How Not To Lose Sight of Christ as We Celebrate Christmas

Text: Matthew 2: 1 - 22

Introduction:

As we celebrate Christmas, we should bear in mind the center of the celebration - the only reason why we have Christmas - JESUS CHRIST. If you look around, Christmas seems to be the biggest business mankind has developed. A lot of things seem to substitute Jesus. However, as Christians we should not lose sight of Christ as we celebrate this season. Let us look at the text in Matthew 2:1-22 where we see biblical principles on how not to lose sight of the Saviour. I believe that we can learn from what the wise men or Magi did why they were able to find Jesus.

1. They diligently seek Jesus

    Continue to seek the Scripture and study the Word of God. More often, those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him.

We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shines in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit.

2. They did not listen to what King Herod told them

We should not be deceived by what the world offers. In this passage, though Herod was very old, and never had shown affection for his family, and was not himself likely to live till a new-born infant had grown up to manhood, he began to be troubled with the dread of a rival. He understood not the spiritual nature of the Messiah's kingdom.

Let us beware of a dead faith. A man may be persuaded of many truths, and yet may hate them, because they interfere with his ambition, or sinful indulgences. Such a belief will make him uneasy, and the more resolved to oppose the truth and the cause of God; and he may be foolish enough to hope for success therein.

3. They were overjoyed and worshiped Jesus only

We should not be overwhelmed by circumstances, by the celebration, we should focus our worship to Jesus alone. What joy these wise men felt upon this sight of the star, none know so well as those who, after a long and melancholy night of temptation and desertion, under the power of a spirit of bondage, at length receive the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of God.

4. They offered their best gifts

Always offer the best to God. We may well think what a disappointment it was to them, when they found a manger was his palace, and his own poor mother the only attendant he had. However, these wise men did not think themselves baffled; but having found the King they sought, they presented their gifts to him. The humble inquirer after Christ will not be stumbled at finding him and his disciples in obscure cottages, after having in vain sought them in palaces and populous cities. The gifts the wise men presented were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Providence sent these as a seasonable relief to Joseph and Mary in their present poor condition. Thus our heavenly Father, who knows what his children need, uses some as stewards to supply the wants of others, and can provide for them, even from the ends of the earth.

5. They obeyed what God told them

We need to continue obeying God as we journey.  We CAN NOT go back to where we have been before we accepted Jesus. Just like the wise men they left Jerusalem using another way.

Conclusion

• Jesus Christ love is the greatest gift ever given by God to men.

• The best gift that we can share to others is the “gift of God which is eternal life in Christ Jesus”.

• Let us not focus on Christmas so we may not lose sight of Christ.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 4:7)