Matthew 2:1-12
2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
2:2 and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.
2:3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
2:4 When he had called together all the peoples chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
2:5 In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, for this is what the prophet has written:
2:6 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 shepherd my people Israel.
2:7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
2:8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully 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, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
2:10 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, frankincense and myrrh.
2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Lesson;
The true biblical meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the gift of salvation that his sacrifice on the cross brought to humanity:
- The birth of Jesus: Christians believe that Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment of prophecy and a transformative event that changed the way people interact with God.
- The gift of salvation: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross saved humanity from sin and reconciled people with God. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.
- A time to give thanks: Christmas is a time to give thanks for the love, hope, and joy that Jesus brings.
- A time to remember God’s love: Christmas is a time to remember God’s love for humanity.
- A time of humility, awe, and peace: The Christmas story is one of humility, awe, and peace.
Some symbols associated with Christmas have additional meanings:
- Holly: The sharp leaves of the holly represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries represent the blood shed on the cross.
- Dove: Christians see the dove as a symbol of peace, freedom, purity, and love.
The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change – the message of Christmas is timeless. Because Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn’t change from year to year.The “Calculation hypothesis”, suggests that 25 December was chosen because it was nine months after a date chosen as Jesus’s conception (the Annunciation): 25 March, the Roman date of the spring equinox. The hypothesis was first proposed by French priest and historian Louis Duchesne in 1889.The angel told them the Son of God had been born, and they hurried to find their newborn Savior (see Luke 2:8–16). Later, wise men from the east were guided by a new star in the heavens to Jesus. They “fell down, and worshipped him” and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (see Matthew 2:1–12).Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant that the new birth of your Son in the flesh redeems us from the old slavery under the yoke of sin, so we may receive him with joy as our Redeemer, and that when when he comes to judge we may see Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. In the name of Our lord and savior we pray.
Lord Jesus take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and I know you will answer my prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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