2018 Christmas Retreat in NYC was concluded on December 23rd, with closing service delivered by Pastor Peter Jung from Matthew 1:23. 3 days retreat from 21-23 left many graceful testimonies from attendees.

Below is the summary of the closing sermon.

In today’s scripture, it says that Glory to the newborn king. How can a newborn baby become a King? King was born, but he is baby, then it would be not easy to accept. what standard do you have to accept one as a king?

1 John 1:49-50

49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”50 Jesus said, “You believe[a] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you,[b] you[c] will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on'[d] the Son of Man.”

It says that he is the one who opens heaven and connects the earth with heaven. He is the intercessor of heaven and the earth.

Psalms 24:7-10 
Lift up your heads, you gates;    be lifted up, you ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in.8 Who is this King of glory?    The Lord strong and mighty,    the Lord mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, you gates;    lift them up, you ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in.10 Who is he, this King of glory?    The Lord Almighty-    he is the King of glory.

It describes David’s attitude to greet the King. It says to lift up your heads, you gates. when does the gate of the house open wide? it is when the honor of the house is changed. David Himself was a King, but when he receives King, he is having this attitude of the heart. In Christmas 2018, I hope we could open the gate of our heart and accept Christ who is our true savior and master.”