The Star Of "Christ"Mas

The Star of “Christ”mas!

Matthew 2: 1-2 (NIV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.”

Prayer and Thanks to Pastor Smith, Pray for safe travels, peace and joyful holidays.

The Star of “Christ”mas!

My desire on this 3rd Sunday of December 2014 is to make sure that we do not forget to leave Christ in Christmas. As a reminder, the reason for the celebration is because of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the day that we as Christians celebrate His birthday. Not unlike the Lord’s Supper, this is a time to remember Him; Jesus Christ, the arrived Messiah as Immanuel.

Lest we forget, the words written by John’s Gospel in chapter 3:17 - “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

And we all are very familiar with the preceding verses John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

So we are not only to celebrate Christ for His birth, but also for the purpose of His birth: Salvation to all. Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men”

People I’m hear to proclaim that: “Jesus is the arrived Messiah – no longer to be prophesied, no longer anticipated, no longer hoped for, He’s here! He’s with us”. Jesus is the arrived Messiah.”

Rightfully, He should be the Star of His Day. . . Right? As a matter of fact, you cannot have the word Christmas without leading it with Christ.

Isn’t a bit ironic that Christmas has come to symbolize the gathering of families, the sharing of laughter (with loved ones) and the breaking of bread ( in a warm setting). But think about it for a minute, in order for us to come together as a family, Jesus had to be separated from His family (his heavenly Father, His Family and His friends). It’s no wonder the angels were astonished and amazed to see their companion, God the Son, not in His glorious state, shedding elements of His deity to bring together humanity.

Luke 2:13-14: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The star of Christmas is not the gifts we’ll receive as we celebrate the season. The Star of Christmas is not the hugs and kisses we’ll receive from those we most love. The Star of Christmas is not the elaborate feast with all the trimmings that we will thoroughly enjoy. The Star of Christmas is Christ.

So there are three things I’d like for you to do this holiday season to keep Christ “The Star of Christmas”. They each are called out in this text of scripture as recorded by Matthew 2:1-12

I. Seek Christ

Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

QUESTION: WHY DO YOU SEEK JESUS?

The wise men sought to worship Him. Crowds who were fed and healed sought to crown Him. His own sought to discredit Him. Religious leaders sought to trap Him. Roman soldiers sought to arrest Him. King Herod sought to kill Him.

Peter sought to honor Him (and defend Him). John and James (Son’s of Thunder”) sought to flank Him on His left and right. Some sought to touch Him. Nicodemus sought Him at night. Judas sought to betray Him. Satan sought to persuade Him.

QUESTION: WHY DO YOU SEEK JESUS?

Matthew shows us that salvation comes through the Jews, but it's not exclusively for the Jews.

The book of Daniel predicts that 483 years would pass from the time of the decree to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem until "Messiah the Prince" would come (Daniel 9:25).

Jesus received worship from magi who had light from the star, a distant, but very visible star. It’s illumination pales in comparison to the bright light we have today concerning the Lord Jesus, yet, they followed that distant light it until they reached the promised Messiah. So, how is it that we keeping missing Jesus. His light is ever so close, He daily directs our path, but we never reach him.