Reflection
- Matthew 2:10-11
- (Mat 2:10 ESV) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
- (Mat 2:11 ESV) And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
- Luke 2:17-20
- (Luk 2:17 ESV) And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
- (Luk 2:18 ESV) And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
- (Luk 2:19 ESV) But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
- (Luk 2:20 ESV) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Discussion
When you think of Christmas what comes to mind? Now, don’t get all churchy on this answer. What really comes to mind? If we get honest, Jesus might not be the first thing. For most of the world that first Christmas, Jesus was not at the top of their list either. If you look at the culture we live in today it still is not. Why is that? Why is it that we take the birth of our Messiah and create celebrations that ignore that very Messiah? It is throwing a birthday party and celebrating everyone except that one having a birthday… even not inviting the birthday boy himself!
The shepherds were nothing special, yet God called them to witness the birth of the true lamb of God – and they worshipped Him.
The Magi were something special, yet still realized that all their power and influence was nothing compared to the King of Kings – and they worshipped Him.
Who you are and where you come from matters now. What does matter is your connection to the Messiah and your worship of Him.
Connection
What needs to change in your family this year to focus Christmas on the Christ?
How can you share the story of the King of Kings with your family this Christmas?
What gift can you give to your family that would surpass the Gospel of God’s saving grace for their lives eternal?
Expansion
God saves people by their faith in Him alone according to His grace alone through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ alone, not on the basis of any human work. All of the redeemed are immediately indwelt by the Holy Spirit and justified before God beginning the transforming sanctification of the whole person the fruit of which is shown by their attitude and conduct. Having been saved by faith, we are justified in Christ before God, forgiven of our sins, and held eternally secure by Christ alone forever where we will one day assume a glorified condition with Him forever. From beginning to end the salvation of people is entirely a work of God to bring glory to His name.
Acts 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Ezra 18:23, Romans 10:10-21, 2 Peter 3:9, John 12:32, Romans 14:10-12