The Gift

Recently I read a social media post about The Virgin Mary, and how her traditional sense of family was changed forever.

She didn’t ask for this disruption in her life, but when she got the news from the angel, about the gift she was to receive, she responds by singing a song.

Oftentimes, isn’t that what happens, in our lives?

But how are we to know if these are life-changing gifts, or mere detours as we stream up the mountain of God?

BODY

Today’s message is titled “The Gift”.

Two key passages: Matthew 2:1-11

Luke 2:8-17

We are going to consider the significances of some of the characters in these passages, and gift they brought.

We’ll start in Luke chapter 2 verse 8

Stand with me as we honor God while reading His word.

Read Luke 2:-17 (from my bible)

V8 read it again

• Why shepherds?

o In the fields vs the wilderness

o Near Bethlehem

o Many scholars agree these were Levitical shepherds. They were responsible for raising sheep for the Temple Sacrifices.

o In all likelihood, they were familiar with biblical prophecy, and would recognize the message from the angels as legit!

V9-10 read again

• If you do an in-depth study of the word “evangelist” you’ll discover a wealth of information, one bit of info is it translates to “messenger of good news”.

• The angels were heavenly evangelists bringing good news to the shepherds.

o Good tidings of great joy

V11 read again

• Announcing “the savior” to the shepherds and where He is born

V12 read again and say “Homework assignment church”.

• See if you can find the significance is v12.

V13-14

• Read again

o Isaiah foretold of the “prince of peace” in v6 of Chapter 9

V15-16 read again Let’s go now! They came with haste

• Check this out:

o These were shepherds, right?

o They had a flock, right?

o They left the flock, to find “the One”

o Ring any bells there?

? Matthew 18:12

V17

• The angels brought the good news of the gift to the shepherds, and the shepherds began taking that good news of the gift to the world.

But here’s the sad part, the news of “the gift” fell mostly on deft ears!

Let’s go to Matthew 2:1-11 read entire passage

V1 read again Magi (wise men)

• Set up the story:

o We first learn of the Magi, way back in Daniel chapter 2:

o So, here’s what happened:

? King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream

? He calls in a host of people to interpret the dream. Magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (these were people of Babylon-The tribe of people called the Magi)

? NONE of them can interpret the dream

? He calls in Daniel and Daniel interprets the dream

? The King makes Daniel chief of the Magi. Most scholars agree that Daniel began teaching the Magi, Mosaic Law.

? So here we are some 500 years later and they have followed a star, seeking the King of the Jews.

V2 read again

• You have to understand that Herod the Great took exception to them seeking the “King of the Jews” because after all, in 40 BC the Roman senate had given the title “King of the Jews” to Herod.

• I find it interesting that the Magi knew when He was born, but not where.

V3 read again

• Herod was troubled, and all of Jerusalem. Here’s why, when Herod was “troubled” people died!

V5 read again

• The priests knew where He was to be born, they didn’t know when!

• The Magi knew when but not where,

• The priests knew where but not when

• I’m always amazed by Gods tapestry!

V10 read again

• Not joy, not great joy, but exceedingly great joy! Isn’t that how God wants us to receive the gift of Christmas?

• When they saw the star- Listen to Genesis 1:14

o Then God said “let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night (check this out) and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years.”

V11 read again

• They fell down and worshipped Him and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

• They didn’t give Him gifts, then worship Him,

• They worshipped Him, then gave Him gifts.

o We can NEVER underestimate the importance of worshipping God!

As we look at these characters who have brought gifts,:

• The Magi,

• The angels

• The shepherds

• And even the Innkeeper, (who didn’t bring a gift) and we all give a Grinch sneer,

We must take notice, that names aren’t given to any of them!

I believe this allows us to maintain focus on “The Gift”.