Showing up is the most important part! This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME series with a message about the Magi.
Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
The picture that the Bible paints of the birth of Jesus included a cast of unexpected characters. The nativity scene has a meaning that is worth considering.
1) There are no exceptions to God’s exceptional love.
Who belongs here at the birth of the Messiah? God invites the most unlikely characters to celebrate his gift of love and life.
2) There is no star that isn’t speaking.
The star in the night sky spoke to the Magi in a language they understood. Every good gift that God gives to us is meant to draw our hearts to love and adore the Giver of that gift.
3) There is no seed that won’t one day bear fruit.
500 years before the birth of Christ, Daniel was named the chief of Babylon’s wise men. The Magi could well have been expecting a king because of the seeds Daniel planted centuries earlier.
4) There is no sacrifice that is insignificant.
The gifts that the Magi brought were more than expressions of gratitude. They made it possible for the family to escape Herod’s grasp and later return to Nazareth.
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
You have been invited to worship in the presence of Jesus! Merry Christmas!