Welcome to Worship
December 26, 2021
8:30am
The First Sunday of Christmastide
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. —(Matthew 2:11)
Lighting the Wreath of Christmastide
Worship Song: Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
Christmas Offering for International Missions: Churches Grow in Czech Republic
Prayer: Rev. Peggy Peek
Redland Happenings and Welcome: Rev. Peggy Peek
Worship Song: O Come, All Ye Faithful
Musical Meditation: We Three Kings
Bassoon Trio: Whitney Swain, David Roney, Wesley Horton
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon Series: Christmas Through the Eyes…
Sermon Title: The Magi’s Eyes
Rev. Kevin Freeman
Sermon Notes:
The visit of the wise men fills our hearts with wonder with its breathtaking adventure and miracles. In this story we find the invitation not only to come to Christ but also to respond faithfully.
The birth of Jesus invites our response.
1 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, 2 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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “ ‘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.’ ”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. —Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV)
1.) Pay
5 sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. —Numbers 22:5 (ESV)
17 I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall crush the forehead of Moab
and break down all the sons of Sheth.
18 Edom shall be dispossessed;
Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed.
Israel is doing valiantly.
19 And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion
and destroy the survivors of cities!” —Numbers 24:17–19 (ESV)
2.) Pack your
The magi traveled toward Christ.
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. —Micah 5:2 (ESV)
Our journey to faith cannot end at 99%. We must continue fully.
We do not always know the destination of the journey, but that cannot stop us from seeking God.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD…” —Jeremiah 29:13–14 (ESV)
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. —James 4:8 (ESV)
3.) Bend your
The magi worshiped.
• They worshiped by bowing down.
• They worshiped by giving.
Time of Decision and Commitment: Let Us Adore
Benediction: Rev. Kevin Freeman