Law/Gospel Theme: Today we celebrate the visitation of the Magi after the birth of Christ. Although there are many details of which we are uncertain, we do know that God’s revelation of the Messiah to the “Wise Men” was significant in demonstrating His heart for all people.
The Magi were led by a star. Which guided them to where Jesus was. With this message, we are reminded that we have our guidance from God’s Word, the Bible.
It’s easy for us to get caught up in details, rules, or regulations. We can feel “lost” sometimes. Wondering what God would guide or how He might want us to act.
We learn this not through road maps or travel guides, but with study in His Word, the Holy Bible. Today we learn of the importance of using the Bible as a spiritual “map” of sorts, and following its directions for our lives.
Prayer: O Lord Jesus, we meet you here at the crib, we marvel at your being born in weakness, as we also have been born. Give us the strength and the love to follow you through all the seasons of our earthly life.
Hymn: # 56 Joy to the World Vv. 1-2
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea.
After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too. So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied. “This is what the prophet has written. He said,
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah. A ruler will come out of you. He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ ” —(Micah 5:2)
Then Herod called for the Wise Men secretly. He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go! Make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, bring me a report. Then I can go and worship him too.”
After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.
The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh.
But God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their country on a different road.
Hymn: # 56 Joy to the world
Whenever we travel my wife gets a map that shows us how to get around. You might go hiking and get a little guide - that helps you follow trails and not get lost.
You might also use a compass - that points to the North to show you where things are. These days a lot of people have electronic versions (hold up phone or GPS), so all you have to do is tell it where you want to go, and you can get turn by turn directions and even voice commands that guide you along your way!
Consider this, though: have you ever followed a STAR for guidance? Has the night sky told you where and how to go? That probably sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? Well, a long time ago, a little bit after Jesus was born, God sent some special visitors to Him.
There were men who lived far away, and they had studied Scripture and watched the stars. They knew that God had promised to send a Messiah to rescue people. We sometimes call them “wise men” or “Magi.” These men saw a brilliant star shining in the sky, brighter than any other star.
They knew this was something important, and they believed God sent the star to show them where to find the Messiah. They traveled a long way to find the place the star led, and they finally found Him.
Well, they first came to Jerusalem and saw King Herod, and then made their way to where Jesus was.
When they found Him with Mary and Joseph. They gave Him special gifts: valuable gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They knew Jesus was important and wanted to honor Him.
They were willing to take risks, sacrifice their time and money, and go to a lot of hard work to find the Messiah, and trusted God to lead them.
Well, we may not have brightly shining stars to guide us. But we do have a special instruction manual to show us where to go. Do you know what map God has given us for direction? God has given His word, the Bible, for us to follow.
It is our compass, map, and recipe for life! When we read the Bible and seek to understand what it says, we can better understand what God tells us and what ways we should live our lives.
Just like a compass always points North, the Bible points to Christ.
All of its stories are true. And they guide us to Jesus just like the star guided the Magi.
So whatever else we look to for direction, let’s look to the Bible for spiritual guidance. Ask God to help you understand the Bible. Study it, put it in your heart, and remember its significance. It will never steer you wrong!
Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for coming into our world to be our Savior, Lord and King. You are the light that guides our way. Help us to read your word. To understand what it means, and obey your directions. Thank you for your instruction.
The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.
The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.
The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.
The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.
The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grass and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.
The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.
We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.
Sources
Advent image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Follow God’s Guidance! Mathew 2:1-12 Children’s Sermon for Epiphany Sunday - Ministry To Children
September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)
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