The Magi followed the star to see Jesus. When they found Him, they worshiped Him and gave Him prophetic gifts, which I call "the first Christmas gifts." Here are my thoughts on these gifts:
I. Wealth (Gold) A. It is true that Jesus had "nowhere to lay His head..." Jesus lived a simple life that did not reflect earthly wealth. B. The Bible reminds us that as God, Jesus had wealth far beyond what gold represented. Two examples are given in Psalm 50:9-12 and Colossians 1:16-17. C. The seeming paradox of Jesus is that though Jesus "had nowhere to lay His head, Jesus was really wealthy beyond any wealth that people can have. II. Worship (Frankincense) A. Frankincense was used in worship as a "sweet smelling savor..." B. In Matthew 2:2 and 11, the magi practiced what this gift prophetically reflected, i.e., that Jesus is worthy of worship, and that He is our focus in worship both personally and corporately. C. We should worship Him now, and we will worship Him throughout eternity. III. Weeping (Myrrh) A. Myrrh was used in burials, reminding us that Jesus came to die for us in order to forgive us for our sins. B. This is magnificently illustrated in Matthew 26:6-13. C. Myrrh reminds us that Jesus died as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, and as a substitute for us. He took the wrath of God for us. The gifts of the Magi predict the meaning of the life of Jesus. He is wealthy, as God is wealthy. He is worthy of our worship and devotion. We are to never forget that He died for us.
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Matthew 7:7 tells us to "ask and it shall be opened..." Acts 16:14 tells us about Lydia whose "heart the Lord opened." In both cases we are invited and told that we should not be closed to God, but to open up to Him. This sermon is an illustration of what it means to open up and how we can do it effectively.
I. We need to open our ears that we may hear. A. To hear what the Lord is saying to us in the circumstances of life. B. To hear what the Lord is saying to us about the people we encounter. C. To hear what the Lord is saying to us through His word. II. We need to open our eyes that we may see. A. Open our eyes to the opportunities to be witnesses for Jesus. B. Open our eyes to the opportunities to better ourselves. C. Open our eyes to clearly see "the paths of righteousness." III. We need to open our hands that we may do God's work. A. In Ecclesiastes 9:10, Solomon advised: "Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might..." B. In Galatians 6:9, we are told: "And let us not be weary in well doing...." C.Jesus told us that "if your right hand offends you cut it off..." Aren't we glad that He did not mean that literally! IV. We need to open our lips that we may speak. A. That we may speak for the Lord. B. That we may offer words of kindness. C. That we may share words of joy. V. We need to open our minds that we may think. A. Open our minds to discover God's truth. B. Open our minds to Philippians 4:8 C. Open our minds to think of ways to serve Jesus instead of ourselves. VI. We need to open our hearts to love. A. Open our hearts to love God/Jesus above all. B. Open our hearts to love people as Jesus did. C. Open our hearts to love what God loves.... Now you see what I mean when I say "open up." Open your life up today. |
All of these materials are free of charge. There is no copyright on them and you are free to use them as you see fit. I am happy to be of assitance to you in your preaching/teaching minstry.
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