A Time of Prayer for the Citizens of Newtown, CT and Sandy Hook Elementary School

“As Christians, we walk toward the messes in peoples’ lives and overwhelm them with grace.” - Andy Stanley

The Joy and The Tragedy of The First Christmas

“Magi” from the East seek the Messiah and meet King Herod in Jerusalem Matthew 2: 1-8 “Magi” from the East seek the Messiah and meet King Herod in Jerusalem

Matthew 2:12 “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

Matthew 2: 13-15 Through an angel, God warns Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt until King Herod is dead.

King Herod “The Great” “Resume” of Madness He was constantly paranoid that others wanted to take his throne. Murdered at least 6 relatives, including a wife and 3 sons.

Matthew 2:16  “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.”

Tragedy Strikes The First Christmas In the midst of the joyous worship of the newborn Savior of the World from Angels, Jews (Shepherds), & Gentiles (Magi)… Tragedy Strikes The First Christmas

17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: Matthew 2: 17-18   17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,     weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children     and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Rachel: Favorite wife of Jacob/Israel Gave birth to Joseph & Benjamin Died while giving birth to Benjamin Buried near Bethlehem

Matthew 2:18 Jeremiah 31:15 Symbolism is used of the “mother” of the children of Israel weeping over their Exile in the O.T. and over the murder of innocent children.

Without any further context, we can be left with a horribly empty feeling from this passage… “What kind of Story is God telling???”

but He also promises Redemption and Joy through a “New Covenant.” Jeremiah 31 God acknowledges the heartbreak, pain, and mourning of an Exiled Israel; but He also promises Redemption and Joy through a “New Covenant.”

Jeremiah 31: 3-4 3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:    “I have loved you with an everlasting love;    I have drawn you with loving-kindness. 4 I will build you up again    and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines    and go out to dance with the joyful.”

Jeremiah 31: 12-13 12 … “They will be like a well-watered garden,     and they will sorrow no more. 13 Then maidens will dance and be glad,     young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

We can never rightly understand the Joy of Christmas without understanding the Tragedy of Jesus’ Cross.

The beloved Child of God willingly entered into our tragic existence to offer His Perfect, Sinless life in place of our sinful lives.

The tragedies of life can stem from a variety of sources: Human Choice “Fallen” Creation Demons God’s Choice ________________________________________________________ Regardless of origin, God can always use the pain for good!

The 1st Christmas should remind us that life on Earth is dangerous. We have an “Enemy” that wishes to steal away our peace, hope, and joy.

With the eternal love of God being displayed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; we can find Joy this Christmas and at any time of the year!