Robert Jeffress - The Night Before Christmas

November 30, 2025 | 29:0

Dr. Robert Jeffress reflects on the night before the very first Christmas, exploring the world's state as the Savior's birth approached. Drawing parallels between Jesus and light, he highlights how light commands attention, reveals flaws, overpowers darkness, and offers direction. Through vivid storytelling and references to biblical passages, he emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the true Light of the world, leading listeners to consider the importance of following Christ in navigating life's challenges and finding their way home to God. The message concludes with an invitation to embrace Jesus as the beacon of truth and hope, especially during the Christmas season.

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Night Before Christmas | November 30, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • From the pulpit
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  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress
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  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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  • Many families enjoy special christmas eve traditions.
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  • Some families bake cookies, others host a special meal,
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  • Or select one gift from under the tree to open.
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  • So, today i want to reflect on the christmas eve
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  • That took place before the very first christmas.
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  • What was the world like the night
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  • Before our savior entered the world?
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  • My message is titled, "the night before christmas"
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  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • (congregation applauding)
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  • Now is the time to shine the light of the gospel
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  • The brand new "2026 pathway to victory daily devotional."
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  • Let's share the hope of the gospel while there's still time.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • Should christians celebrate christmas?
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  • I know for some of you right now
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  • Who may be drowning in a sea of last minute shopping
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  • Or dealing with overcrowded malls
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  • Or overextended credit cards,
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  • You may be asking yourself the very same question.
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  • "why do we do this to ourselves every year?"
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  • But you know, when people ask me the question,
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  • "should christians celebrate christmas?"
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  • They're usually talking about a theological point,
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  • A historical point.
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  • They'll say, "pastor, don't you know
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  • That christmas was actually a pagan holiday
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  • Meant to worship a mythological god?
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  • Why are we christians using a pagan holiday?"
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  • And there is some truth behind that.
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  • Did you know for the first 300 years of christianity,
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  • Christians really didn't focus on the birth of christ.
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  • There was no celebration of the birth of christ.
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  • The celebrations were centered on the death
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  • And the resurrection of christ.
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  • But then in 321 ad, when the roman emperor constantine
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  • Was converted to christianity,
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  • He is the one who took december the 25th,
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  • A date that had been devoted to celebrating
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  • The birth of the mythological sun god,
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  • Constantine took that date and said,
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  • "let's use it to celebrate the birth
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  • Of the real son of god, jesus christ."
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  • And that's why we celebrate christmas today.
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  • Now, the question is, of all the pagan deities
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  • That constantine could have chosen
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  • To link with the birth of jesus,
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  • Why did he choose the mythological sun god
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  • To link with the birth of the real son of god?
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  • The common denominator between that mythological god
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  • And jesus is the concept of light.
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  • Just as the sun god was a god of light.
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  • Jesus, the real god is also a god of light.
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  • In the opening chapter of john's gospel,
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  • He writes this about john the baptist who was not the light.
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  • John says, "there came a man sent from god
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  • Whose name was john.
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  • He came for a witness that he might bear witness
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  • Of the light that all might believe through him.
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  • He was not the light himself,
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  • But came that he might bear witness of the light.
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  • There was the true light which coming into the world
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  • Enlightens every man."
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  • In john 8:12, jesus said about himself,
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  • "i am the light of the world.
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  • He who follows me shall not walk in darkness
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  • But shall have the light of life."
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  • In john 12:46, jesus said about himself,
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  • "i have come as light into the world that everyone
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  • Who believes in me may not remain in darkness."
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  • Why have the hymn writers, the theologians,
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  • The gospel writers, even jesus himself,
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  • Linked jesus christ with light?
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  • I read an interesting article this week by bob russell
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  • That mentions four comparisons between jesus and light.
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  • And i'd like to expand on those
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  • For just a few moments this morning.
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  • How is jesus christ like light?
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  • Well, first of all, think about it.
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  • Light commands our attention.
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  • I remember when our girls were little,
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  • We took them to carlsbad cavern.
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  • How many of you have been to carlsbad before?
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  • You know the experience?
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  • You go into that deep cavern, it's dark.
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  • You can't see two inches in front of you.
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  • And then, somebody turns on a light.
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  • Where does your attention immediately go?
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  • Not to the darkness, but to the light.
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  • There's something about light that commands our attention,
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  • And that was true about jesus.
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  • Hundreds of years before he came to earth,
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  • Isaiah wrote this prophecy about him.
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  • In isaiah 9:2, "the people walking in darkness
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  • Have seen a great light.
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  • On those living in the land of deep darkness,
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  • A light has dawned."
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  • Secondly, jesus is like light
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  • In that light reveals our flaws.
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  • Light reveals our flaws.
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  • Now, this is a part of light,
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  • Quite frankly, we don't like that much.
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  • I mean, think about it.
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  • When you want to have a romantic dinner with somebody,
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  • You do it over candlelight, not over a spotlight, right?
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  • (congregation laughs)
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  • Why is that? have you ever thought why that is?
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  • We don't like a bright light shining on us
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  • If we're trying to romance somebody.
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  • We don't want them to see our imperfections and our flaws.
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  • And that's true about the spiritual world as well.
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  • Many people are repelled from the light of jesus christ
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  • Because he reveals our flaws by his perfect nature.
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  • He is like a ruler that immediately reveals a line
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  • That is crooked.
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  • That is true about jesus christ.
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  • And that's why in the passage we read this morning,
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  • Jesus said about himself in john 3:19-20,
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  • "and this is the judgment,
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  • That the light has come to the world
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  • And men love the darkness rather than the light
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  • For their deeds were evil.
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  • For everyone who does evil hates the light
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  • And does not come to the light
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  • Lest his deeds should be exposed."
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  • My brother was a policeman for 30 years
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  • And he would tell me,
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  • "you know when most crimes occur?
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  • Not during the daytime. it's at night."
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  • If you want to protect your home, what are you told to do?
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  • You're told to use light.
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  • Keep the lights on.
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  • Because burglars are naturally repelled by the light.
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  • It's the same reason that people
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  • Are repelled from jesus christ.
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  • They don't want to have their imperfections,
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  • Their lawlessness, their unspirituality exposed.
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  • You know, you see that illustrated
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  • In the story of the coming of christ himself.
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  • Two very different reactions to the light of jesus christ
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  • And his arrival to planet earth.
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  • If you have your bibles,
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  • Turn over to matthew 2 for just a moment.
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  • "now, after jesus was born in bethlehem,
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  • In judea in the days of herod the king.
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  • Behold! magi from the east arrived in jerusalem saying,
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  • 'where is he who has been born king of the jews?
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  • For we saw his star in the east
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  • And have come to worship him.'
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  • And when herod the king heard it, he was troubled."
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  • That word troubled literally means stirred up, agitated.
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  • "when herod heard the same news the magi heard,
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  • He was troubled, and all jerusalem was troubled with him."
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  • When the king wasn't happy, nobody was happy.
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  • Herod wasn't happy because he heard
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  • Of a rival king that had been born.
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  • And so in verse 8, he says to the magi,
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  • "you go and search for him.
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  • And when you search for him,
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  • Come back and tell me where he is
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  • So i can worship him as well."
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  • Sure. (chuckles) sure.
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  • Now, herod searched in darkness for jesus christ
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  • And never could find him.
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  • The reason he was searching for christ
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  • Is he wanted to extinguish the light.
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  • Never found him.
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  • But the magi had a sincere heart.
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  • The magi wanted to know god.
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  • And you know the promise of god
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  • Is anyone who sincerely wants to know him,
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  • He will reveal himself to that person.
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  • In jeremiah 29:13, god says,
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  • "and you will seek me and find me
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  • When you search for me with all of your heart."
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  • If you're here today, listening to this message
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  • And something inside of you really wants
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  • To know your creator, the god of the universe,
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  • He will reveal himself to you.
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  • And you know where he will take you?
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  • He will take you exactly to the same place he took the magi.
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  • To jesus christ.
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  • Jesus christ is god.
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  • If you want to know god, know jesus christ.
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  • Light commands our attention.
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  • Light reveals our flaws.
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  • Thirdly, light overpowers darkness.
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  • Jesus is like light,
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  • Because light overpowers darkness.
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  • In any contest between light and darkness,
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  • Light always wins.
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  • Not just some of the time, but all the time.
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  • Light always overpowers darkness.
  • 00:13:37.806 --> 00:13:40.276
  • Let me illustrate that for you if i could for just a moment.
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  • Let's turn out the lights for just a moment.
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  • All the lights everywhere. can we do that?
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  • Now, those of you watching on television,
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  • Trust me, we're still here.
  • 00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:53.155
  • (congregation laughs)
  • 00:13:53.155 --> 00:13:54.456
  • Take it by faith. we're still here.
  • 00:13:54.456 --> 00:13:57.126
  • It's dark. it's almost virtually dark in this room.
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  • Now, let's turn on a spotlight. one spotlight.
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  • Isn't that interesting
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  • That no matter how dark it is in here,
  • 00:14:07.102 --> 00:14:10.239
  • That light overpowers the darkness.
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  • It doesn't matter if it gets darker and darker,
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  • It can't extinguish that light.
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  • In fact, it only highlights that light,
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  • The darker it is in this room.
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  • The light always overpowers the darkness.
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  • But darkness can never overpower the light.
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  • And notice this, as we gradually turn up the lights in here
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  • And more and more light shine,
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  • The darkness completely dissipates and goes away.
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  • What is true in the physical world
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  • Is true in the spiritual world as well.
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  • Light always overpowers darkness.
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  • You know, right now the bible says there is a spiritual war
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  • Being waged in this universe.
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  • It's a war, a contest between the kingdom of light
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  • And the kingdom of darkness.
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  • The kingdom of god and the kingdom of satan.
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  • Every battle you're facing right now in your life
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  • Is ultimately that spiritual battle
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  • Between light and darkness.
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  • Paul said it this way in ephesians 6:12,
  • 00:15:12.468 --> 00:15:14.503
  • "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
  • 00:15:14.503 --> 00:15:18.440
  • But against the rulers, against the powers,
  • 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:20.909
  • Against the world forces of this darkness,
  • 00:15:20.909 --> 00:15:24.179
  • Against the spiritual forces of wickedness
  • 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:26.448
  • In heavenly places."
  • 00:15:26.448 --> 00:15:29.585
  • This struggle with a kingdom of darkness is real,
  • 00:15:29.585 --> 00:15:32.187
  • And perhaps it seems right now to some of you,
  • 00:15:32.187 --> 00:15:35.090
  • It seems like darkness is winning.
  • 00:15:35.090 --> 00:15:37.726
  • I know i'm speaking to some of you right now
  • 00:15:37.726 --> 00:15:39.294
  • That frankly have a hard time
  • 00:15:39.294 --> 00:15:42.498
  • Entering into the festivities of christmas.
  • 00:15:42.498 --> 00:15:45.901
  • Maybe because you've recently lost a loved one.
  • 00:15:45.901 --> 00:15:49.772
  • It may be because of a painful memory from the past
  • 00:15:50.806 --> 00:15:53.842
  • That you can't erase from your mind.
  • 00:15:53.842 --> 00:15:57.179
  • It may be because of a prodigal child
  • 00:15:57.179 --> 00:15:58.714
  • You haven't had contact with in months or perhaps years.
  • 00:15:58.714 --> 00:16:03.385
  • Perhaps it's because of an illness
  • 00:16:03.385 --> 00:16:05.020
  • You're facing or somebody you love.
  • 00:16:05.020 --> 00:16:08.257
  • It seems like darkness is winning in your life.
  • 00:16:08.257 --> 00:16:12.461
  • But remember.
  • 00:16:12.461 --> 00:16:14.063
  • Light always extinguishes the darkness.
  • 00:16:14.930 --> 00:16:18.801
  • Do you remember 2,000 years ago on that good friday?
  • 00:16:18.801 --> 00:16:23.238
  • Jesus was hanging on the cross.
  • 00:16:23.238 --> 00:16:25.974
  • It was the middle of the day,
  • 00:16:25.974 --> 00:16:27.376
  • But darkness enveloped the earth for three hours.
  • 00:16:27.376 --> 00:16:31.747
  • And then when jesus died, they took his body down
  • 00:16:31.747 --> 00:16:34.483
  • And they placed it in a dark tomb.
  • 00:16:34.483 --> 00:16:38.687
  • It was for certain darkness had won.
  • 00:16:38.687 --> 00:16:41.657
  • The disciples dreams were dashed.
  • 00:16:41.657 --> 00:16:44.059
  • They had lost everything.
  • 00:16:44.059 --> 00:16:46.095
  • Darkness had won or so it seemed.
  • 00:16:46.095 --> 00:16:49.698
  • But three days later on easter sunday morning,
  • 00:16:49.698 --> 00:16:52.267
  • It began to dawn.
  • 00:16:52.267 --> 00:16:53.902
  • And remember the angel appeared
  • 00:16:53.902 --> 00:16:55.337
  • And the bible says his appearance was as lightning
  • 00:16:55.337 --> 00:16:58.707
  • And his garments were as white as snow,
  • 00:16:58.707 --> 00:17:01.043
  • And the light of god reached into that dark, empty tomb
  • 00:17:01.043 --> 00:17:04.246
  • And raised the lord jesus christ from the dead,
  • 00:17:04.246 --> 00:17:07.349
  • And he has now forever conquered sin and death and darkness.
  • 00:17:07.349 --> 00:17:12.287
  • The light overpowers the darkness.
  • 00:17:12.287 --> 00:17:15.757
  • Finally, how is jesus christ like light?
  • 00:17:16.625 --> 00:17:20.896
  • Light offers us direction.
  • 00:17:20.896 --> 00:17:24.666
  • It offers us direction.
  • 00:17:24.666 --> 00:17:27.436
  • Imagine you're the pilot of a jumbo jet liner.
  • 00:17:27.436 --> 00:17:31.073
  • You're charged with the safety
  • 00:17:31.073 --> 00:17:32.641
  • Of hundreds of passengers seated behind you.
  • 00:17:32.641 --> 00:17:35.711
  • You're trying to land your aircraft
  • 00:17:35.711 --> 00:17:37.312
  • Weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds
  • 00:17:37.312 --> 00:17:39.715
  • In the middle of the night,
  • 00:17:39.715 --> 00:17:41.283
  • In the middle of a driving rainstorm.
  • 00:17:41.283 --> 00:17:44.686
  • You can't land that plane anywhere.
  • 00:17:44.686 --> 00:17:47.756
  • There's only place you can land with guaranteed safety,
  • 00:17:47.756 --> 00:17:50.926
  • And it is that narrow strip of concrete we call the runway.
  • 00:17:50.926 --> 00:17:56.265
  • How in the world can a pilot in the darkness
  • 00:17:57.199 --> 00:17:58.500
  • Find the runway in a rainstorm?
  • 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:01.103
  • The lights, the beacons lead him to that place of safety.
  • 00:18:01.103 --> 00:18:06.375
  • Jesus is that beacon for us.
  • 00:18:06.975 --> 00:18:09.511
  • And the darkness of this world and the universe,
  • 00:18:09.511 --> 00:18:12.214
  • He says, "do you want to land safely with god?
  • 00:18:12.214 --> 00:18:15.551
  • Do you want to know him forever
  • 00:18:15.551 --> 00:18:17.186
  • And be in a relationship with him forever?
  • 00:18:17.186 --> 00:18:19.888
  • Follow me.
  • 00:18:19.888 --> 00:18:21.456
  • I am the way, the truth and the life.
  • 00:18:21.456 --> 00:18:25.060
  • No man comes to the father, but by me."
  • 00:18:25.060 --> 00:18:28.730
  • Jesus is that light that offers us direction to god himself.
  • 00:18:28.730 --> 00:18:34.002
  • The author david redding has captured the essence
  • 00:18:34.937 --> 00:18:37.806
  • Of what it means to come home to god
  • 00:18:37.806 --> 00:18:41.243
  • From an experience in his own life,
  • 00:18:41.977 --> 00:18:44.513
  • Many years earlier in his life.
  • 00:18:44.513 --> 00:18:47.182
  • He writes, "i remember going home from the navy
  • 00:18:47.182 --> 00:18:50.252
  • For the first time during world war ii.
  • 00:18:50.252 --> 00:18:53.789
  • Home was so far out in the country
  • 00:18:53.789 --> 00:18:55.691
  • That when we went hunting, we had to go toward town."
  • 00:18:55.691 --> 00:18:59.628
  • (congregation laughs)
  • 00:18:59.628 --> 00:19:01.330
  • "we had moved there for my father's house
  • 00:19:01.330 --> 00:19:03.832
  • When i was just 13.
  • 00:19:03.832 --> 00:19:06.268
  • I had a big dog, a big black scottish shepherd named teddy.
  • 00:19:06.268 --> 00:19:11.139
  • Teddy was my dog and he would do anything for me.
  • 00:19:11.139 --> 00:19:15.010
  • He waited for me to come home from school.
  • 00:19:15.010 --> 00:19:17.045
  • He slept beside me and when i whistled,
  • 00:19:17.045 --> 00:19:19.548
  • He ran to me even if he were eating.
  • 00:19:19.548 --> 00:19:22.517
  • At night, no one could get within a half mile of me
  • 00:19:22.517 --> 00:19:24.987
  • Without teddy's permission.
  • 00:19:24.987 --> 00:19:27.422
  • During those long summers spent working in the fields,
  • 00:19:27.422 --> 00:19:30.359
  • I would only see the family at night,
  • 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:32.995
  • But teddy was with me all the time.
  • 00:19:32.995 --> 00:19:36.131
  • And so, when i went away to war,
  • 00:19:36.131 --> 00:19:38.700
  • I didn't know how to leave him.
  • 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:41.003
  • How do you explain to someone who loves you
  • 00:19:41.003 --> 00:19:43.705
  • That you are leaving him and will not be chasing
  • 00:19:43.705 --> 00:19:45.874
  • Woodchucks with him tomorrow like always?
  • 00:19:45.874 --> 00:19:50.112
  • So, coming home that first time from the navy
  • 00:19:51.013 --> 00:19:53.615
  • Was something i can scarcely describe.
  • 00:19:53.615 --> 00:19:57.152
  • The last bus stop was 14 miles from the farm.
  • 00:19:57.152 --> 00:20:01.290
  • I got off there that night at about 11 o'clock
  • 00:20:01.290 --> 00:20:04.326
  • And i walked the rest of the way home.
  • 00:20:04.326 --> 00:20:07.496
  • It was 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning
  • 00:20:07.496 --> 00:20:08.997
  • Before i was within a half mile of our house.
  • 00:20:08.997 --> 00:20:12.801
  • It was pitch dark, but i knew every step of the way.
  • 00:20:12.801 --> 00:20:17.105
  • Suddenly, teddy heard me and began his warning bark.
  • 00:20:17.105 --> 00:20:22.077
  • Then, i whistled only once. the barking stopped.
  • 00:20:22.077 --> 00:20:26.982
  • There was a yelp of recognition
  • 00:20:26.982 --> 00:20:29.418
  • And i knew that a big black form
  • 00:20:29.418 --> 00:20:31.386
  • Was hurtling toward me in the darkness.
  • 00:20:31.386 --> 00:20:35.257
  • Almost immediately he was there in my arms.
  • 00:20:35.257 --> 00:20:38.794
  • To this day, that is the best way
  • 00:20:38.794 --> 00:20:40.729
  • I can explain what i mean by coming home.
  • 00:20:40.729 --> 00:20:44.766
  • What comes home to me now is the eloquence
  • 00:20:45.667 --> 00:20:48.470
  • With which that unforgettable memory
  • 00:20:48.470 --> 00:20:51.773
  • Speaks to me about my god.
  • 00:20:51.773 --> 00:20:54.976
  • If my dog without any explanation would love me
  • 00:20:55.977 --> 00:20:59.548
  • And take me back after all that time, would my god?"
  • 00:20:59.548 --> 00:21:06.621
  • What does christmas mean?
  • 00:21:07.189 --> 00:21:09.291
  • It means above else.
  • 00:21:09.758 --> 00:21:12.260
  • Whatever you've done, wherever you are,
  • 00:21:13.128 --> 00:21:15.564
  • However long you've been away from god,
  • 00:21:15.564 --> 00:21:19.801
  • God has left the light on just for you,
  • 00:21:20.602 --> 00:21:23.805
  • And that light to lead you safely home is jesus christ.
  • 00:21:24.906 --> 00:21:30.278
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:21:30.612 --> 00:21:34.282
  • Nothing would magnify your celebration of christmas any more
  • 00:21:35.550 --> 00:21:39.254
  • Than making the decision to come home.
  • 00:21:39.254 --> 00:21:42.023
  • And i'm thrilled to think that god is moving
  • 00:21:42.023 --> 00:21:44.126
  • In the hearts of people all around the world
  • 00:21:44.126 --> 00:21:46.361
  • At this very moment as men and women
  • 00:21:46.361 --> 00:21:48.630
  • Take their first steps toward jesus christ.
  • 00:21:48.630 --> 00:21:52.334
  • So many in our culture cannot celebrate the savior
  • 00:21:52.334 --> 00:21:55.137
  • Because they've never heard about jesus.
  • 00:21:55.137 --> 00:21:57.773
  • The world is hurting,
  • 00:21:57.773 --> 00:21:59.608
  • But we hold the answer to the pain.
  • 00:21:59.608 --> 00:22:01.476
  • The hope and love of christ.
  • 00:22:01.476 --> 00:22:03.912
  • For this reason alone, "pathway to victory" has established
  • 00:22:03.912 --> 00:22:06.748
  • The "now is the time matching challenge"
  • 00:22:06.748 --> 00:22:10.018
  • So that together we can leverage our collective resources.
  • 00:22:10.018 --> 00:22:13.422
  • The match amount is a record breaking $1.7 million.
  • 00:22:13.422 --> 00:22:18.326
  • That means that every dollar you give
  • 00:22:18.326 --> 00:22:20.896
  • Between now and december 31st
  • 00:22:20.896 --> 00:22:22.697
  • To support "pathway to victory"
  • 00:22:22.697 --> 00:22:24.966
  • Will be automatically multiplied by two.
  • 00:22:24.966 --> 00:22:27.936
  • Again, the deadline is december 31st.
  • 00:22:27.936 --> 00:22:31.873
  • That's twice the impact when you give right now.
  • 00:22:31.873 --> 00:22:35.877
  • Please stand with us to end 2025 in strength
  • 00:22:35.877 --> 00:22:39.114
  • And to move full steam ahead
  • 00:22:39.114 --> 00:22:40.816
  • Into the new year of soul-winning ministry.
  • 00:22:40.816 --> 00:22:44.286
  • Now, please stay right there.
  • 00:22:44.286 --> 00:22:46.087
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
  • 00:22:46.087 --> 00:22:49.291
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:22:49.291 --> 00:22:50.792
  • You want to grow closer to god.
  • 00:22:51.426 --> 00:22:53.495
  • You want your faith to be vibrant and real.
  • 00:22:53.495 --> 00:22:56.231
  • What if you could live every day abiding in christ,
  • 00:22:56.231 --> 00:22:59.034
  • Connected to the vine that gives you life?
  • 00:22:59.034 --> 00:23:02.571
  • Discover what it means to truly abide with the brand new
  • 00:23:02.571 --> 00:23:06.208
  • "2026 pathway to victory daily devotional."
  • 00:23:06.208 --> 00:23:09.744
  • This beautiful tan leather devotional
  • 00:23:09.744 --> 00:23:12.247
  • Accented with brown and gold foil
  • 00:23:12.247 --> 00:23:14.549
  • Features 260 biblical insights from dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:23:14.549 --> 00:23:18.687
  • Now with larger print for easier reading.
  • 00:23:18.687 --> 00:23:21.356
  • Jesus said, "i am the vine. you are the branches.
  • 00:23:21.356 --> 00:23:25.293
  • The one who remains in me and i in him bears much fruit."
  • 00:23:25.293 --> 00:23:30.065
  • Abiding means staying connected to christ through his word
  • 00:23:30.065 --> 00:23:33.735
  • And that daily connection produces
  • 00:23:33.735 --> 00:23:35.770
  • Real lasting fruit in your life.
  • 00:23:35.770 --> 00:23:39.307
  • Start the year understanding who god is
  • 00:23:39.307 --> 00:23:41.810
  • And what he desires from you.
  • 00:23:41.810 --> 00:23:43.745
  • In spring, grow your roots and become more like christ
  • 00:23:43.745 --> 00:23:46.848
  • In humility, obedience, and servanthood.
  • 00:23:46.848 --> 00:23:50.018
  • In summer, return to the basics
  • 00:23:50.018 --> 00:23:51.753
  • Of god's instruction manual for living
  • 00:23:51.753 --> 00:23:54.222
  • And end the year strongly planted in god's truth.
  • 00:23:54.222 --> 00:23:57.859
  • When you request the devotional,
  • 00:23:58.493 --> 00:23:59.828
  • Your gift will be doubled in impact
  • 00:23:59.828 --> 00:24:01.363
  • Because of the "now is the time matching challenge"
  • 00:24:01.363 --> 00:24:04.399
  • Equipping us to reach our nation
  • 00:24:04.399 --> 00:24:06.501
  • And world with the hope of our savior.
  • 00:24:06.501 --> 00:24:09.004
  • Are you ready to experience a deeper walk with god in 2026?
  • 00:24:10.205 --> 00:24:14.409
  • Request the "2026 pathway to victory
  • 00:24:14.409 --> 00:24:16.711
  • Daily devotional" today.
  • 00:24:16.711 --> 00:24:21.383
  • Light is central to the celebration of christmas.
  • 00:24:22.384 --> 00:24:25.754
  • And this season as you drive past christmas lights
  • 00:24:25.754 --> 00:24:28.290
  • Or look at your own christmas tree, i hope you're reminded
  • 00:24:28.290 --> 00:24:31.893
  • Of the one true light of the world, jesus christ.
  • 00:24:31.893 --> 00:24:36.498
  • Well, christmas provides a great reason to celebrate
  • 00:24:36.498 --> 00:24:39.100
  • Because as the angel of the lord said,
  • 00:24:39.100 --> 00:24:41.536
  • "today there has been born for you a savior
  • 00:24:41.536 --> 00:24:45.106
  • Who is christ the lord."
  • 00:24:45.106 --> 00:24:47.008
  • And next time we're going to set aside all the distractions
  • 00:24:47.008 --> 00:24:49.811
  • And fully engage in the miraculous birth of jesus christ.
  • 00:24:49.811 --> 00:24:55.083
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:24:56.017 --> 00:24:57.218
  • In our series, "celebrate the savior."
  • 00:24:57.218 --> 00:25:00.722
  • How many different ways can you tell the christmas story?
  • 00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:04.693
  • The plot line doesn't change or it shouldn't change
  • 00:25:04.693 --> 00:25:07.762
  • In what you're telling.
  • 00:25:07.762 --> 00:25:08.930
  • The characters certainly don't change.
  • 00:25:08.930 --> 00:25:11.533
  • So, how do you get something fresh
  • 00:25:11.533 --> 00:25:14.402
  • Out of the christmas story?
  • 00:25:14.402 --> 00:25:15.704
  • That's a challenge every pastor has.
  • 00:25:15.704 --> 00:25:18.573
  • Set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
  • 00:25:18.573 --> 00:25:22.077
  • "stop and smell the manger" here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:25:22.077 --> 00:25:27.649
  • Each of us will leave a legacy.
  • 00:25:28.283 --> 00:25:31.086
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:25:31.086 --> 00:25:33.488
  • Your legacy giving can further the gospel
  • 00:25:33.488 --> 00:25:36.257
  • And be an example to your children
  • 00:25:36.257 --> 00:25:38.593
  • About what matters most in life.
  • 00:25:38.593 --> 00:25:41.196
  • The world my daughters and grandchildren are growing up in
  • 00:25:41.196 --> 00:25:44.299
  • Is vastly different than the one you and i grew up in.
  • 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:48.370
  • The gospel of jesus christ is our only answer.
  • 00:25:48.370 --> 00:25:52.540
  • And naming "pathway to victory"
  • 00:25:52.540 --> 00:25:53.808
  • As a beneficiary in your will helps guarantee
  • 00:25:53.808 --> 00:25:57.512
  • That there will be a trusted ministry
  • 00:25:57.512 --> 00:26:00.448
  • That will continue to be salt and light.
  • 00:26:00.448 --> 00:26:03.518
  • Like the ripples that emanate from a rock
  • 00:26:03.518 --> 00:26:06.121
  • Thrown into a pond,
  • 00:26:06.121 --> 00:26:07.656
  • Your influence for christ can keep going on and on
  • 00:26:07.656 --> 00:26:11.026
  • After you die with a gift in your will.
  • 00:26:11.026 --> 00:26:14.763
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:26:14.763 --> 00:26:17.465
  • Only one life will soon be passed.
  • 00:26:17.465 --> 00:26:20.869
  • Only what's done for christ will last.
  • 00:26:20.869 --> 00:26:27.108
  • Experience the beauty of alaska
  • 00:26:27.742 --> 00:26:29.978
  • With the "pathway to victory" family, june 13-20, 2026.
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  • Sail through the calm waters
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  • Of the legendary inside passage with dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:26:37.252 --> 00:26:39.788
  • Aboard holland america's magnificent koningsdam.
  • 00:26:39.788 --> 00:26:43.158
  • Be inspired by award-winning musician,
  • 00:26:43.158 --> 00:26:45.226
  • Michael o'brien's powerful worship.
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  • Share laughter with dennis swanberg,
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  • America's minister of encouragement,
  • 00:26:49.431 --> 00:26:51.766
  • All while exploring frontier towns
  • 00:26:51.766 --> 00:26:53.601
  • Like juneau, skagway, and ketchikan.
  • 00:26:53.601 --> 00:26:56.671
  • There's something powerful about connecting with god
  • 00:26:56.671 --> 00:26:59.507
  • And fellow believers in the majesty
  • 00:26:59.507 --> 00:27:01.943
  • Of his untamed wilderness.
  • 00:27:01.943 --> 00:27:03.978
  • From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles.
  • 00:27:03.978 --> 00:27:06.648
  • These moments in god's creation
  • 00:27:06.648 --> 00:27:08.717
  • Will deepen your faith in powerful ways.
  • 00:27:08.717 --> 00:27:11.686
  • Join us for a spiritual journey
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  • Through some of creation's most spectacular displays.
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  • Don't wait. our best cabins are going fast.
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  • Secure your alaska adventure now.
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  • Call 888-280-6747 or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:21.996 --> 00:27:21.996