The True Meaning of Christmas
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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
The True Meaning of Christmas
Introduction
Introduction
There are two different kinds of worshipers in this story True Worshipers and False Worshipers.
True Worshipers - Wise men
Seek Him
Are being Led by Him
Worshiping Him
False Worshipers
Phony - Actors - Herod
Religious - Good Works - Law Keepers - Chief Priests and Scribes
True Worshipers are Seeking Him
True Worshipers are Seeking Him
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Not much is known about the wisemen...
Probably came from the Babylon/Mesopotamia
Influenced by Daniel the Prophet, and Exiles
There’s a cost involved
They brought gifts - Christmas is not about what YOU can get
It’s really about a Babe that was born
False Worshipers
False Worshipers
We find another group that is fake
counterfeit
tell me about counterfeit?
they are NOT interested in the Babe
they have their own agenda
1. Phony Worshipers
1. Phony Worshipers
Herod typify this group
Politicians get religious around election time
“make and appearance at church”
photo op
“too cool” for Jesus
“too cool” for Jesus
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
2. Religious Crowd
2. Religious Crowd
The Chief Priests and Scribes
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
They have some knowledge v.5
They are not seeking the Babe either
They don’t use the Bible to search for Jesus, they use it for their religion
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
The Need to Worship Him
The Need to Worship Him
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
(this is religion, worshipping , but you don’t really know what you are doing)
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
We worship Him in the Assembly of the Saints
We worship Him in the Assembly of the Saints
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
We assemble on Sunday not on Saturday
We assemble on Sunday not on Saturday
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
We worship through Preaching the Word
We worship through Preaching the Word
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
We Worship Him through giving
We Worship Him through giving
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
The Need to Find Him
The Need to Find Him
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.