THE JESUS CHRIST-MAS SERIES

 

“Seeing the Christmas Scenery”

December 10, 2006

Pastor Mike Barnett

            THE NATIVITY SCENE ILLUMINATED:

Matthew 2:1-23 (pg. 682) says:

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and 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." 3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When 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.'[4] " 7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He 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."
9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On 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. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

13When 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." 14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15where 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."[6]
16When 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. 17Then 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."[7]

19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and 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."
21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But 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, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."  Matthew 2:1-23

  • Despite popular belief, the Magi were not kings and there was probably more than just three of them.

 

  • “King of the Jews” in verse 2 indicates that the Magi were gentiles.
  • Matthew demonstrates that people of all nations acknowledged Jesus as the “King of the Jews” and came to worship him as Lord.

 

  • The term “Magi” originally referred to a priestly caste in ancient Persia.

 

  • Babylonian elements of astrology, demonology, and astrology were used in their work which centered around religious court life.

 

  • It is believed that the Magi served as religious advisors to those in government in Babylon.

 

  • The three gifts of gold, incense and myrrh may have given rise to the legend that there were three “wise men”.

 

  • ….but the Bible does not indicate the number of Magi and they probably were not Kings.

 

  • Their actual number is uncertain, but the eastern tradition claims that their were 12 Magi.

 

  • These Magi came from the east looking for the one born “King of the Jews”.

 

  • They apparently had been exposed to Old Testament prophecies from Jewish colonies situated in the east.

 

  • Although many Jews returned to Palestine after the exile, many remained in the East, especially in Babylon.

 

  • Therefore in Babylon at the time of the Magi, Gentile religious leaders, in the east were regularly exposed to the Hebrew scriptures, prophecy, and teachers.
  • If the Magi came from Babylon, they would have traveled approximately nine hundred miles.

 

  • Contrary to popular tradition, the Mai did not visit Jesus at the manger on the night of his birth as did the shepherds….they came some months later and visited him as a “child in his house”.

 

  • The Magi’s goal was to find “the one who has been born king of the Jews”.

 

 Why did God provide a star for the Magi?

 

1. THE STAR – GOD PROVIDES A _____________ ________(TRAVEL GUIDE) FOR _____________(SEEKERS).

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS STAR:

 

·        The seekers were grateful for the travel guide.

 

·        They knew they never would have found Christ without the star.

 

·        The Christmas star was God’s _______________(gift) of _______________________(direction) – God’s travel guide for seekers.

 

THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE CHRISTMAS STAR:

 

·        The Magi were Gentiles – meaning they worshipped other God’s.

 

·        God has always provided travel guides to earnest spiritual seekers who did not know him throughout history.

 

·        God sees to it that those who diligently seek Him do in fact find Him.

 

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (pg. 558) says:

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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."  Jeremiah 29:11-14

 

IMPLICATIONS FOR ME THIS CHRISTMAS:

 

·        God has put travel guides in you life in the past, today in the present, and will continue to do so in the future!

 

·        THANK GOD FOR THE “_____________________ ____________________(TRAVEL GUIDES)” HE HAS PUT IN YOUR LIFE BY ______________________(FAITH) EVEN WHEN YOU DO NOT SEE THEM WITH YOUR PHYSICAL EYES.

 

·        Continue to follow the travel guides God has placed before you even when they are just average people or unspectacular looking guides.

 

·        Use the travel guides God has already put into your life – they are usually people.

 

·        Ask your travel guides the tough questions that have been plaguing you.

·         

·        The “wise men” would probably have preferred a more personalized kind of guidance, but they were humble and submitted to the guide God provided. And they were thankful for it too!

·        Look at the star – God has probably given you one – use it soon.

 

2. THE STABLE – GOD SENT JESUS TO _________________(LIVE)  IN THE _________________(REAL) WORLD.

 

John 1:1-2, 14 (pg. 750) says:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with god in the beginning…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.  John 1:1-2, 14

 

 OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE STABLE:

 

·        The stable was probably like all the others we have seen: crowded with smelly animals, dark, damp, rodent infested, and completely unsanitary for a baby to be born there.

 

THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE STABLE:

 

·        THE GOD WHO PROVIDED THE EXTRAVAGANT TRAVEL GUIDE CHRISTMAS STAR COULD HAVE PROVIDED A SUITE AND A HOTEL OR A PRIVATE ROOM AT THE LOCAL HOSPITABLE, BUT HE MADE THE DELIBERATE CHOICE NOT TO.

 

·        JESUS’ FIRST BREATH OF AIR BURNED WITH THE ODOR OF ANIMAL URINE.

 

·        THE FIRST NOISES HE HEARD WERE THE GRUNTS OF LIVESTOCK.JESUS’ FIRST OUTFIT WAS MADE OF DUST CLOTHS – THE EQUIVALENT OF GREASE RAGS

 

·        JESUS WAS A REFUGEE THE DAY HE WAS BORN.

 

·        FROM DAY ONE, GOD THE FATHER DETERMINED NOT TO SHELTER HIS SON FROM THE RUDE, CRUDE REALITIES OF LIFE ON EARTH.

 

IMPLICATIONS FOR ME THIS CHRISTMAS:

·        JESUS CAME OUT OF THE BIRTH CANAL JUST LKE EVERY OTHER HUMAN BEING BECAUSE GOD WANTED THE WORLD TO KNOW HE WAS JUST LIKE US AND ______________(IDENTIFIES) WITH OUR ___________________(PAIN) AND _______________________(SUFFERING).

 

Hebrews 4:14-16 (pg. 847) says:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16

 

·        JESUS WAS BORN IN A BARN WHERE IT STUNK WITH ODOR BECAUSE GOD WANTED THE WORLD TO KNOW HE LIVES AMONG THE ________________(ORDINARY) AND EVERY DAY _______________(DISAPPOINTMENTS) OF LIFE.

 

Luke 2:1-7 (pg. 724) says:

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.   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.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  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.  Luke 2:1-7

 

·        JESUS SLEPT IN A FEEDING TROUGH FOR ANIMALS – BECAUSE GOD WANTED THE WORLD TO KNOW HE LIVES IN THE ____________(UNSPECTACULAR) AND ____________(LOWLY) PLACES IN THIS WORLD.

 

·        JESUS __________________________(UNDERSTANDS) ME AND WHAT I AM _________________ ______________________(GOING THROUGH) IN THIS WORLD OF PAIN AND SUFFERING BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN HERE FIRST.

 

·        WHEN I AM GOING THROUGH DISAPPOINTMENTS AND PAIN I CAN TURN TO JESUS AND TRUST HIM BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE.

 

·        JESUS ENDURED THE SAME PROBLEMS, TEMPTATIONS, AND PAIN I AM SUFFERING AND HE HAS THE __________________________(RECOURCES) TO HELP ME ________________________(OVERCOME) IT.

 

TRANSITION: The manger is probably the most identifiable fixture this holiday season among Christ followers!

 

3. THE MANGER SYMBOLIZES THAT THE _______________________________(ORDINARY) BECOMES _______________________________(EXTRAORDINARY).

 

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE MANGER

·        A MANGER WAS NOTHING MORE THAN A FEED TROUGH FOR CATTLE – ORDINARY IN EVERY WAY.

 

·        MOST WESTERNERS WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT A MANGER IS – BUT BECAUSE JESUS WAS LAID IN ONE, IT IS NOW A HOUSEHOLD WORD.

 

·        THE ORDINARY (MANGER) BECOMES AN EXTRAORDINARY (CRADLE) WHEN GOD IS IN IT.

 

THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE MANGER

 

·        A FEED ______________________(TROUGH) FOR ANIMALS BECOMES TRANSFORMED TOTHE CRADLE OF A KING.

 

 IMPLICATIONS FOR ME THIS CHRISTMAS

 

·        THE MANGER IS A SYMBOL OF WHAT _________ ____________________(CAN HAPPEN) WHEN JESUS CHRIST ____________________(RESIDES) IN ME.

 

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (pg. 807) says:

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are,  so that no one may boast before him.  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.  Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

 

 

·        WHEN I INVITE JESUS INTO MY LIFE – HE WILL TRANSFORM ME FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

 

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.  Revelation 3:20

 

 

·        JESUS WILL TAKE MY __________________________(BROKENNESS) AND MAKE ME _______________________(WHOLE).

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 says:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

·        THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WILL BE IN AWE OF GOD WHEN THEY SEE MY TRANSFORMED LIFE.

 

Matthew 5:13-16 (pg. 683) says:

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.   "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:13-16

 

4. THE _________________(GIFTS) THE MAGI BROUGHT TO JESUS REPRESENT GOD’S ____________(PROVISONS) FOR HIS _________________________(CHILDREN).

 

NOTE: THERE IS LONG HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION THAT FINDS SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE IN THESE GIFTS ACCORD WITH JESUS LIFE AND MINISTRY:

 

1)     GOLD – Represents Jesus _____________(kingship).

2)     INCENSE – Represents Jesus _____________(deity).

3)     MYRRH – Represents Jesus ___________________ ________________(sacrificial death) and burial.

 

 NOTE: More than the Magi know or intend, these gifts are likely used to providentially support the family in their flight to Egypt to avoid King Herod’s wrath.

 

·        GOLD, INCENSE, AND MYRRH WERE WORTH A LOT OF MONEY IN THAT CULTURE, AT THAT TIME AND PROBABLY WERE SOLD SO THE FAMILY COULD LIVE IN EGYPT UNTIL KING HEROD DIED.

 

·        LIKEWISE AS GOD’S CHILD – HE WILL GIVE YOU THE PROVISIONS YOU NEED!

 

·        GOD WILL ____________________(PROVIDE) FOR YOU JUST LIKE HE _______________________(PROVIDED) FOR HIS FIRST SON – JESUS.

 

·        THE BIBLE SAYS ALL OF US WHO ARE WORSHIPPERS OF CHRIST ARE NOW APART OF HIS ADOPTED FAMILY – WE ARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

 

·        GOD WILL PROVIDE FOR HIS CHILDREN JUST LIKE HE PROVIDED FOR JESUS!

 

·        JUST LIKE GOD OUTWITTED KING HEROD AND PROVIDED PROTECTION FOR HIS FIRST SON – JESUS CHRIST, SO TOO GOD WILL OUTWIT THE RULERS OF THIS WORLD AND PROVIDE PROTECTION, LOVE AND PROVISIONS FOR YOU!

 

Romans 8:28- 39 (pg. 800) says:

 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[1] who[2] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[3] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:28- 39