Bethel Church Service | Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Service

Oh my soul, sing to ((music playing)) the God of the aes. Say to the Lord of creation, ((music playing)) sing his praise again. ((music playing)) Oh my soul, sing like the heavens. ((music playing)) And like an army of angels, ((music playing)) sing his praise again. Remember how our [music and singing] God has never failed, never failed us. Remember that his name ((music playing)) will make a way.

He'll make a [singing] way. And from the cross to the grave. Oh, he is ((music playing)) risen. Now he reigns. Oh, praise the Lord and see his ((music playing)) praise again. Come on, sing it again. Oh, can you remember ((music playing)) how our God has never failed? He's never [music and singing] fail. Remember that his name will make ((music playing)) away from the cross.

((music playing)) He is rising ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) aes to the Lord of creation. Sing his praise again. Oh my ((music playing)) soul sing like the heavens are and roll like ((music playing)) an army of angels sing his praise. Oh my soul will sing to the God of ((music playing)) the aes to the Lord of creation. single ((music playing)) my soul sing ((music playing)) for like an army of angels.

Sing his praise again. We sing ((music playing)) his praise again. Oh, sing his praise again. Oh, sing his praise ((music playing)) over ((music playing)) and over. Over and over. Remember how ((music playing)) our God failed. [singing] He's never failed. Remember that his name will make a way. He'll make a way. From the cross to the grave, he is [music and singing] ris praise the Lord.

Sing his praise again. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yeah. Yeah. Come on, ((music playing)) just lift up a shout of praise. Hallelujah. Oh, magnify ((music playing)) the Lord. Oh, sing my soul. Y ((music playing)) through it all. You are good. You are good. And your mercy ((music playing)) endures forever. You are good. ((music playing)) That sings my soul. Faithful angels rage.

Oh, ((music playing)) so good. You're so good. You're just so good. Jesus at the center [music and singing] of it all. Jesus ((music playing)) at the center [singing] of it all. From beginning [singing and music] to the end, it will always be. It's always been you, Jesus. Oh Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus be the center ((music playing)) of it all. Jesus ((music playing)) be the center [singing] of it all.

From beginning [singing] to the end, it will ((music playing)) always be. It's always been you, Jesus. All about you Jesus. Nothing ((music playing)) else matterers. Oh, nothing in this world will do. Yeah. [singing] Jesus, ((music playing)) you're a center. Oh, and ((music playing)) everything revolves around [singing] you. Oh Jesus, you Jesus be the center of my life. Oh Jesus, ((music playing)) the center of [singing] my life.

From beginning to the end, it will always ((music playing)) be and it's always been you, Jesus. Oh, ((music playing)) I'm in love with Jesus. Nothing else matters. ((music playing)) Oh, nothing in this world will do. I can trade it all. Oh Jesus, ((music playing)) be your center cuz everything ((music playing)) reles around [singing] you. Oh ((music playing)) Jesus. Yeah. And from my ((music playing)) heart to the [singing] head.

Oh Jesus be the sand. It's all about [singing] you. Oh it's all ((music playing)) about you. From my heart to the ((music playing)) heavens. Oh Jesus, be the center. [singing] It's all ((music playing)) about you. Oh, it is all about you. From my ((music playing)) heart to the head. Oh Jesus, you're the ((music playing)) power. You go and my ((music playing)) heart.

((music playing)) ((music playing)) Oh Jesus, you're the ((music playing)) same. Every ((music playing)) day from my heart to the face. Oh Jesus, ((music playing)) be the saint. It's all about you. It's all about you. Jesus ((music playing)) be the center of it all. Jesus [singing] be the center of it all. From [singing] beginning to the end, it will always be. It's always ((music playing)) been you, Jesus.

Jesus. ((music playing)) And worthy is your name, oh Jesus. And you deserve the praise. Oh, worthy [singing and music] is your name. Worthy is your name, ((music playing)) Jesus. You deserve the praise. Oh, worthy is your name. Oh ((music playing)) n [singing] ((music playing)) worthy. ((music playing)) Oh my go ((music playing)) ((music playing)) you deserve the praise and worthy is your name. Worthy is your name.

Jesus ((music playing)) and you deserve praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Jesus, you deserve [singing and music] the praise. Worthy is your name. >> Worthy [singing] is your name. Jesus Christ. The only one worthy. >> I am lifted up. will magnify the only one worthy God most ((music playing)) God most high. >> ((music playing)) >> Come on, just lift up your voices.

Lift up a new song to the Lord. Just sing a new song ((music playing)) in heavenly tongues with words. Just sing a new song to the Lord. >> ((music playing)) >> What about awake? You are worthy. You are worthy. ((music playing)) Only one. Only one that breaks the sorrow. Darkness following ((music playing)) me. Every song confess only one name.

Only one ((music playing)) name. Only one name. Whoever tongue ((music playing)) confess only one name. Heat. Heat. Heat. ((music playing)) Goodbye to the only one. ((music playing)) Oh, ((music playing)) what is your name? ((music playing)) Jesus. You deserve praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is ((music playing)) your name. >> Christmas. You're not doing anything. >> Well, I said we [laughter] weren't singing.

Merry Christmas, everybody. >> Merry Christmas, everyone. I was trying to get in character. You didn't follow along >> in character. We're just doing ourselves. >> Merry Christmas. We're so glad you're joining us. This is um thanks for it's a little bit later so thanks for hanging out. I saw some of you were on super early. >> Super early.

You're very keen. >> Way to go. >> Which we're excited that you're >> tonight's our tree lighting service. And so we are so glad that you're joining us. It's really special. We may have had one already. >> Oh yes. We're having a hangover hangover from the not like a real Yeah.

Like a Christmas tree lighting hangover. [laughter] >> Okay. Okay. Let us know where you're joining us from. And some of you, I know, have already been getting your hot chocolate ready, your cookies, maybe snacks, I don't know. Tell us tell us a Christmas treat from your country. >> I love that Jim put, "Hey, Steve, don't give up your day job."

[laughter] >> And Jim, Jim is You're welcome, Jim. >> Hi. Um, thank you for sharing, Jim. [laughter] >> I just wanted everyone to feel like they're in the snow globe with us. >> Yeah. Welcome to our snow globe. [laughter] We hope you enjoy it. Um, Kath, hi. It's always so lovely to see you.

Ida on Bethl online. Um, we have Tim eggnog. [laughter] >> Just [laughter] >> I could say random things, too. Christmas wreath >> presents. >> I asked them [laughter] one second. I asked them what is a favorite Christmas snack from their country. >> I missed that. I I zoned out a little bit. >> And then [laughter] >> you can get a little picture of what a marriage is like.

I think I [laughter] think that's what I as did I ask. >> Anyway, put in your favorite snack if you didn't hear it already. >> Cheese. Cat says cheese. I don't know. Did I if I didn't ask you that question? Favorite Christmas snack. [laughter] >> And are you going to say what yours is? >> I don't know.

Yes, you tell them first. >> I don't I don't have a rice Christmas snack. Tell us um Francis, tell us about the rice and then maybe tell us where this is like a traditional snack from Sydney, Australia. So, no hot chocolate because it's summer. Well, >> Judith, it's good to see you from North Carolina.

We got Loris in there from Dayton. Let's change the subject. We got Grace from Sydney, Australia. >> Ask them a genuine question. [laughter] >> It's good to have you guys tuning in. We're really expectant. We're really excited. Feels very special for us. It's a very intimate night. You're going to see that, you know, if you were here for the morning, it's going to look a little bit the same to be completely honest, but we do have a manger. >> Not really.

We have We have hay and a and a say that I love that Jade's favorite Christmas snack is check mix. [laughter] >> That is hilarious. >> Which is awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Oh, look. Back lover. That reminds me of your >> Very nice. Very nice. Shall we move on? Should we move on from the snacks? >> Yes, we should.

We both It's good to see you. We're so thankful that you're joining us. Uh, a couple things to be ready for. So, uh, we're gearing up. We're about to go live. It's a little bit of a performance. We got some little performances happening, drama things. We're going to be singing some amazing hymns.

It'll be a beautiful time. >> Uh, Bill will be closing us out. And then we're gonna be going out >> outside. And while we're going outside, you're going to be getting us for a little bit. >> No. Are they going to be getting Chris and Kathy Valentin? Ruined it. >> Sorry. >> You ruined it.

[laughter] >> No one told me it was a surprise. Okay. You're going to be getting us. [laughter] >> Unbelievable. Anyway, you'll get a little something in the middle [laughter] and then afterwards you're going to see the Christmas lighting actual happens and then it'll come back to us so you can get a little vibe for what's happening.

The whole point of this, have some fun. >> Worship the Lord. >> Worship the Lord. >> Praise him. >> I would love to know what what is your favorite Well, good job. That is what you can expect. [laughter] I want to know what your favorite their favorite thing about Christmas is or what Christmas means to you. >> That's a good question.

So, you can put that in the chat. >> Yeah. Favorite thing about Christmas. Do you want to share first while they're writing in the chat? >> Favorite thing about Christmas is all the quality family time that we have. And we got another one on the way in there. >> She won't be out in time for Christmas. >> Not in time for Christmas.

But it's just a amazing time to connect with family. Get to snuggle my kids a lot. Get to tell them about the story of Christ. >> Get to do the whole Santa presents, fun festivities, decorating. I love the Christmas lights. I love everything about Christmas. >> We are quite big Christmas fans. >> Everything.

Christmas music has been playing in our house for >> couple weeks now. Yeah. Even before Thanksgiving, it's legal. >> Our seven-year-old [snorts] said, "Mom, do you not think this is a little bit early?" [laughter] This is coming from my seven-year-old. And I said, "No, sweetie." >> But what's [laughter] your favorite?

We got some people in here. They put uh let's see what they has said. The family cook it. Wait, hold on. Uh I I don't know what you're saying right there. Uh some people are asking for prayer. So, we will definitely pray for miracles there. Some people put mocha cookie crumble frappuccino. the love family in stockings, birth of Jesus. >> Uh we love you too.

We're still on the food in the chat. >> Yeah, they see they like the food question. I mean that is fair too. >> Marie put surprise miracle. She loves welcoming the king. >> I love the hope of the season. >> You need some hope. [laughter] >> We all need some hope.

Christ in us is the hope of glory. But I love I love that it's a time when we can actually be hope, release hope for people. Um I love the generosity. >> Yeah. >> And I love that we get to be generous like Jesus and what that what just kind of the reminder of how generous he is and um >> how the little things make such a difference. >> Come on.

And I do feel really sad about that even this Christmas that >> looking for people to bless, encouraging our family to look for people to bless and know that that's bringing bringing hope and bringing Jesus >> to people. And it's such a it feels like a might sound silly, but almost like such an easy time to for for people are receptive to receive um generosity and love and hope and um the message of Jesus.

And so I I love the hope that's in the atmosphere. >> I love that. Now, do you want to tell them the real answer? >> What's the real answer? >> Your real answer of what you really love. >> That was [laughter] the real answer. >> No, she loves You love Christmas puzzles.

You love I love puzzles. You love tea and treats. [laughter] >> My Amazon car. >> If we If we had a fireplace, we would have a fire. But because she doesn't, she just puts a fireplace on the TV. The crackling sound. >> YouTube >> blankets. >> We get a lot of quality time at night. >> It's true that we do have some prayer requests. >> [laughter] >> Um, uh, Fatima, [snorts] >> people. >> So, wait, I'm gonna find >> Yeah, you I almost >> No, you're great.

You can you can do that, but let's pray for some people. If you have a prayer request, this is a a great time to put that in. Um, so Fatima said, "Pastor, I ask for prayer for healing of my head, eyes, dizziness, pain in the neck. Um, it's protected.

Uh, yeah, just the cancer. There's a lot of things." So Jesus, we right now anyone needs a miracle in their body. >> Yes, >> we are celebrating. >> Put it in the chat. Whatever you're waiting for, put in the chat. You can put a hand what you need a miracle for on your body right now.

And we're just going to pray over you. God, we thank you for miracles. We thank you that as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the greatest miracle that Jesus came to be with us and bring hope and life and wholeness right now. We speak that over every person watching this or watching this back right now. there would be um miracle working power of Jesus flooding through your body.

God, I thank you for Christmas miracles. >> Yes. >> I I really feel to pray um >> like that that that we're not like winding down a year, but this is going to be a season of surprise breakthroughs. >> And I even felt like the Lord wanted to remind some of you words he spoke to you at the very beginning of the year.

Um and I just heard the phrase, "He's not done yet." And the year is not done yet. And so God, I thank you um for wild breakthrough. I was reminded actually of a story A couple of years back, I gave a word um I think it was on the day after Christmas or the 27th, something like that, of um of December that some people were going to get their breakthrough for their year.

Um and God wasn't done. And a friend of ours had had been believing they they were given a a hospital bill for over $100,000 for a surgery. >> Oh yeah. This is a crazy miracle. And they as we as we did that and and pastor Bill was talking about faith.

Suddenly they felt faith for that to um that miracle to happen by the end of the year. So they have so God has like three or four days at this point and they get a call this is on a Sunday. They got a call I can't remember if it's Monday Tuesday but right at the beginning of the week from the hospital saying they were forgiving all of their debt and it was just this word that came to fruition right at the very end of the year.

Um, and so I feel like for some of you, there's a word that was spoken and we say that God is the God of breakthrough and he's done. >> Come on. >> Yeah. >> So good. We have a couple people putting in prayer requests here for kids being sick.

Uh, severe tendinitis, uh, sick kids, uh, breakthrough coming through. >> Uh, eye surgeries need prayer for. >> Uh, my left knee is swollen because of possible arthritis. Simon asking us to pray. Yes. Sergeant asking for Lyme disease to be healed. Yes. >> Eyes. We've had a few people limes, lupus, those kind of testimonies recently. >> Yes. >> We just we thank you, God, that do it again. >> Angel asking for prayer for her son, Jonathan.

Yes. Absolutely. >> So, why don't you go ahead and uh you can hold your hands out like you're receiving a gift. You can put them on your heart. You can put them on the area if you need a miracle in your body. You can put them wherever you want.

Uh but we're going to pray >> and you're going to pray first cuz you're more powerful. >> Jesus, we thank you um for this opportunity to celebrate you. And Father, I pray every person watching this, whether they're watching live or watching it back, that you would encounter them, that they would uh receive life and hope and a touch from you um as we remember and celebrate the gospel and the birth of Jesus. >> Yep.

So, Father, we just declare all pain to go, all infirmities, all inflammation to go right now. All pain, aches, arthritis, diseases to leave people's bodies. Father, we thank you for reconciliation coming right now. We just declare breakthrough in Jesus name. Strength, strength, strength. Amen. >> Amen. >> And just want to encourage you to test out your body even throughout the service.

And any change, just you can just say, "Thank you, Jesus. Can I ask some more?" And then put it in the chat because we want other people to see the testimony of Jesus. And I can't tell you how many times someone's testified what Jesus has done and the very testimony releases breakthrough for the person even reading it and receiving it.

So please, if you have a testimony, put in the chat what the Lord's doing and then we're going to see him do some stuff. >> Yep. Amen. >> But we're going to be closing out. We're going to get kicking off on the service and then we'll see you in a little bit with a surprise guest that you don't know who it is. >> You don't know unless you were on earlier.

Bless you guys. Have a wonderful service. ((music playing)) >> And all my [singing] life you have been faithful. And all my ((music playing)) life [singing] you have been so so good. And every ((music playing)) breath [singing] that I am able And I will sing of the goodness of God. I love [singing] your voice. You have led [music and singing] me through the fire in my darkest night.

You are close ((music playing)) like no other. I've known you as a father. [singing] I've known you as a ((music playing)) friend and I [singing] have lived in the goodness ((music playing)) of God. Oh yes. And all my life [music and singing] you have been faithful. And all my [music and singing] life you have been so so good. ((music playing)) Every [singing] breath that I am able.

((music playing)) Oh, I will sing of the goodness [singing] of God. Your ((music playing)) goodness is running [singing] after. It's running after me. ((music playing)) Your goodness is running after. It's running ((music playing)) after [singing] me. With my life laid down, I surrender now. I give you everything. ((music playing)) Your goodness is [singing] running after. It's ((music playing)) running after me. Yes. Your goodness is running ((music playing)) after.

It's running after me. Your ((music playing)) goodness is running after. It's running after me. With my life laying down ((music playing)) and surrender now I give you everything. Your ((music playing)) goodness is running after. It's running after me. And all my life [singing] you have ((music playing)) been faithful. And all my life you have been so ((music playing)) so [singing] good.

With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness ((music playing)) of God. Sing that again. All ((music playing)) my life you have been faithful. >> All right. >> Hello. Hello. Hey everybody. Merry Christmas. Let's all stand together. Jamila, come here. Keep it close. Keep it close. Come here.

Listen. How many of you How many of you today you came? I know we announced this morning. Come in your most festive outfit. Who's got Who's got festive on? A little festive. Some festivities. I see. Listen. Okay. You want to see the best the best Christmas sweater? >> Are you ready?

Are you ready for this, Jama? Go ahead. ((cheering)) ((applause)) >> It's ridiculous. When I was in school of ministry, they did that one year and thought it would be funny. It's not funny. >> They had tattoos. >> Yeah, they had Christmas tattoos with my face. For the next month, it was just my face.

Mexican Santa just hanging out. Uh, well, let me just say welcome everybody. You guys excited about tonight? >> We're going to go light a Christmas tree later. We're going to sing some hems together. Christmas carols. Yes, Christmas carols. Um, and we got some surprises. Some really fun surprises.

We just got done with the with I know there's lots of kids here. These are the stay up later kids. The go to bed early kids were here. Uh, the last service and it was something special. So, are you guys ready? Listen, the the the kind of the brainchild mastermind.

We only have one mic because all the mics are being used. So, I can say whatever I want about Haley. She doesn't have another mic uh to answer. There's there's they're using every kind of digital thing today. U but uh Haley actually is kind of the push behind what we do for the Christmas tree uh service.

And so I'm going to hand it to her and she's going to tell you all the important things that I missed. Uh is that good? Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas everybody. >> Uh the biggest the biggest heart today is that we could tell the story of Jesus in a way that uh adults could laugh and our kids could engage with.

And so we're excited for that. It's going to be a little different. There'll be some standing up and some sitting down. If you wonder what to do, just follow the front row. And if they don't know what they're doing, just do whatever you want. Um, but we're going to have some fun tonight.

We're going to sing some carols. We've got uh some fun actors that are going to join us today. But most of all, we're here to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Amen. Amen. >> Uh for the tree lighting portion, just so you know, if people are not handing car uh candles to your little kids, it's because we're afraid we're going to set some bushes on fire.

So, they have uh glow sticks in their little bags. Um and uh if you want to hand them a candle, you have to responsibly watch them all the time. Welcome to our online audience. We're so glad to have you. If you are joining us online, feel free to put your Christmas tree lights on right now and join us in the Christmas festivities.

But let's open and pray. Why don't we just put our hands out in front of us and just welcome the presence of the Lord. Thank you, God, that you are here. But more than anything, Lord, I thank you that you come close. You come close ((music playing)) to us, God, in our time of need, in our time of triumph, in our celebration. that Jesus, you made a way where there was no way.

And God, we welcome you, Holy Spirit. We welcome your presence here with us today. Thank you, Lord, that we get to remember for a whole season, that we get to walk through the stores and hear the the the music that that ((music playing)) declares your coming. And Lord, we just ask that you would meet with us today, that we could laugh, that we could uh sing, that we could celebrate, and that we could be met with with your love today.

((music playing)) And so we welcome you, King Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. While you're standing and we're going to start with a beautiful carol. Amen. Amen. ((music playing)) >> Oh little town ((music playing)) of [singing] Bethlehem, how still we see thee light. ((music playing)) Above thy deep and [singing] dreamless ((music playing)) sleep, the silent stars ((music playing)) go by. Yet in thy dark streets shine, the everlasting ((music playing)) light.

The hopes and ((music playing)) fears [singing] of all the years are met in thee tonight. Emmanuel, [singing] Christ ((music playing)) is born. Emmanuel, [singing] Christ ((music playing)) is born. Precious [singing] son, our savior, come. ((music playing)) Oh Christ [singing] our Emmanuel. How silently, ((music playing)) oh [singing] silently this ((music playing)) wonderous gift is gi. >> ((music playing)) >> So God imparts [singing] to human hearts the blessings of his help.

[snorts] No ((music playing)) ear [singing] may hear his calling. But ((music playing)) in this world of [singing] sin where ((music playing)) meek souls will receive him still. But ((music playing)) the dear Christ enters in. Emmanuel. ((music playing)) Emmanuel. Christ is born. Emmanuel. ((music playing)) [singing] Oh Christ is born. Holy child, ((music playing)) redeeming one. Oh ((music playing)) Christ our man, you will. Oh holy [music and singing] child of Bethlehem, descend to [singing] ((music playing)) us.

We pray cast out our sin and enter it ((music playing)) be born in us today. We [music and singing] hear the Christmas angels, ((music playing)) the great glad tidings tell. Oh, come [music and singing] to us. Abide with us. Our ((music playing)) Lord Emmanuel. [singing] One more time. Emmanuel. Emmanuel. Christ ((music playing)) is born. Emmanuel. Christ ((music playing)) is [singing] born. Let prepare the Lord. of us.

Oh [music and singing] Christ our man you will. Oh Christ ((music playing)) our [singing] you will. You guys can take a seat. >> ((music playing)) >> Here ye, hear ye Roman citizens, gather your families and relatives, and go home to where you are from. A decree has gone out from Caesar Augustus, no less. You are to return to the home of your lineage to be counted.

A census is being TAKEN OF THE VAST VAST ROMAN EMPIRE. >> YOU, SIR, is this your family? Is this your family? >> Oh, well, YOU BETTER BE ON YOUR WAY THEN. CHOP, CHOP. MAKE HASTE. GO ON. YOU, SIR. Come on. GO BACK TO YOUR FOREBEARS. COME ON. MOVE IT.

GOLLY, THIS IS TIRESOME WORK. DAYS. That's how it was, guys. You know, in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus all over the world that people should be registered. This was the first registration when Quinerius was governor of Syria. all who went to be registered each to his own town.

So Joseph went up to Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea to the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and the lineage of David. He was to be registered with Mary his wife who was with child. And while they were there the time came for her to give birth.

She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the end. Do you know who that baby was? >> Jesus. >> Jesus. That's exactly right. It was Jesus. This was no ordinary birth.

This child was the long awaited king. The one the prophet spoke of. >> Wait, wait. You mean the the king? >> I mean, the one that the prophets all wrote about. >> Yes. >> Oh. Oh my goodness. I mean, wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. I I I I wasn't expecting this today at all.

I mean, uh, no time for it. No, this wasn't in the plan. But I gotta go. [laughter] I I want to go. Excuse me. Out of the way. I gotta go. I gotta go. I gotta get ready. Pardon me. Excuse me. Good. Good. Ah. >> [clears throat] >> I mean, I got to I got to make myself presentable.

I got to jush it up a little bit. I don't have time to get home. I need some gifts. Can't show up empty empty-handed. So, uh, let's go. I'm I'm going to need some stuff. I'm going to need that that phone. He loves technology. And then this, uh, this is very goddy for church, but that's good.

Oh, Chris, that's nice. Thank you, Bill, as you kill this somewhere. Hunting or that' be great. All right. He'll love that. He'll love that. I need some more money. HEY. HEY, TOM. YOU brought your boom box. All right. Way to go. All right. HEY, I'M OFF TO BETHLEHEM.

I'M GOING TO SEE THE KING. ((applause)) >> And in that same region, there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. But they were filled with great fear. You know, that probably was kind of scary, huh?

But the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all people, for unto you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find a little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

Suddenly there was an angel, a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest. And on earth, peace with those whom he is well pleased." ((music playing)) Isn't that awesome? The sky was filled with the hundreds of angels singing about Jesus. Wow. Well, when those angels went away back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see the thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."

And off they went to see the ((music playing)) King. Now, please stand with us as we sing Angels We Have Heard on High. ((music playing)) >> ((music playing)) >> Angels ((music playing)) [singing] we have heard on high sweetly singing [singing] over the plains ((music playing)) and the [singing] mountains. hands in reply, echoing ((music playing)) their [singing] joy. Oh. [singing] Oh. In [music and singing] exalt glory. [singing] ((music playing)) Gloria ((music playing)) in [singing] action shall stay.

Shepherds, ((music playing)) why this [singing] jubilee? Why your joy is ((music playing)) strange prolonged? Let the gladsome [singing] tidings be which ((music playing)) inspire your heavenly song. [singing] Lord. ((music playing)) Oh, it exalt ((music playing)) season [singing] your glory. Glorious ((music playing)) [singing] day. Come ((music playing)) to [singing] Beth the H and see him whose ((music playing)) birth the angels [singing] sing. Come ((music playing)) adore bend in me. Christ ((music playing)) the Lord the [singing] newborn king.

Oh. ((music playing)) Oh. [singing] ((music playing)) In exalty day glory. ((music playing)) Oh, in an exalty ((music playing)) day ((music playing)) [singing] ((music playing)) in [music and singing] action still glory. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) [singing] Stan, Stan, where are you going and and why are you dressed up like that? >> I am going to see the king. I mean, where have you been? Everybody's talking about it. You know, at first I didn't feel ready. you know, I wanted to, you know, make sure I was presentable, and I am.

Make sure I had some gifts. You know, I can't show up empty-handed. And so, I I'm really looking forward to this. You know, I feels like I've been waiting my whole life to do this. [laughter] [gasps] Just think of it. I mean, who' have thought standing the king? Wow. Wow.

Wow. Wow. It It's going to be awesome. Mindblowing. You should come. You should come. You should totally come with me and you should totally change those clothes, >> you know, cuz we want to show up looking our best, you know. But you should totally come. It'll be wonderful. >> Well, Dan, >> no, no, no, no, Stan. >> Sorry, Stan.

Stan. Um, >> I I'm not sure he's going to be exactly how you expect, but sure. I'll go with you. Come on. >> This way. >> ((music playing)) ((applause)) >> Light of the world, ((music playing)) you step down [singing] into darkness. ((music playing)) Open my eyes. Let me [singing] see. Beauty ((music playing)) that made this heart adore you.

Hope [singing] of a life ((music playing)) spent with you. So here I am to ((music playing)) worship. Here I am to [singing] bow down. Here I am to say that ((music playing)) you're [singing] my God. You're all together lovely, all together [music and singing] worthy, allto together wonderful ((music playing)) to me. Oh king of all ((music playing)) days, [singing] oh so highly exalted. Glorious [singing] in heaven above and humbly you came ((music playing)) to [singing] the earth you ced all full [music and singing] of saint became poor.

So here ((music playing)) I am to worship. Here [singing] I am to bow ((music playing)) down. Here I am to say that you're my God. ((music playing)) You're all together lovely, allto together [music and singing] worthy, allto together wonderful [singing] ((music playing)) to me. So here I am to worship. ((music playing)) Here I [singing] am to bow down. Here I am to say that you're my ((music playing)) God.

You're all together lovely, [singing] all together worthy, ((music playing)) all together wonderful ((music playing)) to me. You're all together lovely, allto together worthy, [singing] allto together ((music playing)) wonderful. You're all together [music and singing] lovely, all together. You're all together wonderful ((music playing)) to me. I >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> I mean this this is it. I [clears throat] I don't understand. I mean, he's he's the king of kings.

He's born in a barn with animals and they lay him in a a food trough. I I guess I guess I didn't need to go get presentable. And I mean, what am I going to do with all this stuff? I got boom boxes. Phone. >> Hey, that's my phone. >> No.

Stan, he's he's just not that interested in in this kind of stuff. He's He's after something way more precious than than all of this stuff. >> I mean, what what's more precious than, you know, I I got furs, I got gold, I got sweet electronics that are mine, not his.

I mean, I mean, this is the most costly stuff on earth. >> Yeah. It just unfortunately for you, cuz you look so fantastic, it just it just doesn't matter to him. The King of Kings is here in a lowly place because he's after our hearts. Jesus, he made a triumphant entry, but not in this big grand fancy flashing lights kind of way, but in a small insignificant place uh called Bethlehem.

God thinks differently to you and I. You see, when sin separated us from the father, the father sent his one and only son to pay for our sin so that we could be together again. If I was going to boil it down real simple, Stan Stan, right? Yeah.

Yeah. If I was going to boil it down real simple, it would be something like this. The gift of Christmas is not that man found God. It's that God came to us >> and he chose us. >> Then then we get to respond to him. >> It's powerful stuff, right?

You see, Bethlehem wasn't this big, famous grand city. The Bible says it was too small to be considered uh even among the clans of Judah. Some would say it was the bottom of the pile. But God chose Bethlehem. God chose the bottom of the pile. And God chooses us.

He chooses you and me because he thinks differently to us. He's not after our big fancy things. He's not impressed by our outward appearance. He's after our hearts. ((music playing)) Well, thank you, Steve. Thank you. You're welcome, Stan. [laughter] Feel like I've learned a lot and I ((music playing)) I I realize, you know, I don't need to make myself presentable and I don't have to bring him anything, just myself.

That's it. That's it. He's after our hearts. We're going to ask you, I know we're here as families and friends together, but we're just going to take just a couple of minutes to gather as families or in groups of threes and fours and and ask just one thing this Christmas that you can bring to Jesus.

Just gather together and just take a few minutes to do that. >> Thank you, ((music playing)) >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> Thank you. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Heat. Heat. ((music playing)) Heat. Heat. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> Hallelujah. ((music playing)) Heat. Heat. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> ((music playing)) >> traffic. ((music playing)) Hallelujah. >> ((music playing)) >> All right. Merry Christmas. Merry, merry Christmas. ((music playing)) Thank you, worship team. Appreciate you guys so much.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. ((applause)) Stan, you did great. Stave, you did great, too. Strangely, that was the highlight of the evening for me was having Dan call you stave. We have weird people working here and they are so fun. Why don't you stand? We're going to sing one chorus before we head out to out to the uh tree.

That tree is looking good, man. It is. Eric would be proud. I took a little video to send him to. So, yeah. Let's uh Yeah. G give me a a key to land on. There we go. >> Oh, come all [music and singing] ye faithful, joyful, [music and singing] and triumpant. Oh come ye oh ((music playing)) come [singing] ye to the hell.

Come [singing] and ((music playing)) behold him born [singing] the king of ((music playing)) kings. Oh [singing] come let us adore ((music playing)) him. Oh come let us [singing] adore him. Oh ((music playing)) come let us adore him. [music and singing] We give you all the glory >> and we give you [music and singing] all the glory. We give you ((music playing)) all the glory. [singing] We give you all [music and singing] the glory Christ.

[singing] We'll praise your name forever. >> We praise ((music playing)) your [singing] name forever. We'll praise [music and singing] your name forever. We'll praise [singing] your name forever. ((music playing)) Christ. >> Oh, come let us adore one more time. Oh come [music and singing] let us adore him. Oh come [music and singing] let us adore. Oh [singing] come let ((music playing)) us adore him. [singing] Christ the Lord.

((music playing)) You know, so many of these Christmas carols, they they're obviously sung this time of year, but some of them are so filled with the gospel, and it's the one time of the year they get played in all the stores. And I love walking through hearing how the nations will bow before him in some gospel song.

And I I'm just praying, oh God, help everybody to hear what's being said ((music playing)) there. We just pray for blessing on our city this year. with it. In fact, I pray for every one of you that in the next uh ((music playing)) between well the Christmas that this Christmas season there would be unusual surprises and breakthroughs in ((music playing)) unexpected areas, over-the-top blessings, and that God would make you a blessing to ((music playing)) so many people.

We're going to head out there, get some hot chocolate, and go watch a tree get lit. Hello. Hello. We have Chris and Kathy jumping on. They wanted to come on and say hi to you guys, pray for you. And uh we we're not done yet. So, that was just the the the appetizer before what's about to come.

But >> come on >> that we we got them on. So why don't you say give them some love in the chat. >> Merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas everybody. >> Merry Christmas. >> Come on. And uh Chris and Kathy, what what I would love is a couple things is would love for you to pray for them, but also just to share anything that's on your heart for them.

And then also if there's anything about this Christmas season that you feel like the Lord's been talking about or something that you feel like you would just want to share. >> What's Christmas mean to you? For me, I >> What's your best Christmas memory besides when I gave you your ring when you were 13? >> Oh, yes. >> Do you remember that? >> I do. >> I wrapped that baby up in about 30 different boxes. >> And it took me about 30 minutes to unwrap it.

She did it for Christmas. >> She was 13 years old and I gave her her engagement ring. >> Pretty amazing. >> Oh, yeah. Just like Mary and Joseph, they got married [laughter] early. That's why we did that. We're trying to follow in the steps of Jesus. >> Well, moving right along. >> Yes.

[laughter] We're moving along from that. >> We are. >> Okay. >> So, I think um >> I was like an elf though, right? Don't you think? I was like an [laughter] elf. >> Well, you know how the elves do good deeds and all. >> One of the things that was really >> You were like Mother Mary.

[laughter] >> One of the things that was really special to me is the year our our old grandkids now were little. >> Yes. And we decided that they needed to see how some other people celebrated Christmas and Yes. >> how fortunate they were and how all kids aren't as fortunate as our family had been.

Y >> and so it was um they they took some of their Christmas money and went and bought presents for num numerous kids, probably 10 or so, and presented them to them. And it was it was really eyeopening and so special. And even the little guys, they were like, "We want to do this again.

We want to we want to do this every year." >> And that was kind of like the elf ministry that I started many years [laughter] ago. It's so stupid. [laughter] >> I'm just pointing out that it was a legacy of elves helping the little children's way. >> Honey, this is not supposed to be a comedy act.

[laughter] Serious here. asking me like how I enjoyed Christmas. [laughter] >> You did help me put up the Christmas tree tonight. >> I I helped you put up the Christmas tree. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Not the way I remember it. Well, I will say the best Christmas story ever for the Valatins is Chris wrapping all those presents that one year. >> Yeah. >> And forgetting to write down everybody's name. >> Yeah.

[laughter] >> Oh, no. She had them in piles. I thought it was like the right Listen, I surprised her. She went shopping and it was a surprise already. In fact, it was a shop and I'm like, I'm going to help her. So, I wrapped all the gifts. >> She got home and she's like, "Oh, you wrapped the gifts?"

I'm like, "Yeah." She goes, "Did you put the names on them?" [laughter] No, that never occurred to me. But I just want to say that [laughter] I had not finished my advanced elf training yet. That was part of the problem. [laughter] So, I >> So, we retired him. >> We retired.

Really? >> It was it. That was my [laughter] Mrs. Claus got I got canned by Mrs. Claus for two more years. I could not touch a gift. >> I'm sure we could find another job for you, though. [laughter] >> I helped last year. >> You did? >> I thought I did give that duct tape.

You know, when the kids saw the duct tape, they were very They thought that was really a nice touch. [laughter] >> So amazing. >> Oh man. [laughter] >> Seriously. So, in so many places. >> So, what is your fondest memory? >> Cuz I I think I've >> I I started this, honey. >> Oh, you did? >> I already shared mine. >> You weren't listening.

[laughter] >> Sorry. Look, can we >> do you have a fondest memory [laughter] of Christmas? >> Because she shared about how all the kids got to pick out presents to take it. Is this ringing a bell? You get to deliver the presents to all those people that were less fortunate.

[laughter] >> You know, our Nintendo, the pizza parlor. Yeah, that was pretty fun. >> Probably one of my favorite Christmases where we had a summer a winter time and we were really broke, extra broke. Friends were bringing us groceries, kind of broke, and we had no money for Christmas whatsoever.

And so Kathy was making some things and wrapping them, just kind of making it fun. And our kids were they were like eight, you know, 8 to probably 12 years old. And and uh so Kathy the day before Christmas, she had put in at the pizza parlor, they had a raffle, and I didn't even know she put it in.

She put in a ticket for a raffle and the raffle was for a full-size video game. It was a used video game that was in there. >> Defender. >> A defender. You know, like one of these UK. >> Yeah. It was a >> And so the day before Christmas, we get a phone call from the pizza parlor and they said, "Come down the pizza parlor."

So we're like, "What's going on?" >> I went down there and she won like, you know, they'd cost like 10 grand at the time. >> Yeah. >> We won the video game. >> That's awesome. >> It was awesome. >> We wheeled that baby in and I'll tell you what, our youth group grew.

[laughter] >> We couldn't get kids there on time till we had Defender. [laughter] So it was a that was that was >> He came early and stayed all night. [laughter] >> All night. We had to like kick him out. Exactly. >> That thing was in our kitchen for our dining area years.

Yeah. It was crazy. >> That was kind of like elf training though. And I want to get back to this elf the elf situation >> cuz Grandma Claus is not I just want to confess here some things that are going on in our family. >> Be nice. She's not always friendly to the elves.

So, I just want to say that. [laughter] >> I just want to point out there's some things I'd like to confess. It's fun. It's important that we confess these things before the Lord. [laughter] >> You know what? If we if we ignore >> So, I will talk I will confess the things that you've done onto me.

And if you can think of anything that I've done unto you, maybe we should make it public. [laughter] >> Okay, I'll start. >> No, let's let's move on. >> God has given me the best husband. >> Oh, >> the most gracious husband. >> Oh, no. >> The one that couldn't love me any more than he does. >> Oh, this is >> the one that sacrifices himself for the good of others. >> Yeah.

And and >> the one that always goes the extra mile. O this is painful and and I like to reciprocate that and say the same about you. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Now let's talk more about Chris. Ow. [laughter] >> Steve, what is your favorite memory? >> Well, I I I don't know if I should go into my memory or if we should move into marriage counseling right here [laughter] if we can.

No, I mean for me it's it's just uh seeing my kids get generous by watching generosity happen is just one of the best things in the world for me. So I I'm a little bit in the the same boat of teaching them now. Cuz like growing up I had Christmases where you know my parents were barely getting by and then they as the years went on they got more blessed and we had better Christmases. just not forgetting where you come from, being thankful with what you have and then being generous just so important.

Um, >> but one of the things that I love about you guys is you are you are some of the most generous people I've ever met and known you. It's not just with your resources, but it's with your time, your your energy. Uh, these these if you don't know, uh, these are some of the most intentional people on the planet.

Uh Ruth and I have gone some really hard times. There was a time where we were even going through a miscarriage and uh another time where our daughter was in the the NICU. This woman showed up to the NICU. This guy called me every single day. Uh so they are the real deal and I'm so thankful for you.

And one of the things that I would love for our people to get as I've been so thankful and blessed to be able to receive from you is just a father and mother's blessing. And uh I would love for you just to pray for our online audience. There's I mean these are our dieards like the people that are coming on here.

This is this is our this is our fam on here. Um and so I'd love for you guys just to take a moment just to pray over them and just release whatever word you have for them would just be so special. >> We'd love to. So, Father, I just thank you, Father, for this season, Lord, that you you were born, Father, so that we could live so we could live our life to the fullest and to love you.

And Jesus, I just pray for each person that's online tonight. And I pray, Father, that this would be a season of blessing, a season of love, a season of grace, a season of family, Father. And for those that aren't in a family, Lord, I pray that you would bring a family for them to join in with.

Father, that they could be a family to those around that don't have somebody. Lord, it's not what we receive, but it's what we can give. That's so important. And it brings such um joy to my heart to be able to reach out to other people. And father I thank you for just this season to be able to bless you to come together and father for all the sacrifices that you've made for us.

Lord we so appreciate them and we want to say thank you God. Thank you Jesus. >> Come on. I just uh feel before to before I pray to just um remind all of us that these seasons sometimes are the hardest seasons for some um the absence of family, the absence of friends, the feeling uh the overall feeling of being lonely. >> These are very tough seasons for some people.

So, if that's you, we want to say that you may be by yourself, but you're never alone. >> That's right. >> And I also want to exhort you as a as a father that sometimes it's okay to reach out to people and just and let people know that you're you're you're lonely and that you love to do something for them.

And and I and I'm reminded that whatever you need in your life, if it's a friend, then be a friend. >> Yeah. >> If it's love, then love other people. I I I just think it's important for us to make sure that we are giving what it is we want to receive.

And um and then I just want to pray that your house would be a house of joy. And so Lord, I just pray that this season that this would this season wouldn't be marked by gifts. It would be marked by your presence in our lives. And God, I pray that we would make memories more than we' make gifts. and that this would be a time for our families and our children and our loved ones to share the memories of being together and laughing together and having fun together and and feeling connected and feeling loved and feeling seen and known and and um and I I pray God that this would be a family time.

Every single uh person would feel connected, reconciled, loved, and many would find Jesus this year. God bless you and merry Christmas. I pray that your house would be a house of laughter and that you would make the most wonderful memories. Your children, your friends, your your your relatives would talk about your house, that they went to your house and they had the greatest >> time and felt loved and connected. >> Yeah. >> Come on.

So good. Thank you guys so much for jumping on. We're going to the tree lighting outside and then we'll come back here. We love you guys. See you in a second. >> Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> The music. Welcome Bethl family to our tree lighting service. Oh, so loud.

[laughter] Merry Christmas everyone. and we're going to light the ((music playing)) candles in just a moment and have a really special time together as a family. We are Tom, Leslie, Joel, and Addie Krenel. Those are our real names. In this whole portion of the rest of the service, we're going to focus on how Jesus is the light of the world. >> That's right.

Jesus is the light of the world. Amen. Light of our families. Hello. Light of our families. Light of our hearts. Then he looked at us and he said, "You are the light of the world." So, we're going to light this today, this candle. If you're online, get a candle, light it with us.

And uh we're going to light this today as a prophetic act in our city to declare Jesus ((music playing)) is the light of the world. Amen. >> ((music playing)) >> Let's keep going. ((music playing)) We're trying. ((music playing)) This wind is speak to the wind. Be still in Jesus name. >> ((music playing)) >> as you're waiting on a flame.

Why don't you sing this ((music playing)) with us? Silent [singing] night, ((music playing)) holy night, all [singing and music] is calm. All is bright round [singing] ((music playing)) mother and child. Holy [music and singing] inant so tender in [singing] my sleep ((music playing)) in heavenly peace. ((music playing)) [singing] Sleep in heavenly ((music playing)) peace. >> ((music playing)) >> Silent night. The silent [singing] night. Holy [music and singing] night. Shephers ((music playing)) quake at the side. radiant peace ((music playing)) from thy holy [singing] face with ((music playing)) the dawn [singing] of redeeming grace.

((music playing)) Jesus [singing] Lord at thy birth. Jesus ((music playing)) [singing] Lord at thy birth. Thank you, God. If you want to raise your phones up, >> I know >> some of you are burning ones. Look at you. Come on. >> They're in cups. >> You got them in cups. That's such a good idea.

[snorts] Thank you, God. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Amen. We're going to light up this tree. And we believe that this Christmas season, as we shine the light of Jesus, that everyone that is in our family, in our community, in our workplace, is going to see the light of Christ in us.

Amen. And so we're going to do an incredible homework moment and we are going to count to 10 backwards and we're going to pull this lever and this tree is going to light up and we declare that over the city of Reading that they're going to come to the knowledge of the light of Christ.

Amen. >> Amen. >> You ready? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 [screaming] Light it up. Let's sing Joy to the World. Joy ((music playing)) to the World, the [singing] Lord is come. Let ((music playing)) receive a king. There we [music and singing] are prepare in room. And heaven [singing] and ((music playing)) nature sing. And heaven and nature sing.

And heaven [singing] ((music playing)) and nature sing. >> ((music playing)) >> He [singing] rules the world with truth and grace ((music playing)) and makes [singing] the nations prove the glories [music and singing] of his righteousness [singing] and wonders of ((music playing)) his Love and wonders [singing] of his love and wonders. [music and singing] Wonder wonders of his love. Oh yes. Let's ((music playing)) sing joy to the world.

One more time. Joy [singing] to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth [singing] receive her king. Let every [singing] heart prepare him. And heaven [music and singing] and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven [singing] and nature ((music playing)) sing. Come on. That's amazing. Merry Christmas, everybody. Listen, real quick before we leave. We just want to give a quick moment.

If there's anybody here you'd like to say, you know what? I'd love to pray to receive Christ in my life. This is what Christmas is all about. It's about Jesus coming into our hearts. Like they said, like the little play we had acted out in there. It's not about you coming and finding God and making yourself right.

It's about God finding you. If you're here right now and you say, "You know what, man? I I really want to receive Christ. Just right where you're at, just wave your hand up in the air right now. Just go ahead, wave it up high. I can't see, but maybe people around you can see.

And [snorts] just let the people around you know, I want to receive Christ. Just ask G. The Bible says anybody who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Amen. Bless you guys. Have a great Christmas. Merry Christmas everybody. Now, we need you to begin to make your way out to exit the premises so the next service can come in.

God bless you guys. >> [laughter] >> thought you were going to talk. >> I know. That's why I didn't say [laughter] anything. >> Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Sorry. I like to mess with my wife every now and then, and I knew she was expecting me to say something, so I intentionally didn't say something.

So, just be awkward. [laughter] But thank you. Should we cheers with our hot chocolate? >> I do have something to say >> right here. I haven't tried it yet. Cheers to everyone. We hope you enjoyed that Christmas service. >> I drunk mine. [laughter] >> It was a [snorts] beautiful Christmas service.

I saw >> Wow. [laughter] >> That is something. >> That is Sorry. [laughter] >> That is >> I was not expecting that. >> Um, okay. I I have a word. >> Yes. So, I'm going to go in that direction. [laughter] Oh, we've got the giggles. Okay. >> I actually You said No, no, no, no, no.

People made that and we're super thankful. Um, they did an amazing job and we there was a beautiful service. [laughter] >> Very good. >> Okay. Earlier you talked about reconciliation. >> Yes. And I and I've just been thinking about that the whole service that the Lord is wanting to bring um reconciliation with families and even having Chris and Kathy share and they were so sweet together and sharing with one another and I just felt like the Lord wanted to highlight um family reconciliation over the Christmas season.

So if you are believing [laughter] for people are commenting on you, >> I'm sorry. >> It's okay. It's okay. It's it I mean I like that we get to laugh a lot. >> Marriage would be boring if we didn't laugh a bunch. >> Oh, we do laugh a lot. >> We do laugh a lot and that is a gift of my life.

Okay. >> Reconciliation focused >> reconciliation. If there's someone in your life that you're believing for reconciliation um even for like I feel like the Lord is going to bring um couples together like like um marriages together and families together in a in a um beautiful way. And so I want to pray for that. >> Come on. >> You can add to that word if you would like.

I I will pray. >> Oh, you'll pray. >> Yeah, I'll pray. >> Okay. You pray first. >> I You just put us on the spot for words. >> I know, but I I believe you're carrying the anointing and the glory. >> Wow. This is powerful. [laughter] >> I'll pray with you. >> It's ridiculous.

Okay. So, what I want you to do, go ahead and put your hand on your heart right now if you're believing for reconciliation. And we want to pray. And we're going to be serious. >> I am being serious. >> This is not a joke. >> I know this. >> We're actually believing for reconciliation. >> I know.

I know. [laughter] Okay, >> I'm just reading the comments. >> I just want you to know >> sometimes your comments make me laugh and I like that they >> see >> what are you doing? >> Noah, I cannot keep a straight face right [laughter] now. >> Okay, >> everyone's feeling joy. >> We're going to pray.

We're going to pray. >> The spirit of silly. >> We're going to pray. >> We are praying. >> We're going to pray. >> Reconciliation. Yes, >> we're going to pray. >> Okay. But people are picking who they want reconciliation with. Judith, the uh her granddaughter. Come on, Jesus. >> Yeah.

Absolutely. We'll do that. >> Yeah. Our son, girlfriend. Yes. God. Yeah, just take a moment >> reconciling them to Jesus and to to each other too. >> It can it can feel um you know vulnerable even putting something in the chat like that. So if if you don't feel comfortable, don't.

But if there is someone that you're believing believing for reconciliation, do put it in the chat. We want to we just want to just put it before the Lord right now and then go after it. And I think you should kick us off. >> Okay, I will. Um I just am reading the different people that people are saying.

Um, Cassa Quesa said she's 52 and meeting her mother and sister for the first time in Reading. Come on. >> Oh, come on, Jesus. >> That's so beautiful. That's going to be amazing. Amazing. >> Well, Father, we thank you um for this word that this would be a season of reconciliation that you are the God of reconciliation.

Father, every person that people are putting in the chat right now, every person I just um had this picture of people being like, "God, I pray you'd restore my marriage." Like I feel like there's people really praying that marriages would be restored and families even um I saw a woman watching and you actually are separated right now from from your husband like physically separated but um and there's and you're actually crying in this moment and you're believing for the the Lord to bring reconciliation and right now I just want to pray that um God would soften both of your hearts and reconnect you guys.

God, I thank you for sons um and daughters returning to families, for um husbands and wives coming together, for mothers and fathers being reconciled, and then um I saw some of you even putting nephews. Um someone put their daughter, a number of people put their daughter. We just release um grace over you.

And then I feel like there's some of you that are like, I'm just so believing for people to be reconciled to Jesus. Um and I saw people believing for reconciliation, especially for kids and parents. And so God, I thank you um that even in this Christmas season, you would tug on the heartstrings of those we're believing for to return to you.

That they would know that the Christmas season is um about you chasing them down, you coming to uh bring reconciliation, just like we talked about in the service. So we bless uh people to come home to know you, Jesus. >> Yeah. And also just want to take the pressure off.

The pressure is not on you. He took our pressure 2,000 years ago. And often times, even when it comes to things like reconciliation, we can almost take on like a false responsibility and feel like we have to be the one to bring him into reconciliation or we have to be the one to bring him to Christ.

And he's the good shepherd. He's the one that actually goes out. And yes, we got a role to play. We preach the gospel. We shouldn't be afraid of that. So, I'm not talking about not doing that. But at the same time, it's important that we put our faith in Christ's ability to seek and find the lost and not just in our ability to partner with him.

And I felt like even in this that God's going to show off his goodness and show off his faithfulness with this. And so there's even going to be things where it's like, man, I didn't even do anything. God just did it. Like God actually worked on my behalf.

And so, Father, we just thank you for grace right now. We thank you for your spirit just moving. And father, we thank you for just painting a target on every single person that we have on our hearts and our minds to actually bring peace and grace in Jesus name.

Thank you, Father. If you heard that, that was powerful. That was a trash can moment there bumping into our set. So, you probably didn't hear it and I didn't even need to say anything, but >> I probably don't. >> Probably not. But we are so thankful that you guys joined us this evening.

We hope you have an amazing night. We ha uh hope that you have amazing great connections throughout the week. And then just to let you know, we we do have some more fun things coming up. We have a Christmas concert that's coming on December 14th. That's going to be super fun.

That's going to be a Sunday night. So that'll be a 6 p.m. >> uh December 14th. That's not going to be It was awesome. It was so good. It was really cool. >> It was really cool. So, but that's going to be very a very different Bethl vibe.

That's not going to be like your normal this. It's going to be like full-blown production performance. It's going to be good. It's going to be good. So, you don't want to miss that. But other than that, we will see you next week, next Sunday. You won't see us.

We're going on a little vacay. >> We are >> with some friends staying in a safari tent. Be epic. Be fun. Bring the dog. But we will see you the following week. It'll be a powerful time. So, we love you guys. We hope you have a very merry Christmas season and we'll see you soon. >> ((music playing)) >> You are worthy.

You are worthy only. Only one breaks the borrow. Only one. ((music playing)) Every song confess only one ((music playing)) name. Only one. Only one. ((music playing)) Every confess only one. Heat. Heat. Heat. ((music playing)) Heat. Heat. Heat. around to ((music playing)) your name. ((music playing)) Your name, you deserve ((music playing)) praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. >> ((music playing)) >> Jesus, you deserve praise.

Worthy is your name. Oh, worthy ((music playing)) is your name. Worthy is your name. We just ((music playing)) love your presence. We just love your presence. We just love ((music playing)) your friend above all others. Friend above [singing] all others, right here, [singing and music] right now. All sufficiency. You are all we need. I am. For the different ((music playing)) ways we see you.

For all the ways you move. ((music playing)) All the colors and expressions. Oh, the beauty of your church. What a ((music playing)) masterful reflection when we are unified. Truly celebrate ((music playing)) each [singing] other and let go of our pride. That you would have a spotless ((music playing)) pride. Oh, praise the Father and praise ((music playing)) the Son.

Holy [singing] Spirit, make us one. Every nation, ((music playing)) tribe [singing] and tongue. This ((music playing)) is our cry. Your kingom [singing] come. Yes, Lord. We ((music playing)) surrender our agendas, our preferences, ((music playing)) our plans. But would you help us work [singing] together to be your ((music playing)) feet and hands? And our heart is just to know you and to show ((music playing)) them who you are.

And that the gospel still [singing] the answer for every searching ((music playing)) heart. Oh, praise the father and praise the [music and singing] son. Holy Spirit, come make us ((music playing)) one from every nation, every ((music playing)) tribe and [singing] tongue. This is a crime. Your [music and singing] kingom gone.