WEEK #4 - ARRIVAL - JESUS IS HERE!

WEEK #1 - ANTICIPATION - JESUS IS COMING!

        The Prophecies of:

                THE VIRGIN- Mary

                THE VISIT- to Bethlehem

                THE VICTORY- though Jesus Christ

WEEK #2 – ANNOUNCEMENT- JESUS IS COMING!

        GOD’S FAVOR – With Mary

        MARY’S FUTURE – With Jesus Christ

        MARY’S FAITH – Willingness to Serve God

WEEK #3 - ASSURANCE - JESUS IS COMING!

TEXT - Matthew 1:18-25

CONCEPTION (Doubt/Trouble) - Vs. 18

CONFUSION (Personal Justice/Doubt) - Vs. 19

COMFORT (Divine Intervention/Prophecy) - Vss. 20-23

COMMITMENT (Faithful Obedience) - Vss. 24-25

Theme: Celebrating the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the significance of His birth for all people.

Text: Matthew 2 and Luke 2

Introduction: The Anticipated Arrival

Hook: Begin with a relatable anecdote about waiting, anticipation, and the joy of a long-awaited arrival (e.g., a baby, a loved one returning home).

Returning Home After the War

Transition: Just as we eagerly await the arrival of something or someone, the world was waiting for the arrival of the Messiah.

This week, we explore the momentous occasion of Jesus' birth.

Thesis: Jesus' arrival was a pivotal moment in history, marked by:

specific locations,

heavenly proclamations, and

diverse witnesses,

all pointing to His significance as the Savior of the world.

The Place of Birth: Humility and Divine Plan

Scriptures: Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:1-6

Matthew 2:1–6 NASB95

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Points:

The Census and the Journey:

Highlight the historical context of the Roman census and Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.

The Humble Setting:

Emphasize the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth in a manger. This underscores God's choice to enter the world in a vulnerable and unexpected way.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:

Discuss how the birth in Bethlehem fulfilled the prophecies in Micah 5:2.

Application:

God often works in unexpected ways and chooses the humble to reveal His glory.

The Proclamation by Angels: Heaven's Announcement

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Points:

The Shepherds' Encounter:

Describe the appearance of the angel to the shepherds.

The Message of Joy:

Focus on the angel's message of "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10).

The Heavenly Host:

Highlight the appearance of the multitude of angels praising God.

Application:

Encourage the congregation to share the good news of Jesus' birth with others, just as the angels did. Remind them of the peace and goodwill that Jesus brings.

The People Who Saw (Witnessed): Diverse Witnesses to the Messiah

Transition:

The arrival of Jesus was not a secret. God chose to reveal His Son to various people, each offering a unique perspective on the event.

The Shepherds: Humble Hearts, Simple Faith

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

Points:

Their immediate response to the angel's message.

Their visit to the manger and their witness to the event.

Their spreading of the good news.

Application:

Encourage a heart of humility and a willingness to believe in the miraculous, like the shepherds.

Simeon: Waiting and Recognition

Scripture:

Luke 2:25–35 NASB95

25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Points:

Simeon's anticipation and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

His recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

His prophecy about Jesus' impact on the world.

Application:

The importance of spiritual discernment and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Anna: Prayer and Proclamation

Scripture:

Luke 2:36–38 NASB95

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Points:

Anna's dedication to prayer and worship.

Her recognition of Jesus and her proclamation of His arrival.

Application:

Encourage the congregation to live a life of prayer and to share the good news with others.

The Wise Men: Seeking and Worship

Scripture: Matt 2:1-12

Points:

Their journey from the East, guided by a star.

Their seeking of the "King of the Jews."

Their worship of Jesus and their offering of gifts.

Application:

The universal nature of Jesus' message and the importance of seeking Him with a sincere heart, regardless of background or origin.

Conclusion: Embracing the Arrival

Recap:

Briefly summarize the key points of the sermon: the humble birth, the heavenly proclamation, and the diverse witnesses.

Call to Action:

Encourage the congregation to:

Embrace the message of hope, grace, and inclusion that Jesus' birth represents.

Share the good news with others, just as the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Wise Men did.

Worship and follow Jesus, the King of Kings.

Closing:

End with a prayer of gratitude for Jesus' arrival and a blessing for the congregation.