Christmas Story Sermon Skit

Sermon: LA HISTORIA NAVIDEÑA

John 1:1 [ANTES DEL MUNDO]  En el principio ya existía la Palabra; y aquel que es la Palabra estaba con Dios y era Dios. 2 Él estaba en el principio con Dios. 14 Aquel que es la Palabra se hizo hombre y vivió entre nosotros.

Matthew 2:7 [IN THE EAST] Entonces Herodes llamó en secreto a los sabios, y se informó por ellos del tiempo exacto en que había aparecido la estrella. 16 Al darse cuenta Herodes de que aquellos sabios lo habían engañado, se llenó de ira y mandó matar a todos los niños de dos años para abajo que vivían en Belén y sus alrededores, de acuerdo con el tiempo que le habían dicho los sabios.

Lk 1:26 A los seis meses, Dios mandó al ángel Gabriel a un pueblo de GALILEA llamado NAZARET, 27 donde vivía una joven llamada María; era virgen, pero estaba comprometida para casarse con un hombre llamado José, descendiente del rey David. 28 El ángel entró en el lugar donde ella estaba, y le dijo: —¡Salve, llena de gracia! El Señor está contigo. 29 María se sorprendió de estas palabras, y se preguntaba qué significaría aquel saludo. 30 El ángel le dijo: —María, no tengas miedo, pues tú gozas del favor de Dios. 31 Ahora vas a quedar encinta: tendrás un hijo, y le pondrás por nombre Jesús. 32 Será un gran hombre, al que llamarán Hijo del Dios altísimo, y Dios el Señor lo hará Rey, como a su antepasado David, 33 para que reine por siempre sobre el pueblo de Jacob. Su reinado no tendrá fin.

1:34 María preguntó al ángel: —¿Cómo podrá suceder esto, si no vivo con ningún hombre?

1:35 El ángel le contestó: —El Espíritu Santo vendrá sobre ti, y el poder del Dios altísimo se posará sobre ti. Por eso, el niño que va a nacer será llamado Santo e Hijo de Dios. 36 También tu parienta Isabel va a tener un hijo, a pesar de que es anciana; la que decían que no podía tener hijos, está encinta desde hace seis meses. 37 Para Dios no hay nada imposible.

1:38 Entonces María dijo: —Yo soy esclava del Señor; que Dios haga conmigo como me has dicho. Con esto, el ángel se fue.

                                                            *************************

Matthew 1:18 El origen de Jesucristo fue este: María, su madre, estaba comprometida para casarse con José; pero antes que vivieran juntos, se encontró encinta por el poder del Espíritu Santo. 19 José, su marido, que era un hombre justo y no quería denunciar públicamente a María, decidió separarse de ella en secreto. 20 Ya había pensado hacerlo así, cuando un ángel del Señor se le apareció en sueños y le dijo: “José, descendiente de David, no tengas miedo de tomar a María por esposa, porque su hijo lo ha concebido por el poder del Espíritu Santo. 21 María tendrá un hijo, y le pondrás por nombre Jesús. Se llamará así porque salvará a su pueblo de sus pecados.” 22 Todo esto sucedió para que se cumpliera lo que el Señor había dicho por medio del profeta: 23 “La virgen quedará encinta y tendrá un hijo, al que pondrán por nombre Emanuel” (que significa: “Dios con nosotros”). 24 Cuando José despertó del sueño, hizo lo que el ángel del Señor le había mandado, y tomó a María por esposa. 25 Y sin haber tenido relaciones conyugales, ella dio a luz a su hijo, al que José puso por nombre Jesús.

Luke 1:39  Por aquellos días, María se fue de prisa a un pueblo de la región montañosa de JUDEA , 40 y entró en la casa de Zacarías y saludó a Elisabet [Isabel]. 41 Cuando [Isabel oyó Elisabet] el saludo de María, la criatura se le estremeció en el vientre, y ella quedó llena del Espíritu Santo. 42 Entonces, con voz muy fuerte, dijo: —¡Dios te ha bendecido más que a todas las mujeres, y ha bendecido a tu hijo! 43 ¿Quién soy yo, para que venga a visitarme la madre de mi Señor? 44 Pues tan pronto como oí tu saludo, mi hijo se estremeció de alegría en mi vientre. 45 ¡Dichosa tú por haber creído que han de cumplirse las cosas que el Señor te ha dicho!

Luke 1:46 María dijo: “Mi alma alaba la grandeza del Señor; 47 mi espíritu se alegra en Dios mi Salvador. 48 Porque Dios ha puesto sus ojos en mí, su humilde esclava, y desde ahora siempre me llamarán dichosa; 49 porque el Todopoderoso ha hecho en mí grandes cosas. ¡Santo es su nombre! 50 Dios tiene siempre misericordia de quienes lo reverencian. 51 Actuó con todo su poder: deshizo los planes de los orgullosos, 52 derribó a los reyes de sus tronos y puso en alto a los humildes. 53 Llenó de bienes a los hambrientos y despidió a los ricos con las manos vacías. 54 Ayudó al pueblo de Israel, su siervo, y no se olvidó de tratarlo con misericordia. 55 Así lo había prometido a nuestros antepasados, a Abraham y a sus futuros descendientes.” 56 María se quedó con Isabel unos tres meses, y después regresó a su casa.

Luke 2:1 Por aquel tiempo, el emperador Augusto ordenó que se hiciera un censo de todo el mundo. 2 Este primer censo fue hecho siendo Quirinio gobernador de Siria. 3 Todos tenían que ir a inscribirse a su propio pueblo.

Luke 2:4 Por esto, José salió del pueblo de Nazaret, de la región de Galilea, y se fue a BELÉN, en Judea, donde había nacido el rey David, porque José era descendiente de David. 5 Fue allá a inscribirse, junto con María, su esposa, que se encontraba encinta.

Luke 2:6 Y sucedió que mientras estaban en Belén, le llegó a María el tiempo de dar a luz. 7 Y allí nació su hijo primogénito, y lo envolvió en pañales y lo acostó en el establo, porque no había alojamiento para ellos en el mesón.

Luke 2:8 Cerca de Belén había unos pastores que pasaban la noche en el campo cuidando sus ovejas.

Luke 2:9 De pronto se les apareció un ángel del Señor, y la gloria del Señor brilló alrededor de ellos; y tuvieron mucho miedo. 10 Pero el ángel les dijo: “No tengan miedo, porque les traigo una buena noticia, que será motivo de gran alegría para todos: 11 Hoy les ha nacido en el pueblo de David un salvador, que es el Mesías, el Señor. 12 Como señal, encontrarán ustedes al niño envuelto en pañales y acostado en un establo.”

Luke 2:13 En aquel momento aparecieron, junto al ángel, muchos otros ángeles del cielo, que alababan a Dios y decían: 14 “¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas! ¡Paz en la tierra entre los hombres que gozan de su favor!”

Luke 2:15 Cuando los ángeles se volvieron al cielo, los pastores comenzaron a decirse unos a otros: —Vamos, pues, a Belén, a ver esto que ha sucedido y que el Señor nos ha anunciado. 16 Fueron de prisa y encontraron a María y a José, y al niño acostado en el establo. 17 Cuando lo vieron, se pusieron a contar lo que el ángel les había dicho acerca del niño, 18 y todos los que lo oyeron se admiraban de lo que decían los pastores. 19 María guardaba todo esto en su corazón, y lo tenía muy presente. 20 Los pastores, por su parte, regresaron dando gloria y alabanza a Dios por todo lo que habían visto y oído, pues todo sucedió como se les había dicho.

Luke 2:21 A los ocho días circuncidaron al niño, y le pusieron por nombre Jesús, el mismo nombre que el ángel le había dicho a María antes que ella estuviera encinta.

Luke 2:22 Cuando se cumplieron los días en que ellos debían purificarse según la ley de Moisés, llevaron al niño a JERUSALÉN para presentárselo al Señor. 23 Lo hicieron así porque en la ley del Señor está escrito: “Todo primer hijo varón será consagrado al Señor.”  [40 days] 24 Fueron, pues, a ofrecer en sacrificio lo que manda la ley del Señor: un par de tórtolas o dos pichones de paloma.

Luke 2:25 En aquel tiempo vivía en Jerusalén un hombre que se llamaba Simeón. Era un hombre justo y piadoso, que esperaba la restauración de Israel. El Espíritu Santo estaba con Simeón, 26 y le había hecho saber que no moriría sin ver antes al Mesías, a quien el Señor enviaría. 27 Guiado por el Espíritu Santo, Simeón fue al templo; y cuando los padres del niño Jesús lo llevaron también a él, para cumplir con lo que la ley ordenaba, 28 Simeón lo tomó en brazos y alabó a Dios, diciendo: 29 “Ahora, Señor, tu promesa está cumplida: puedes dejar que tu siervo muera en paz. 30 Porque ya he visto la salvación 31 que has comenzado a realizar a la vista de todos los pueblos, 32 la luz que alumbrará a las naciones y que será la gloria de tu pueblo Israel.” 33 El padre y la madre de Jesús se quedaron admirados al oir lo que Simeón decía del niño. 34 Entonces Simeón les dio su bendición, y dijo a María, la madre de Jesús: —Mira, este niño está destinado a hacer que muchos en Israel caigan o se levanten. Él será una señal que muchos rechazarán, 35 a fin de que las intenciones de muchos corazones queden al descubierto. Pero todo esto va a ser para ti como una espada que atraviese tu propia alma.

Luke 2:36 También estaba allí una profetisa llamada Ana, hija de Penuel, de la tribu de Aser. Era ya muy anciana. Se casó siendo muy joven, y había vivido con su marido siete años; 37 hacía ya ochenta y cuatro años que se había quedado viuda. Nunca salía del templo, sino que servía día y noche al Señor, con ayunos y oraciones. 38 Ana se presentó en aquel mismo momento, y comenzó a dar gracias a Dios y a hablar del niño Jesús a todos los que esperaban la liberación de Jerusalén.

39 Después de haber cumplido con todo lo que manda la ley del Señor, volvieron a Galilea, a su propio pueblo de Nazaret

Matthew 2:1 Jesús nació en Belén, un pueblo de la región de Judea, en el tiempo en que Herodes era rey del país. Llegaron por entonces a Jerusalén unos [Magos] sabios del Oriente que se dedicaban al estudio de las estrellas, 2 y preguntaron: —¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos que ha nacido? Pues vimos salir su estrella y hemos venido a adorarlo.

Matthew 2:3 El rey Herodes se inquietó mucho al oir esto, y lo mismo les pasó a todos los habitantes de Jerusalén. 4 Mandó el rey llamar a todos los jefes de los sacerdotes y a los maestros de la ley, y les preguntó dónde había de nacer el Mesías. 5 Ellos le dijeron: —En Belén de Judea; porque así lo escribió el profeta: 6 ‘En cuanto a ti, Belén, de la tierra de Judá, no eres la más pequeña entre las principales ciudades de esa tierra; porque de ti saldrá un gobernante que guiará a mi pueblo Israel.’

Matthew 2:7 Entonces Herodes llamó en secreto a los sabios, y se informó por ellos del tiempo exacto en que había aparecido la estrella. 8 Luego los mandó a BELEN y les dijo: —Vayan allá, y averigüen todo lo que puedan acerca de ese niño; y cuando lo encuentren, avísenme, para que yo también vaya [y lo adore] a rendirle homenaje

Matthew 2:9 Con estas indicaciones del rey, los sabios se fueron. Y la estrella que habían visto salir iba delante de ellos, hasta que por fin se detuvo sobre el lugar donde estaba el niño. 10 Cuando los sabios vieron la estrella, se alegraron mucho.

Matthew 2:11 Luego entraron en la casa, y vieron al niño con María, su madre; y arrodillándose le rindieron homenaje [adoraron] . Abrieron sus cofres y le ofrecieron oro, incienso y mirra. 12 Después, advertidos en sueños de que no debían volver a donde estaba Herodes, regresaron a su tierra por otro camino.

Matthew 2:13 Cuando ya los sabios se habían ido, un ángel del Señor se le apareció en sueños a José, y le dijo: “Levántate, toma al niño y a su madre, y huye a EGIPTO Quédate allí hasta que yo te avise, porque Herodes va a buscar al niño para matarlo.” 14 José se levantó, tomó al niño y a su madre, y salió con ellos de noche camino de Egipto, 15 donde estuvieron hasta que murió Herodes. Esto sucedió para que se cumpliera lo que el Señor había dicho por medio del profeta: “De Egipto llamé a mi Hijo.”

16 Al darse cuenta Herodes de que aquellos sabios lo habían engañado, se llenó de ira y mandó matar a todos los niños de dos años para abajo que vivían en BELEN  y sus alrededores, de acuerdo con el tiempo que le habían dicho los sabios. 17 Así se cumplió lo escrito por el profeta Jeremías: 18 “Se oyó una voz en Ramá, llantos y grandes lamentos. Era Raquel, que lloraba por sus hijos y no quería ser consolada porque ya estaban muertos.”

19 Pero después que murió Herodes, un ángel del Señor se le apareció en sueños a José, en Egipto, y le dijo: 20 “Levántate, toma contigo al niño y a su madre, y regresa a ISRAEL, porque ya han muerto los que querían matar al niño.” 21 Entonces José se levantó y llevó al niño y a su madre a Israel. 22 Pero cuando supo que Arquelao estaba gobernando en Judea en lugar de su padre Herodes, tuvo miedo de ir allá; y habiendo sido advertido en sueños por Dios, se dirigió a la región de GALILEA. 23 Al llegar, se fue a vivir al pueblo de NAZARET. Esto sucedió para que se cumpliera lo que dijeron los profetas: que Jesús sería llamado nazareno

NUESTRO REGALO A DIOS: ADORACION

Matt:2:2 “hemos venido para adorarle”

Gold & incense & Myrrh = gifts worthy of a KING

Isaiah 60:5 Tú, al verlos, estarás radiante de alegría, tu corazón se llenará de gozo; te traerán los tesoros de los países del mar, te entregarán las riquezas de las naciones. 6 Te verás cubierta de caravanas de camellos que vienen de Madián y de Efá; vendrán todos los de Sabá, cargados de oro y de incienso, y proclamarán las acciones gloriosas del Señor. 11 Tus puertas estarán siempre abiertas; no se cerrarán de día ni de noche, para que puedan traerte las riquezas de las naciones y entren los reyes con su comitiva.

*Gold might represent His deity or purity or royalty

*Incense (frankincense) represented his priestly role or the fragrance of His life as a sacrifice

*Myrrh represented His death (myrrh used for embalming)

These gifts provided the financial resources for Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt. the costly gifts probably represented more wealth than either spouse had seen in a lifetime

Reading the Bible reminds you of your God given gifts:

Gifts that don’t wear out

Gifts equally given to all his children

Gifts that cost him much - his best

Gifts…many, many, many,

Gifts that go unopened

Gifts that are under used!

Gifts that are under – valued / appreciated

Sermon: The Christmas Story

John 1:1-2 [BEFORE THE WORLD WAS MADE] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…

Matthew 2:7 [IN THE EAST] Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared……16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Lk 1:26 In the 6th month, God sent the angel Gabriel to NAZARETH a town in  GALILEE 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Matt.1:18-25  This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to JOSEPH, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Luke 1:39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of JUDEA, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Luke 1:46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Luke 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

Lk 2:4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to BETHLEHEM the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child

Lk.2:6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Lk.2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Lk.2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Lk.2:13 Suddenly [a great army of heaven’s angels] appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Lk.2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Lk.2:21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.

Luke 2:22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, [40 days] Joseph and Mary took him to JERUSALEM to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Luke 2:36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth

Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “WHERE IS THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN BORN KING OF THE JEWS? WE SAW HIS STAR IN THE EAST AND HAVE COME TO WORSHIP HIM.”

2:3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”

2:7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

2:9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way to [BETHLEHEM], and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

2:11 On coming to the HOUSE, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matt 2:13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to EGYPT. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matt:2:16  When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in BETHLEHEM and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of ISRAEL, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of GALILEE, 23 and he went and lived in a town called NAZARETH. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

OUR GIFT TO GOD: ADORATION & WORSHIP

Matt:2:2 “we have come to worship him”

Gifts worthy of a KING (gold, incense, myrrh)

Isaiah 60:5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian & Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold & incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord. 11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations— their kings led in triumphal procession.

Zephaniah 3:10 From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.

Ps 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts

*Gold might represent His deity or purity or royalty

*Incense (frankincense) represented his priestly role or the fragrance of His life as a sacrifice

*Myrrh represented His death (myrrh used for embalming)

These gifts provided the financial resources for Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt. the costly gifts probably represented more wealth than either spouse had seen in a lifetime

Reading the Bible reminds you of your God given gifts:

Gifts that don’t wear out

Gifts equally given to all his children

Gifts that cost him much - his best

Gifts…many, many, many,

Gifts that go unopened

Gifts that are under used!

Gifts that are under – valued / appreciated

GIFTS FROM OUR FATHER

1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (RVR) Mas por él están ustedes en Cristo Jesús, el cual nos ha sido hecho por Dios sabiduría, justificación, santificación y redención

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NBLH) “La paz les dejo, Mi paz les doy; no se la doy a ustedes como el mundo la da. No se turbe su corazón ni tenga miedo.

Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (NBLH) El Señor Dios es mi fortaleza; El ha hecho mis pies como los de las ciervas, Y por las alturas me hace caminar.

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. (NBLH) Conduciré a los ciegos por un camino que no conocen, Por sendas que no conocen los guiaré; Cambiaré delante de ellos las tinieblas en luz Y lo escabroso en llanura. Estas cosas haré, Y no las dejaré sin hacer.

Isaiah 57:18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, (NBLH) He visto sus caminos, pero lo sanaré. Lo guiaré y le daré consuelo a él y a los que con él lloran,

John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (NBLH) “Estas cosas les he hablado, para que Mi gozo esté en ustedes, y su gozo sea perfecto.

John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (NBLH) “Como el Padre Me ha amado, así también Yo los he amado; permanezcan en Mi amor.

1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (VP) Ya ha llegado el tiempo en que el juicio comience por la propia familia de Dios. Y si el juicio está comenzando así por nosotros, ¿cómo será el fin de los que no obedecen al evangelio de Dios?

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (VP) Yo sé los planes que tengo para ustedes, planes para su bienestar y no para su mal, a fin de darles un futuro lleno de esperanza. Yo, el Señor, lo afirmo.

Daniel 9:18 Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. (RVR) Inclina, oh Dios mío, tu oído, y oye; abre tus ojos, y mira nuestras desolaciones, y la ciudad sobre la cual es invocado tu nombre; porque no elevamos nuestros ruegos ante ti confiados en nuestras justicias, sino en tus muchas misericordias.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, (VP) Alabado sea el Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, pues él es el Padre que nos tiene compasión y el Dios [de toda consolación] que siempre nos consuela.

Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. (RVR) del cual yo fui hecho ministro por el don de la gracia de Dios que me ha sido dado según la operación de su poder.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—(RVR) Porque por gracia son salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de ustedes [No es esto algo que ustedes mismos hayan conseguido], pues es don de Dios;

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (RVR) Ustedes, maridos, igualmente, vivid con ellas sabiamente, dando honor a la mujer [esposa] como a vaso más frágil [ellas son mas delicadas], y como a coherederas de la gracia de la vida, para que vuestras oraciones no tengan estorbo.

Hebrews 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (NBLH) Dios testificó junto con ellos, tanto por señales como por prodigios, y por diversos milagros y por dones repartidos del Espíritu Santo según Su propia voluntad.

Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (RVR) Pues si por la transgresión de uno solo reinó la muerte, mucho más reinarán en vida por uno solo, Jesucristo, los que reciben la abundancia de la gracia y del don de la justicia.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (RVR) Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mas la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro. (VP) El pago que da el pecado es la muerte, pero el don de Dios es vida eterna en unión con Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor.

Romans 5:16 Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. (RVR) Y con el don no sucede como en el caso de aquel uno que pecó; porque ciertamente el juicio vino a causa de un solo pecado para condenación, pero el don vino a causa de muchas transgresiones para justificación.

Acts 10:45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. (RVR) Y los fieles de la circuncisión que habían venido con Pedro se quedaron atónitos de que también sobre los gentiles se derramase el don del Espíritu Santo.

Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (NBLH) “Además, les daré un corazón nuevo y pondré un espíritu nuevo dentro de ustedes; quitaré de su carne el corazón de piedra y les daré un corazón de carne.

John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (NBLH) “En la casa de Mi Padre hay muchas moradas [lugares de residencia permanente, viviendas]; si no fuera así, se lo hubiera dicho; porque voy a preparar un lugar para ustedes.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NBLH) Y mi Dios proveerá a todas sus necesidades, conforme a sus riquezas en gloria en Cristo Jesús.

John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life [an abundant life] (NBLH) “El ladrón sólo viene para robar, matar y destruir. Yo he venido para que tengan vida, y para que la tengan en abundancia.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (RVR) Mas el fruto del Espíritu es amor, gozo, paz, paciencia, benignidad, bondad, fe, 23 mansedumbre, templanza [domino propio]

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (VP) ¡Gracias a Dios, porque nos ha hecho un regalo tan grande que no tenemos palabras para expresarlo!

1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (RVR) Seguid el amor; y procurad los dones espirituales, pero sobre todo que profeticéis.

Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (RVR) Y el Espíritu [Santo] y la Esposa [del Cordero] dicen: Ven. Y el que oye, diga: Ven. Y el que tiene sed, venga; y el que quiera, tome del agua de la vida gratuitamente.

1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (RVR) ¿Tienen todos dones de sanidad? ¿hablan todos lenguas? ¿interpretan todos?

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (RVR) Toda buena dádiva y todo don perfecto desciende de lo alto, del Padre de las luces [los astros del cielo], en el cual no hay mudanza [Dios es siempre lo mismo], ni sombra de variación

Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, (RVR) Porque es imposible que los que una vez fueron iluminados y gustaron del don celestial, y fueron hechos partícipes del Espíritu Santo, (VP) Porque a los que una vez recibieron la luz, y saborearon el don de Dios, y tuvieron parte en el Espíritu Santo

2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (VP) Por eso te recomiendo que avives el fuego del don que Dios te dio cuando te impuse las manos.

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (RVR) No descuides el don que hay en ti, que te fue dado mediante profecía con la imposición de las manos del presbiterio [los ancianos].

Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and [he] gave gifts to men.” (RVR) Por lo cual dice: Subiendo a lo alto [al cielo], llevó cautiva la cautividad, Y [El] dio dones a los hombres.

1 Corinthians 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. (VP) Por eso, ya que ustedes ambicionan poseer dones espirituales, procuren tener en abundancia aquellos que ayudan a la edificación de la iglesia.

1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (RVR) Y si tuviese profecía, y entendiese todos los misterios y toda ciencia, y si tuviese toda la fe, de tal manera que trasladase los montes, y no tengo amor, nada soy. (VP) Y si tengo el don de profecía, y entiendo todos los designios secretos de Dios, y sé todas las cosas, y si tengo la fe necesaria para mover montañas, pero no tengo amor, no soy nada.

1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (NBLH) Y en la iglesia, Dios ha designado primeramente, apóstoles; en segundo lugar, profetas; en tercer lugar, maestros; luego, milagros; después, dones de sanidad, ayudas, administraciones, diversas clases de lenguas.

3 Tier Pyramid Nativity

 HERMANNS FINE GIFTS
Old World Village
7561 Center Avenue # 42
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Tel: (714) 894 4833 Fax:    (714) 895 1990        Email: info@hermannsgifts.com

Brephos – 2:16 baby

Paidion – 2:11 young child

frankincense (literally meaning pure incense),Old Testament word is derived from a root meaning white. An incision is made in the bark of a certain tree of the genus Boswellia, growing on the limestone rocks of South Arabia and Somalia (E. Africa). The resulting fresh juice has a white or milky color; hence the name. Now frankincense, too, has various uses. It is mentioned in connection with meal offerings (Lev. 2:1, 2, 15, 16) and wedding processions (Song of Sol. 3:6). It also occurs in a list of articles of commerce (Rev. 18:13).

Myrrh was probably derived from a small tree with odoriferous wood, namely, the Balsamodendron of Arabia. It was used for the purpose of perfuming a bed (Prov. 7:17) or a garment (Ps. 45:8). It was prescribed for certain young ladies, to make them more desirable (Esther 2:12). It was also used lavishly in bridal processions (Song of Sol. 3:6). Mingled with wine it served as an anaesthetic (Mark 15:23). Finally, it was used in preparing a body for burial (John 19:39, 40).

This list of various uses is somewhat incomplete as any Concordance will indicate. However, it establishes the point to be noted, namely, that according to Scripture (both Old and New Testament) each of the three gifts brought by the wise men serves more than one purpose. Now if this is true, what justification did Origen (and many after him) have for saying that the magi brought “gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to God”? Does not this representation amount to oversimplification? On the surface it would seem that it does. However, another look at the entire list of passages in which these three items are mentioned proves that, to say the least, there is an important element of truth in Origen’s observation.

To begin with gold, it is striking how often in Scripture this precious metal is indeed associated with royalty: with the king, the queen, the vice-gerent, and the prince. Joseph, a vice-gerent, wears a gold neck-chain (Gen. 41:42). So does Daniel as third ruler (Dan. 5:7, 29). King Nebuchadnezzar, as the first and greatest in a list of earthly rulers, is represented by a head of gold (Dan. 2:32, 38). Rabbah’s king wears a crown of gold (II Sam. 12:30). So does the author of Ps. 21, in the superscription identified with David. Princes own gold (Job 3:15). Ps. 45:9 speaks about “the queen, in gold of Ophir.” The one who calls himself “king in Jerusalem” is a collector of gold and silver (Eccl. 2:8). And King Ahasuerus holds out his golden scepter to Queen Esther (Esther 4:11, 5:2; 8:4). As if this were not enough, it can be added that King Solomon not only had drinking vessels of gold and an ivory throne overlaid with gold, but was hemmed in by gold to such an extent that in seven verses descriptive of his wealth (I Kings 10:14–18, 21, 22) gold is mentioned no less than ten times! We see, therefore, that to anyone acquainted with the books of the Old Testament gold would amost immediately suggest royalty.

As to frankincense, in by far the most of the cases in which this word occurs in the Old Testament it is mentioned in connection with the service of Jehovah. It was stored in a chamber of the sanctuary (I Chron. 9:29; Neh. 13:5), and is frequently mentioned in connection with meal offerings, as an additive (Lev. 2:1, 2, 15, 16; 6:15). According to Exod. 30:34 it entered as an ingredient into the composition of incense, with respect to which it is specifically stated that it is not for the people but only for Jehovah (Exod. 30:37). In the Old Testament the basic word incense occurs more than one hundred times. In the New Testament it is found in Luke 1:9–11 and Rev. 8:3, 4. Whenever it occurs it has to do with the service of God. In offering incense, burning coals were taken from the altar of burnt offering and placed on the altar of incense, the golden altar that stood in the holy place immediately in front of the holy of holies. On these coals the incense was then sprinkled. The fragrant smoke rising heavenward was symbolical of the prayers and thanksgivings of the people and the priests. The incense was definitely an offering made to God (see Luke 1:9 f.; Rev. 5:8; 8:3). Frankincense, and also incense in general, immediately suggests God, therefore. It belongs to him, to him alone. Even when it is offered to idols, God still calls it “my incense” (Ezek. 16:18). It is clear, therefore, that just as gold and king go together, so do also incense and God.

As to myrrh, in the more than a dozen Old Testament passages where the word occurs it is mentioned in connection with the service of Jehovah in only one instance. It enters into the composition of anointing oil (Exod. 30:22–33). For the rest, as has already been indicated, it was a perfume used by and in the interest of mortal man, to make his life more pleasant, his pain less dreadful, and his burial less repulsive.

It has been established, therefore, that Origen had good reason to say that the magi brought “gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to God.”

A famous poet said:

Not what we give, but what we share,—

For the gift without the giver is bare. (Lowell)

Here in Matt. 2 we have an illustration of genuine givers. They did not hesitate to make a long and arduous journey (probably more than a thousand miles) to render homage to him who by most people must have been regarded as merely a little child. He was, moreover, a child of humble birth, belonging to a nation that had lost its freedom. Yet, these important men not only prostrated themselves before him but presented him with gifts that were not only lavish but also definitely appropriate; gold, for he was and is indeed a king—yes, “King of kings and Lord of lords”—frankincense, for he is indeed God—the fulness of the godhead dwells in him—and myrrh, for he is also man, destined for death, and this by his own choice.

How much of this the wise men understood we do not know. Let it suffice to say that their coming, the homage they rendered, and the gifts they offered were acceptable in the eyes of God. Matthew’s main lesson for the Jews who were the first to read his Gospel, or to hear it read to them, must have been to remind them of the fact that salvation, though beginning with the Jews, does not end there. The Gentiles, too, must be won for Christ. The coming of the wise men was indeed a lesson for Jews … and for men of every nationality and race, a lesson to be taken to heart: if even the magi, with their limited knowledge, did this for Christ, then why do we, so highly privileged, fall short?