1. Matthew 2:1-11 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

2. Matthew 2:1-11 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

3. Matthew 2:1-11 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

4. Matthew 2:1-11 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

5. Matthew 2:1-11 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

6. Matthew 2:1-11 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.

7. Jesus did not shed his blood for those who MIGHT believe But so that everyone CAN believe.

8. How to Respond to the Work of Christ  Move towards Jesus

9. Matthew 2:4-5 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, [Herod] inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet”

10. John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

11. How to Respond to the Work of Christ  Move towards Jesus  Meet Jesus

12. Nicodemus and The Woman at the Well Named Man Religious Leader CityMoralRich Unnamed Woman Irreligious Outcast RuralImmoralPoor

13. How to Respond to the Work of Christ  Move towards Jesus  Meet Jesus  Worship Jesus

14. Matthew 13.44 The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

15. -C.S. Lewis We are half hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.

16. Every Season Has a Savior  God creates with in us confident expectation  Our expectation and God’s plan need to line up  When God is present we will be drawn to present God to others  When God is present we will respond to his presence

17. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

18. A SAVIOR IS COMING Respond to His Coming