Sermons on Matthew 1:18-2:18:

Presents Or Presence ?

Contributed by Mike Turner on Nov 28, 2003

Giving our family presents for Christmas is great ! But sharing with them "presence" is greater !

Presents Or Presence? Matthew 2:1-11 1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Prophecies Of Hope

Contributed by Bobby Mcdaniel on Dec 1, 2003

1st Sunday of Advent 2003--A Study of the OT prophecies of Christ’s 1st Advent and the NT prophecies of Christ’s 2nd Advent.

Prophecies of Hope 1st Sunday of Advent, 2003 Scripture Ref: Genesis 3:15 Acts 2:1-4 Matthew 1:18 Matthew 16:13-19 Isaiah 7:14 Acts 2:37-41 Luke 1:31-35 John 16:17-22 Micah 5:2 Acts 1:10-11 Matthew 2:1-2 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Hebrews 9:24, 26-28 Revelation 22:7 John ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15, Matthew 1:18

Christmas Through The Eyes Of Mary And Joseph

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Dec 1, 2003

A look at the realities which Mary and Joseph had to face in living out God’s will.

My son-in-law was looking for Advent candles in a Christian bookstore. They use the Advent candles for family worship during this season so their hearts will be tuned to the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. As he brought the package of candles to the counter he asked the sales clerk if they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-28, Matthew 1:18-19

Denomination: Methodist

"Examining Christmas Traditions"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 2, 2003

This is an informal Wednesday Night Bible Study, examining why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, what year Jesus was really born, what the Inn was like, and who the Wise Men were.

“Examining Christmas Traditions” (A Wednesday Night Bible Study) INTRODUCTION: TONIGHT, I want us to informally take a closer look at just a few of the Christmas traditions. I. WHEN WAS JESUS BORN? A. The Year Throughout history, calendars have been dated according to important historical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Mary And Joseph And The Case For Marriage

Contributed by Jeffery Russell on Dec 3, 2003

THis message will help us to think critically about marriage- why marriage is to be between one woman and one man, for a lifetime. As society’s definitions change, the Christian idea of marriage needs to be more definite than ever.

“Mary and Joseph and the Case for Marriage” Matthew 1:18-25 One of my favorite radio programs, when I get the chance to listen to it, is the Prairie Home Companion, In one episode Garrison Keillor tells the fanciful tale of John Tollefson. John leaves Minnesota, moves to New ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

What Will You Give Christ This Christmas?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 5, 2003

The gifts of the Magi were appropriate for they spoke of Who Jesus Christ was and is. What gift will you give Christ this Christmas?

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS? MATTHEW 2:1-12 Christmas is often seen as that time of year for the giving of gifts. People frantically try to find that perfect gift for that special person that will express their feelings and relationship toward one another. The origin of the gift ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Promises Of Christmas

Contributed by Arlen Payne on Dec 5, 2003

A Sign, A Son, A Savior. A simple message for Christmas.

The Promises of Christmas Matthew 1:18-25 Intro. Joseph was concerned about his betrothed wife, now with child. In a dream an angel brought to him the promises of Christmas. 1. There would be a sign. Matt. 1:20c -“for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” -The virgin birth ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Name Is Jesus Series

Contributed by Pastor Dempsey Daniels on Dec 6, 2003

The Name Is Jesus

A. The Time Arrives At Last B. The Setting and the scene 1. The glad moments of Joseph’s love for Mary 2. Joseph’s world tumbles...Mary is with child 3. The angel’s message: "Fear not." The giving of the name C. The name Jesus 1. The Orgin of the Name A. Moses seems to have originated ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21

Denomination: Baptist

Unlikely Characters Of Christmas

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 7, 2003

A message regarding the character of Joseph and Mary.

Unlikely Characters of Christmas Matthew 1:18-25 December 7, 2003 Introduction We continue our look at the gospel of Matthew this week, as we count down the days to Christmas. Today we¡¦re going to look at what we can learn about the lives of Mary and Joseph, and my hope is that you¡¦ll walk ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Absurdity Of Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 8, 2003

If you stop and really think about the Christmas story it’s rather bizarre, how come?

The Absurdity of Christmas Imagine that you are standing out in your driveway marvelling at the fact that it’s the first weekend in December and you haven’t had to shovel yet. In your imagination you do not live in Cape Breton or New York, suddenly an UFO lands in the middle of your front lawn and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Wesleyan

What Made These Wise Men So Wise?

Contributed by Michael Davidson on Dec 8, 2003

The wisdom needed to begin a search for God, to pursue that search, and finally to respond in worship once the successful fulfillment of that search is realized.

Sunday Morning Matthew 2:1-12 December 7, 2003 "What Made These Wise Men So Wise?" Introduction: The day after Thanksgiving Day, is known as the busiest shopping day of the year. From all the reports I’ve seen, the malls were full of shoppers. You know what that means don’t you? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

J'shua - Jesus Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 8, 2003

6th in series. The name Jesus means simply, “Jehovah is salvation”. Here is the answer to the question sung by Peggy Lee in an age of young men drafted and sent to fight in Vietnam, long haired hippies, and flower children who were all seeking some mea

Jesus – Y’shua Bored, Tired, and Desperate One of the songs which impacted me as a young man was a hit song sung by Peggy Lee in 1969. It was called "Is that all there is?". It’s mostly spoken and is really a cry for help in a time of quiet desperation. After expressing great disappointment ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus And Candy Canes Series

Contributed by James Chandler on Dec 8, 2003

This message uses a simple candy cane to communicate the gospel and shows how a symbol like this can be used to evangelize others.

According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ. First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Was Jesus? Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Dec 8, 2003

Questions and answers to the possibilities of who Jesus was.

This is the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning celebration of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of Christ’s second coming. We will break from our monthly message series to help us prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way. This is a tough task. I’m competing with the millions of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23

Denomination: *other

Christmas Candlelight Service

Contributed by Donald Macon on Dec 10, 2003

Simple candlelight service for incorporating the Advent Wreath for non-liturgical/non-traditional denominations. This version targets single adults in the area of Hope but can be modified for the best use of your particular congregation.

Prelude "O Come All Ye Faithful" - vv 1, 2, & 3 Invocation The Advent Wreath The use of the advent wreath goes back many generations. The term is derived from the Latin word ad ventum, meaning "to come". Though different worship traditions give different symbolic meaning to the candles, we will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20, Isaiah 11:1-2, Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist