlehem, 2,000 years ago,
- 00:14:24.391 --> 00:14:28.328
- God did exactly that-- he stepped out of the frame.
- 00:14:28.328 --> 00:14:32.032
- That virgin born baby was god in human form.
- 00:14:32.032 --> 00:14:36.102
- He humbled himself.
- 00:14:36.102 --> 00:14:37.837
- He took the form of a servant.
- 00:14:37.837 --> 00:14:39.739
- He was made in your likeness and mine.
- 00:14:39.739 --> 00:14:43.610
- He identified himself with our problems,
- 00:14:43.610 --> 00:14:46.313
- And the problems of the whole human race.
- 00:14:46.313 --> 00:14:48.915
- Thus it was that the apostle john wrote:
- 00:14:48.915 --> 00:14:51.484
- "the word was made flesh and dwelt among us,
- 00:14:51.484 --> 00:14:54.821
- "and we beheld his glory,
- 00:14:54.821 --> 00:14:56.690
- "the glory as of the only begotten of the father."
- 00:14:56.690 --> 00:15:00.694
- In the early days of the 19th century,
- 00:15:00.694 --> 00:15:03.496
- The world was following with fear and trembling
- 00:15:03.496 --> 00:15:06.066
- The march of napoleon.
- 00:15:06.066 --> 00:15:08.268
- Day after day, they waited with impatience
- 00:15:08.268 --> 00:15:11.271
- For the latest news of the battlefields
- 00:15:11.271 --> 00:15:13.273
- And of the wars.
- 00:15:13.273 --> 00:15:14.808
- And all the while, in their homes,
- 00:15:14.808 --> 00:15:16.309
- Babies were being born.
- 00:15:16.309 --> 00:15:18.311
- In just one year,
- 00:15:18.311 --> 00:15:20.480
- Lying midway between the battles of trafalgar and waterloo,
- 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:24.017
- There came into the world a host of heroes.
- 00:15:24.017 --> 00:15:27.787
- During that year of 1809,
- 00:15:27.787 --> 00:15:30.657
- Gladstone was bor in liverpool,
- 00:15:30.657 --> 00:15:33.159
- Alfred tennyson was born in lincolnshire.
- 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:36.096
- Oliver wendell holmes was born in massachusetts.
- 00:15:36.096 --> 00:15:38.798
- Frederick chopin was born in warsaw.
- 00:15:38.798 --> 00:15:41.735
- Felix mendelssohn was born in hamburg.
- 00:15:41.735 --> 00:15:44.604
- And abraham lincoln was born in kentucky.
- 00:15:44.604 --> 00:15:48.608
- But nobody thought of babies.
- 00:15:48.608 --> 00:15:50.443
- Everybody was thinking of battles.
- 00:15:50.443 --> 00:15:52.379
- Yet 168 years later, with a truer perspective,
- 00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:57.484
- Which the years enable us to command,
- 00:15:57.484 --> 00:16:00.153
- We can ask ourselves:
- 00:16:00.153 --> 00:16:01.955
- Which of the battles of 1809
- 00:16:01.955 --> 00:16:05.258
- Mattered more than the babies of 1809?
- 00:16:05.258 --> 00:16:10.263
- What a difference the baby born
- 00:16:10.263 --> 00:16:12.599
- In bethlehem's manger 2,000 years ago
- 00:16:12.599 --> 00:16:15.568
- Has made in our world.
- 00:16:15.568 --> 00:16:17.570
- The educational systems he has inspired.
- 00:16:17.570 --> 00:16:19.973
- The social reforms that his teachings have instituted.
- 00:16:19.973 --> 00:16:23.209
- And the transformation of families, and lives and nations.
- 00:16:23.209 --> 00:16:27.580
- Secondly, there's a death.
- 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:31.651
- Christmas, to have meaning,
- 00:16:31.651 --> 00:16:33.586
- Cannot be separated from the cross.
- 00:16:33.586 --> 00:16:36.022
- The angel said at the birth of jesus,
- 00:16:36.022 --> 00:16:38.591
- He shall save his people from their sins.
- 00:16:38.591 --> 00:16:42.328
- Jesus himself said, speaking of his death,
- 00:16:42.328 --> 00:16:45.398
- "to this end was i born."
- 00:16:45.398 --> 00:16:48.201
- The apostle paul years later said to young timothy,
- 00:16:48.201 --> 00:16:51.971
- “christ jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
- 00:16:51.971 --> 00:16:55.742
- The central message of christmas to me is
- 00:16:55.742 --> 00:16:58.812
- That jesus christ, by his death and resurrection,
- 00:16:58.812 --> 00:17:02.916
- Can transform both individuals and society.
- 00:17:02.916 --> 00:17:06.686
- Almost everyone at some time or another,
- 00:17:06.686 --> 00:17:09.022
- Senses that he's a moral failure
- 00:17:09.022 --> 00:17:11.624
- And suffers some form of guilt.
- 00:17:11.624 --> 00:17:14.027
- Almost every newspaper or magazine that we pick up,
- 00:17:14.027 --> 00:17:16.830
- And almost every newscast we watch
- 00:17:16.830 --> 00:17:19.065
- Show hate, lust, greed, prejudice and corruption,
- 00:17:19.065 --> 00:17:23.403
- Manifesting themselves in a thousand ways every day.
- 00:17:23.403 --> 00:17:26.806
- The fact that we have policemen, jails, and military forces
- 00:17:26.806 --> 00:17:31.611
- Indicates that something is radically wrong
- 00:17:31.611 --> 00:17:34.481
- With human nature.
- 00:17:34.481 --> 00:17:36.082
- Every time i board an airplane,
- 00:17:36.082 --> 00:17:37.484
- They search my luggage, my briefcase,
- 00:17:37.484 --> 00:17:39.619
- And sometimes even my clothes.
- 00:17:39.619 --> 00:17:41.821
- Then i'm made aware again of the disease of human nature.
- 00:17:41.821 --> 00:17:45.825
- You see, man is actually a paradox.
- 00:17:45.825 --> 00:17:49.629
- On the one hand, there is futility and sin.
- 00:17:49.629 --> 00:17:53.066
- On the other hand,
- 00:17:53.066 --> 00:17:54.567
- There's goodness, kindness, gentleness and love.
- 00:17:54.567 --> 00:17:57.504
- On the one hand, he's a moral failure.
- 00:17:57.504 --> 00:17:59.339
- But on the other hand,
- 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.874
- He has capacities that would relate him to god.
- 00:18:00.874 --> 00:18:04.611
- No wonder paul spoke of man's disease
- 00:18:04.611 --> 00:18:07.113
- As the mystery of iniquity.
- 00:18:07.113 --> 00:18:10.416
- The bible teaches that the human race
- 00:18:10.416 --> 00:18:12.785
- Is morally sick.
- 00:18:12.785 --> 00:18:14.487
- The disease has affected every phase of man's life in society.
- 00:18:14.487 --> 00:18:18.858
- The bible calls this disease sin.
- 00:18:18.858 --> 00:18:22.562
- The bible teaches that we are sinners,
- 00:18:22.562 --> 00:18:26.399
- And that the only cure for sin is the blood of christ
- 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:29.469
- That was shed on that cross.
- 00:18:29.469 --> 00:18:31.938
- At this christmas season,
- 00:18:31.938 --> 00:18:33.840
- Many churches will be celebrating communion.
- 00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:36.342
- And when we put the wine and the grape juice to our lips,
- 00:18:36.342 --> 00:18:39.879
- It is a symbol of that blood that was shed.
- 00:18:39.879 --> 00:18:43.917
- One of the most important aspects of the worship
- 00:18:43.917 --> 00:18:46.753
- Of ancient judaism
- 00:18:46.753 --> 00:18:48.521
- Was the shedding of blood to make atonement for sin.
- 00:18:48.521 --> 00:18:52.258
- The word blood symbolized in the old and the new testament
- 00:18:52.258 --> 00:18:56.162
- A life that has been given.
- 00:18:56.162 --> 00:18:58.731
- Christ became the lamb slain from the foundation of the world
- 00:18:58.731 --> 00:19:03.269
- For the sins of mankind.
- 00:19:03.269 --> 00:19:05.905
- The cross and the resurrection stand as man's only hope.
- 00:19:05.905 --> 00:19:09.375
- It was on good friday and easter that god did for man what man
- 00:19:09.375 --> 00:19:14.414
- Could not do for himself.
- 00:19:14.414 --> 00:19:16.449
- From these two momentous events
- 00:19:16.449 --> 00:19:19.185
- God is saying to sinful man, i love you.
- 00:19:19.185 --> 00:19:23.723
- But he's also saying, i can forgive you.
- 00:19:23.723 --> 00:19:28.094
- This is the good news of christmas.
- 00:19:28.094 --> 00:19:31.164
- But you must also do something.
- 00:19:31.164 --> 00:19:33.233
- You must humble yourself and admit your sin
- 00:19:33.233 --> 00:19:35.335
- And your moral failure.
- 00:19:35.335 --> 00:19:37.337
- And then by faith, turn to him as lord and savior.
- 00:19:37.337 --> 00:19:41.007
- You must say as the publican did,
- 00:19:41.007 --> 00:19:43.643
- God be merciful to me a sinner.
- 00:19:43.643 --> 00:19:47.780
- The scripture says,
- 00:19:47.780 --> 00:19:49.449
- “a broken and a contrite heart god will not despise.”
- 00:19:49.449 --> 00:19:54.454
- This is the good news-- that the world is morally,
- 00:19:54.454 --> 00:19:57.757
- Psychologically and spiritually looking for right now.
- 00:19:57.757 --> 00:20:01.194
- Some of you may dismiss it as ridiculous and idiotic.
- 00:20:01.194 --> 00:20:04.931
- The apostle paul himself said, the preaching of the cross is
- 00:20:04.931 --> 00:20:07.734
- I know, nonsense to those who are involved
- 00:20:07.734 --> 00:20:10.503
- In this dying world,
- 00:20:10.503 --> 00:20:12.205
- But to us who are being saved from that death,
- 00:20:12.205 --> 00:20:14.807
- It is nothing less than the power of god.
- 00:20:14.807 --> 00:20:18.177
- We all admit that we need some sweeping social reforms,
- 00:20:18.177 --> 00:20:22.882
- And in true repentance
- 00:20:22.882 --> 00:20:24.484
- We must determine to do something about it.
- 00:20:24.484 --> 00:20:26.753
- But our greatest need is a change in the heart.
- 00:20:26.753 --> 00:20:30.223
- That is why jesus said, "you must be born again."
- 00:20:30.223 --> 00:20:34.193
- That is why he said unless you repent, you will perish.
- 00:20:34.193 --> 00:20:38.765
- The apostle paul in his famous sermon in athens said,
- 00:20:38.765 --> 00:20:43.369
- "god now commanded all men everywhere to repent,
- 00:20:43.369 --> 00:20:48.875
- "because he hath appointed a day in which
- 00:20:48.875 --> 00:20:51.544
- "he will judge the world."
- 00:20:51.544 --> 00:20:53.846
- Who should repent?
- 00:20:53.846 --> 00:20:56.115
- Everybody.
- 00:20:56.115 --> 00:20:57.817
- This is what the cross calls for.
- 00:20:57.817 --> 00:21:00.119
- The heart of the message of the cross is simple:
- 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:03.990
- Repent or perish.
- 00:21:03.990 --> 00:21:05.925
- It's as simple as that,
- 00:21:05.925 --> 00:21:07.360
- And it's also the message of christmas.
- 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:10.129
- Thirdly, there's that glorious hope.
- 00:21:10.129 --> 00:21:13.966
- There is the wonderful climax to human history.
- 00:21:13.966 --> 00:21:17.337
- We're not wandering aimlessly about.
- 00:21:17.337 --> 00:21:20.039
- There is hope for us
- 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:21.708
- That there's going to be a culmination to history
- 00:21:21.708 --> 00:21:25.712
- As we know it.
- 00:21:25.712 --> 00:21:26.713
- There's more to christmas
- 00:21:26.713 --> 00:21:27.814
- Than the birth and the death of christ.
- 00:21:27.814 --> 00:21:29.615
- There's also the ultimate triumph of god's kingdom.
- 00:21:29.615 --> 00:21:33.119
- You know, chiseled into the cornerstone of
- 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:35.621
- The united nations building is a quotation from the bible
- 00:21:35.621 --> 00:21:39.659
- That has never yet been fulfilled.
- 00:21:39.659 --> 00:21:41.794
- It reads like this:
- 00:21:41.794 --> 00:21:43.463
- "they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
- 00:21:43.463 --> 00:21:46.232
- "and their spears into pruning hooks.
- 00:21:46.232 --> 00:21:48.468
- "nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
- 00:21:48.468 --> 00:21:51.070
- "neither shall they learn war anymore."
- 00:21:51.070 --> 00:21:53.840
- That's a thrilling hope at this moment of history.
- 00:21:53.840 --> 00:21:58.077
- It has often been repeated by men who long for peace.
- 00:21:58.077 --> 00:22:01.581
- However, this quotation must not be taken out of context.
- 00:22:01.581 --> 00:22:05.418
- The passage speaks of the time when
- 00:22:05.418 --> 00:22:07.620
- The messiah will reign over the whole earth.
- 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:11.090
- This is the era of which jesus taught us to pray
- 00:22:11.090 --> 00:22:14.627
- In the lord's prayer:
- 00:22:14.627 --> 00:22:16.062
- "thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
- 00:22:16.062 --> 00:22:19.232
- "in earth, as it is in heaven."
- 00:22:19.232 --> 00:22:21.467
- This is the time when he who came as a baby
- 00:22:21.467 --> 00:22:24.070
- At bethlehem shall come as king of kings and lord of lords.
- 00:22:24.070 --> 00:22:28.374
- The bible teaches that there will be
- 00:22:28.374 --> 00:22:31.010
- A close to history as we know it.
- 00:22:31.010 --> 00:22:34.781
- Man will have his last armageddon.
- 00:22:34.781 --> 00:22:38.151
- But when it seems that man is about to destroy himself,
- 00:22:38.151 --> 00:22:41.421
- God will intervene.
- 00:22:41.421 --> 00:22:43.756
- Christ will return.
- 00:22:43.756 --> 00:22:45.625
- At his birth, he was in the stall of an animal.
- 00:22:45.625 --> 00:22:49.061
- At his death, he wore a crown of thorns.
- 00:22:49.061 --> 00:22:52.131
- But when he comes again,
- 00:22:52.131 --> 00:22:53.933
- It will be as commander and chief of the armies of heaven.
- 00:22:53.933 --> 00:22:57.203
- He will take control of this war-weary world,
- 00:22:57.203 --> 00:23:00.506
- And bring the permanent peace that we strive for and long for.
- 00:23:00.506 --> 00:23:04.610
- A new world will be formed,
- 00:23:04.610 --> 00:23:07.046
- A new social order will emerge.
- 00:23:07.046 --> 00:23:10.316
- In the midst of so much gloom and pessimism,
- 00:23:10.316 --> 00:23:13.686
- In many parts of the world that we've seen this year,
- 00:23:13.686 --> 00:23:16.355
- Or perhaps even in your own heart.
- 00:23:16.355 --> 00:23:18.724
- We're not to wring our hands.
- 00:23:18.724 --> 00:23:21.327
- The angel said to the frightened shepherds
- 00:23:21.327 --> 00:23:23.863
- 2,000 years ago, "fear not."
- 00:23:23.863 --> 00:23:26.732
- Jesus says, "let not your heart be troubled.
- 00:23:26.732 --> 00:23:30.603
- "if i go and prepare a place for you,
- 00:23:30.603 --> 00:23:32.839
- "i will come again."
- 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:34.841
- There's a fairly new gospel song entitled, the king is coming .
- 00:23:34.841 --> 00:23:39.278
- I love it.
- 00:23:39.278 --> 00:23:40.346
- The king is coming.
- 00:23:40.346 --> 00:23:41.881
- And when he comes, sin will be eliminated.
- 00:23:41.881 --> 00:23:45.117
- Tears will be wiped from every eye.
- 00:23:45.117 --> 00:23:47.386
- Disease shall be no more.
- 00:23:47.386 --> 00:23:49.856
- And even death, man's greatest enemy,
- 00:23:49.856 --> 00:23:52.291
- Will be eliminated from the human race.
- 00:23:52.291 --> 00:23:54.994
- Nation shall not lift up sword against nation.
- 00:23:54.994 --> 00:23:57.597
- And war shall be no more.
- 00:23:57.597 --> 00:24:00.266
- This is the promise of christmas.
- 00:24:00.266 --> 00:24:02.301
- This is our hope.
- 00:24:02.301 --> 00:24:03.870
- This is the christmas star that lights our evening darkness.
- 00:24:03.870 --> 00:24:07.773
- This is the assurance that a new day is coming,
- 00:24:07.773 --> 00:24:11.777
- Through the messiah whose name is called by isaiah the prophet
- 00:24:11.777 --> 00:24:16.082
- “wonderful, counselor, mighty god,
- 00:24:16.082 --> 00:24:19.485
- “everlasting father, and prince of peace.”
- 00:24:19.485 --> 00:24:22.655
- This is god's gift of christmas.
- 00:24:22.655 --> 00:24:26.392
- This is the message that i've had the privilege of
- 00:24:26.392 --> 00:24:28.895
- Preaching around the world on every continent
- 00:24:28.895 --> 00:24:31.230
- And these my team members have joined me.
- 00:24:31.230 --> 00:24:34.534
- As we have proclaimed it together in song and word
- 00:24:34.534 --> 00:24:37.870
- To many different cultures,
- 00:24:37.870 --> 00:24:40.239
- And no matter where we've gone,
- 00:24:40.239 --> 00:24:42.341
- It's the message of this good news
- 00:24:42.341 --> 00:24:44.310
- That meets the need of the human heart.
- 00:24:44.310 --> 00:24:47.179
- Perhaps until now, you've been celebrating
- 00:24:47.179 --> 00:24:50.650
- This christmas and every christmas of your life
- 00:24:50.650 --> 00:24:52.852
- For the wrong reasons.
- 00:24:52.852 --> 00:24:55.187
- How many christmases have come and gone
- 00:24:55.187 --> 00:24:57.757
- Without your ever really knowing jesus christ
- 00:24:57.757 --> 00:25:00.593
- And the gift of new life he brings?
- 00:25:00.593 --> 00:25:02.795
- I'm going to ask you to do something on this christmas
- 00:25:02.795 --> 00:25:06.198
- That we've just seen hundreds of thousands do
- 00:25:06.198 --> 00:25:09.502
- Around the world.
- 00:25:09.502 --> 00:25:10.770
- Whoever you are, wherever you are,
- 00:25:10.770 --> 00:25:13.673
- Whether you're alone or in a room somewhere,
- 00:25:13.673 --> 00:25:16.876
- Or surrounded by your loved ones,
- 00:25:16.876 --> 00:25:19.645
- I'm asking you, all of you together,
- 00:25:19.645 --> 00:25:22.148
- Even whole families, right now,
- 00:25:22.148 --> 00:25:24.383
- To bow your heads and pray this prayer with me.
- 00:25:24.383 --> 00:25:30.623
- O god,
- 00:25:30.656 --> 00:25:31.958
- I have sinned against thee.
- 00:25:31.958 --> 00:25:33.726
- I'm sorry for my sin.
- 00:25:33.726 --> 00:25:35.361
- I'm willing to turn from my sins,
- 00:25:35.361 --> 00:25:37.697
- And by faith i receive jesus christ
- 00:25:37.697 --> 00:25:40.099
- As my lord and savior.
- 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:41.934
- In jesus' name, amen.
- 00:25:41.934 --> 00:25:45.905
- And now on behalf of all of us,
- 00:25:45.905 --> 00:25:48.474
- May this christmas mark the beginning of
- 00:25:48.474 --> 00:25:50.443
- A mew life for you and your family,
- 00:25:50.443 --> 00:25:52.545
- As you make jesus christ
- 00:25:52.545 --> 00:25:54.847
- The lord and savior of your life.
- 00:25:54.847 --> 00:25:58.117
- Good night and a blessed christmas
- 00:25:58.117 --> 00:26:01.053
- From our house to your house.
- 00:26:01.053 --> 00:26:06.993
- ♪ o come all ye faithful ♪
- 00:26:07.026 --> 00:26:11.731
- ♪ joyful and triumphant ♪
- 00:26:11.731 --> 00:26:15.635
- ♪ o come ye, o come ye to bethlehem ♪
- 00:26:15.635 --> 00:26:23.909
- ♪
- 00:26:23.909 --> 00:26:24.844
- ♪ come and behold him ♪
- 00:26:24.844 --> 00:26:29.248
- ♪ born the king of angels ♪
- 00:26:29.248 --> 00:26:33.152
- ♪ o come let us adore him ♪
- 00:26:33.152 --> 00:26:37.456
- ♪ o come let us adore him ♪
- 00:26:37.456 --> 00:26:41.827
- ♪ o come let us adore him ♪
- 00:26:41.827 --> 00:26:46.999
- ♪ christ the lord ♪
- 00:26:46.999 --> 00:26:50.703
- ♪
- 00:26:50.703 --> 00:26:51.737
- ♪ yea, lord, we greet thee ♪
- 00:26:51.737 --> 00:26:55.908
- ♪ born this happy morning ♪
- 00:26:55.908 --> 00:27:00.346
- ♪ jesus to thee be all glory given ♪
- 00:27:00.346 --> 00:27:08.754
- ♪ word of the father ♪
- 00:27:08.754 --> 00:27:13.292
- ♪ now in flesh appearing ♪
- 00:27:13.292 --> 00:27:17.096
- ♪ o come let us adore him ♪
- 00:27:17.096 --> 00:27:21.500
- ♪ o come let us adore him ♪
- 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:26.005
- ♪ o come let us adore him ♪
- 00:27:26.005 --> 00:27:31.043
- ♪ christ the lord ♪
- 00:27:31.043 --> 00:27:35.414
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:27:35.414 --> 00:27:39.652
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:27:39.652 --> 00:27:44.023
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:27:44.023 --> 00:27:47.727
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:27:47.727 --> 00:27:52.631
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:27:52.631 --> 00:27:56.869
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:27:56.869 --> 00:28:00.806
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:28:00.806 --> 00:28:05.311
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:28:05.311 --> 00:28:09.915
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:28:09.915 --> 00:28:15.654
- ♪ ah... ♪
- 00:28:15.654 --> 00:28:21.894
- ♪♪
- 00:28:21.894 --> 00:28:26.866
