HEARD AT CHRISTMAS: Faithful

Matthew 2:1–2 CSB

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”

INTRO—

[[WUV: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - For King and Country]]

The Faithful (not Family) at the first, biblical Christmas:

Shepherds (Luke 2.8-9 “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”)

Wise Men (Matthew 2.1 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem,”)

Simeon (Luke 2.25 “There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.”)

Anna (Luke 2.36 “There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,”)

When they speak that first Christmas, we hear them…

LOOKING

Responding to the Angels — Shepherds

Luke 2.15-16 “When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger.”

Responding to a Scriptural Sign — Wise Men (Magi)

Matthew 2.2 “saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.””

Numbers 24.17 “I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab and strike down all the Shethites.”

[Context: Numbers 24.15-19; a ruler prophesied from Jacob who will rule in the future]

Responding to the Holy Spirit’s Promise — Simeon

Luke 2.25-26 “There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.”

[He wasn’t specifically looking on that day, but he was always looking!]

Responding to God’s Promises — Anna

Luke 2.38 “At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

[Like Simeon.]

CELEBRATING

Joyous Worship & Gifts — Magi

Matthew 2.10-11 “When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Echoing Praise — Shepherds

Luke 2.20 “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.”

“Praise” = Luke 2.13 “Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:”

Good Words of Salvation — Simeon

Luke 2.28-32 “Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.”

Worship Encouraging Others — Anna

Luke 2.38 “At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

SHARING

Unknown Conversations — Magi

We are not told of any of their further conversations…

Witnessed & Witnessed — Shepherds

Luke 2.17-18 “After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

Worship & Witnesses — Anna

Luke 2.38 “At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Proclaimed Personally — Simeon

[While Simeon’s previous proclamation could also fit in this section, I wish to focus on what he had to say to Mary, specifically, and Joseph with her.]

Luke 2.34-35 “Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.””

CONCL—

Looking…Celebrating…Sharing…

Important for US, because:

We have been entrusted with a precious legacy, opportunity, and responsibility. Keep looking for our Lord at work in our lives. Keep celebrating who God is and the work we see him doing. Keep sharing since so many need to truly hear (listen to) the message of salvation and hope—through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord!

Luke 2:36–38 CSB

There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.