Sermons on Matthew 1:18-2:23:

Taking Christ Out Of Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 30, 2002

What would happen if we took all of the Religious elements out of Christmas?

Have you noticed that every year people seem more intent on secularizing Christmas? They wish you a “Happy Holiday” or “Seasons Greetings” then have presentations at school that make no mention of the Manger or the Wise Men let alone the Christ Child. Now I may be a little overly sensitive but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

Changing Our Behavior In The New Year

Contributed by Scott Bradford on Dec 30, 2002

This message confronts Herod’s behavior, and how we as Christians need to change our behvior to be more reflective of a Christian lifestyle.

This time of year, many people get around to making some "New Years Resolutions". No doubt, some well intended resolutions that may last for a while, but not all resolutions get kept, and most have gone by the way saide within just a few short weeks. But I want us as we approach a New year to think ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18

Denomination: United Methodist

Epiphany = From Darkness To Light

Contributed by Don Schultz on Dec 31, 2002

What is Epiphany? Here’s the answer, and what it means to you.

Isaiah 60:1-6: EPIPHANY = FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT Many people complain about how dark it is this time of the year. But imagine living in the little town of Barrow, Alaska. It’s located on the farthest northern tip of the state of Alaska, above the Arctic Circle. If you think it’s dark in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

"The Light Shines"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jan 4, 2003

God has made known the Light of His eternal glory, so that the darkness of sin might be dispelled in us and in the world around us.

ISAIAH 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12 “The Light Shines” By: Rev. Kenneth Emerson Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA A father told his young son to go to bed. The boy started up the stairs but realized it was dark and he couldn’t reach the light switch. So, he went back ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

When Christmas Is Over

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Jan 7, 2003

The Story of the Magi has great things to teach us about what to do when the excitement of Christmas dies down.

The Story of the Magi has great things to teach us about what to do when the excitement of Christmas dies down. DEDICATION: Wise Men’s (Magi) Response Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV) 1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod. Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Home By Another Way

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 8, 2003

An Epiphany sermon - explores the way that we are changed after we meet the baby in the manger, just like the "wise men" were. (also makes reference to the James Taylor song of the same title)

Grace be to you and peace from the One who was and is and is to come. Amen. As the story goes, the Magi in our gospel lesson had seen a star at its rising that they interpreted as announcing the birth of a king. Magi may have been dream-interpreters, astrologers, or astronomers, but not likely ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

God And Our Suffering

Contributed by Philip Gill on Jan 8, 2003

A response to suffering is to follow a process found in psalm 22 (among others): Pour the situation before God, come to realization that God is with us, enter again into a relationship of praise.

God and Our Suffering When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Matthew 2.16 The murder of the innocents ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:7-16, Psalm 22:1-31

Denomination: Anglican

How To Become Wise

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: Wisdom or ignorance is determined by what we do with Jesus.

Thesis: Wisdom or ignorance is determined by what we do with Jesus. Intro.: 1. There is a tremendous emphasis in today's world on getting an education. a. Many fields require Master's degrees that once needed only HS diplomas. b. People today go through years of study--PS, Kindergarten, 12 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

After The Glory

Contributed by Roger Spaugh on Oct 18, 2000

A Sermon for After Christmas.

We are living in the waning moments of another year. The “holiday season” is quickly drawing to a close. The rush of preparation has culminated in a few hours of “quality time” spent with friends and family. The gifts have been opened, the food has been devoured; and for some, the house has been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christmas Morning In Bethlehem

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

1. One of our most treasured memories from my childhood is the memories of Christmas morning.

1. One of our most treasured memories from my childhood is the memories of Christmas morning. Waking up early to see what was stuffed in the stockingwhich hung by my bedroom door. Usually there was candy and chocolate and some special little toys. And then to go downstairs to see what presents had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Flight To Egypt

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

After all the excitement and celebration, Jesus and his parents are alone. The realities of the opposition to Christ are to be dealt with.

Introductory Considerations 1. Illustration of when I worked for land developer. After new subdivision launched, we would build model homes and have big opening celebration. Next day, I would return to fond lonely real estate agent waiting for a potential buyer to come. The reality of the work of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:13-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Joseph--Father Of Jesus

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 2, 2002

A man who doesn’t speak, but whose life speaks volumes.

“Joseph—Father of Jesus” (A Father’s Day Message) Matthew 1:18-25 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm, a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was just about to turn off the light when he asked in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Congregational

Favored But Fruitless

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Jul 31, 2002

A crying shame in the church today is to be the favored and the blessed of God and yet be spiritually barren.

MAT.1:20 1 SAM. 1:1-11, 19-20 Ephraim,=.double fruit, fruitfulness, to bear fruit. To be or make fruitful to grow increase) Elqanah-Elkanah = "God has possessed" or "God has created"; God has obtained KJV-- Hannah. from 2603;= favored: Peninnah = Jewl ( Pearl ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-11, Matthew 1:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Have No Fear. Jesus Brings Peace.

Contributed by Tony Klinedinst on Aug 9, 2002

Christmas sermon that looks at the "Fear Nots." surrounding the birth of Christ

Have No Fear. Jesus Brings Peace. Luke 1,2: Matthew 1:18-25 Intro: Compare Fear vs. Peace I. Have no fear. God answers prayer. (Luke 1:13) "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John". A. God answers ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

'tis The Season To Be Extravagant Series

Contributed by Alan Braun on Mar 22, 2002

A new look at Christmas

Intro: Theme: There is no gift that you could bring that would be too great for your Jesus! Extravagant - "going beyond the bounds of reason; excessive" Who are these Wise Men? They are worshippers. ...They understood that He was worth the effort (2:1) These men travelled from the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist