So this is Christmas - Matthew 2

Matthew 2:1–12 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.” When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.” After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 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. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

Two Choices

In this section of Scripture we are presented with two choices when it comes to Jesus.

We can accept and worship

We can reject and fight.

These are only two options when it comes to Jesus. Acceptance or rejection. Worship or rebellion.

Granted you might have a weak or strong picture of Jesus. You might have had good or bad explanations. You might have heard a little or a lot. At the end of the day you still have to make a choice. Acceptance or rejection.

We make a Choice

There are two difference responses regarding Jesus in this passage.

Wise Men or Magi

The wise response to Christmas, to the birth of Christ was to say SO THIS, IS CHRISTMAS! They rejoiced and paid homage to newborn King.

They saw the star, they studied its meaning, and they followed it.

Who were the wise men or Magi. They were learned men from the East, probably Persia or somewhere in that area. They were students of nature and they observed the stars. They are in their workshop at night doing their thing and they see this new star appear in the sky. All of the sudden their is a new star and they know this means something.

They saw it and studied it. They took about 2 years to try and figure out what this means. How do we know this? We know this because verse 16 tells us it was about two years from the time the star appeared to when they got to Jerusalem to seek the newborn king. It only takes about a month to walk to Jerusalem from Persia. They were diligent like the Bereans in the book of Acts.

When presented with the information, when the facts were laid before them they chose to worship. They chose to respond with honor for the newborn King in humility and faith.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh were expensive gifts that we suitable gifts for a royal figure.

To come to Jesus is to come understanding you bring nothing of value, but it is also to come open handed and say all I have is yours Lord.

Herod’s Response.

Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? This is the question the wise men ask.

Herods response was, “huh, what?”

Think about this. Herod is king, an illegitimate king in the minds of the people but the king nonetheless. Then these guys show up and ask where is the baby king?

Herod pretends to be interested in paying homage. He pretends to be interested in worshipping Jesus but he is not. Verse 16 tells us.

Matthew 2:16 CSB

Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men.

He was so worried about loosing his throne he killed about 20-36 children 2 and under in Bethlehem and the surrounding area.

King Herod was a violent and blood thirsty man. Anytime there was even a suspicion someone might challenge his rule, he had them killed. He was on the throne and he held on to it tightly.

Matthew–Luke Comment

As a ruler, Herod was talented and vigorous, but also violent and paranoid enough to kill several of his sons as well as his favorite wife.

- Daniel M Doriani

Herod’s response was rage that someone could be a challenge to his throne. We can have the same response. When we learn that Jesus is King and He wants us to get off our illegitimate throne, we can become enraged and fight back. But here is the thing only one gets to sit on the throne and it ain’t our seat.

The response to Christmas, to the birth of Christ was to reject and refuse the newborn King.

We are both responsible for making a choice and like the star that points to Him.

Disciples are light bearers

As people who follow Jesus we are bearers of His light. The word Christian means those of Christ, or those who belong to Christ. Just like American means those from or those who represent America.

To be a follower of Christ means we belong to and represent Him.

We are like the star. We point to and lead others to Him.

How Do We Do it?

Actions

We do this first and foremost with our lives. The way we live speaks volumes. Actions Speak Louder than Words. That saying exists for a reason. The way we choose to live tells people what we really believe and if it is worth following.

If financial planner was broke and could not manage their money, would you trust their investment advise?

If politician was on a security council but was receiving money from a foreign entity would you trust them?

If a cop was caught with drugs would you believe their commitment to the law?

If a pastor is caught in an affair, would you trust their marriage advise?

If a Christian yells at their children and spouse all the time, would you trust that Christ leads a home?

If a believer says they love and then gossips about everyone do you believe they care?

If you say you love Jesus and people and then curse out someone you disagree with, will people see Jesus rightly?

We spoke a few weeks ago about hypocrisy and yes we all have blind spots and miss the mark, however, we also have to understand that our actions communicate the truth of what we believe. Our actions are the proof of our statements.

We do not have to be perfect, we can never be. But the world is watching us to see how we respond to things. Do we respond in love? Do we forgive? Do we help? Do we lift up others? Do we include even those we disagree with?

The way we act, the things we say, the way we love or don’t love are the lights we burn. Do they point to Christ?

Truth Statements

The second way we shine our light and point to Jesus this Christmas and everyday is by our truth statements.

First people will see how we will live. They will evaluate whether or not we are worth listening to by the actions we give them as examples. But then they will listen.

There is a saying that is attributed to St Francis that says,

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. This sounds nice but the problem is he did not say that and it makes no sense.

We preach the Gospel with our lives and our truth statements.

Our truth statements are powerful things.

We need to know the Word of God and then communicate the Word. Not everyone needs to be a pastor or know the answer to everything. No one does, certainly not me or anyone else on staff here. We just need to get into the Word and let the Word transform us. We need to allow the Bible to soak into us and become part of who we are. We are meant to study, meditate, and let the Word take hold of us. The Holy Spirit will remind us of the things we read but we must first read them.

Bible studies, small groups, dialog with friends and family. These are tools that we can use to

Proverbs 7:3 CSB

Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

When we start to read the Bible and make it’s words part of our daily vocabulary we make truth statements that reinforce our actions.

Closing

Our Actions and our truth statements need to match they need to mirror one another. They are to go together.