The Visit

Recap

Acts 2:43–45 “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

Background

Advent is a celebrated season of waiting and preparation for Christmas, marking the coming (from Latin adventus) of Jesus Christ, to celebrate his birth and anticipating his second coming. Observed the 4 weekends and weeks before Christmas with themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

The Dec 25 Tradition - likely in the 4th century CE, was established by the Roman Church. This date coincided with the pagan festival Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (“Birthday of the Unconquered Sun”) and symbolized Christ as the “light of the world.” It was not based on historical evidence. Based on historical context clues referenced in the Bible, spring, summer, or early autumn. The most plausible period for Jesus’s birth, based on: Shepherds actively watching flocks at night; Favorable travel conditions for the census; Symbolic alignment with Passover themes

Wise Men

Matthew 2:1–2 “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, 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.”

Eastern scholar-priest, likely from Persia or Babylon - Astronomy, astrology, and sacred wisdom - 800/ 1,200 miles - 4-6 month caravan - Jewish prophecies (Daniel, Numbers) preserved in the East - To honor the newborn King of the Jews with gifts proving His rule beyond the place of His birth

Heard Leaders

Matthew 2:3–6 “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “ ‘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.’ ”

Response

Matthew 2:7–8 “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 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.”

Heard Wise Men

Matthew 2:9 “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.”

They Saw X 2

Matthew 2:10 “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Matthew 2:11 “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.”

Obedience

Matthew 2:12 “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

The whole history of the world is discovered to be but a contest between the wisdom of God and the cunning of Satan and fallen men. The outcome of the contest is not in doubt.

A. W. Tozer