The Gifts of Christmas Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift Advent 2013

The Gift of God’s King The Gifts of Christmas

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 "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.“ Matthew 2:1-2

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11

Wisemen (Magi) They were Seekers "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.“ Matthew 2:2 They went to Jerusalem, the Palace, the King. Where would you go?

Astrologers They were believers After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They found the “house”—no manger here They brought gifts—gold, frankincense, myrrh Believing is Seeing

The Gifts of the Magi Gold... Tribute for a King Frankincense... The Aroma of Prayer Myrrh... Spice to anoint the dead

Travelers They were Obeyers And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. Matthew 2:12 Willing to Change Directions A Divine Appointment with a Detour

God Promised a King And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness Isaiah 9:6-7

A Common Dilemma No Trappings of Royalty No Trappings of Royalty No Evidence of Authority No Evidence of Authority No Promise of Protection No Promise of Protection

A Common Consequence And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. Matthew 2:12 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:20

Later Later, after the angels, after the star, after the Child, They went back... As we always must. Back to a world that doesn’t understand our talk of angels, and stars, and especially not the child. We go back complaining that Christmas doesn’t last, But they went back praising God! We do have to go back, but we can keep the alleluias, the worship, the gifts of Christmas

The Gift of God’s King When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Matthew 2:10-11