Keeping the Grinch Out of Our Christmas
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Matthew 2:1-12
“Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from the eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.” Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law. “Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?” he asked them. “In Bethlehem,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
“Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him. At this meeting he learned the exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” After this interview the wise men went their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with you! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But when it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Almighty God, the heavens tell of your glory. You are worthy of all praise, honor, and majesty. Just as you guided the wise men through a star, I ask that you would guide me by your Spirit this Christmas. In Jesus’ name I ask. . . Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you sent your only Son, Jesus Christ to be my Savior. You came to me because I couldn’t go to you on my own. I praise you for seeing, helping, and saving me! Thank you Jesus. . . Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, I ask that you would give me a worshiping spirit this Christmas. I don’t want to have a bad attitude but rather an attitude of gratitude. I want my heart to sing praises to you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Wednesday |
Jesus, You are my king. No person on this earth could take the place of you. I bow down and worship you this Christmas. Jesus, you are the reason for the season! I want my life to be all about you. I worship you this day. . . Amen. |
Thursday |
Almighty God, thank you for being a giver of good gifts! I thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. Just as you have given to me, I ask that you would help me to give to others. Grant me a giving spirit. In Jesus’ name I ask. . . Amen. |
Friday |
Jesus, I thank you for changing me. Since I’ve met you, nothing has been the same. You have truly changed me from the inside out. May I follow your ways in everything I do and say this Christmas. In Your name I ask. . . Amen. |
Saturday |
Jesus, I have decided to follow you. Because of you, I am now made whole. Thank you Jesus for coming to this world to save sinners like me. I praise your name this Christmas Eve. I love you with all of my heart. . . Amen. |
Background on the Text
The “wise men,” otherwise known as “the Magi,” were known as astrologers, who looked to the stars for guidance. They came from the region of Mesopotamia, which is modern day Iraq. It’s likely they traveled over 800 miles to come to see Jesus. They probably dressed in white robes and wore tall, somewhat conical hats. Because they studied the stars and looked to them for guidance, the natal star they saw convinced them to travel to Palestine to visit the newborn King. This journey would have taken many weeks, as they traveled by both camel and foot. Their sole purpose in coming to a distant land was to worship the newborn Messiah. Although many today believe there were only three wise men, (as there were only three gifts they presented to the baby) it’s likely that there were more than three. They were wise, not because they knew the stars, but because they came to worship the true King – Jesus Christ.
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas:
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts