December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas
”Celebrating Christmas, Responding to Christ”
Matthew 2:1-18

Note how people respond to Christ:

I. True worshippers seek to kiss Christ
1. They studied diligently to know Christ – Daniel 2, 7 & 9
2. They put footwork to their faith that they might see Christ – Matthew 2:1-2
3. They bowed to Christ (worshipping Him), showing humility and recognition of His Deity – Matthew 2:11
4. They brought Him dear gifts to honor Him: A. gold B. frankincense C. Myrrh – Matthew 2:11

II. Others seem to miss Christ
1. Those who sought to kiss Christ were in a minority, the majority missed him, and still miss Him today – Matthew 7:13-14
2. Some were but half-hearted in their efforts –
A. The Chief Priests and Scribes, they knew where Christ was born, but make no effort to see Him – Matthew 2:3-8
B. The lukewarm Laodiceans – Revelation 3:14-22

III. Still others would even hiss at Christ
1. Herod seeks to kill Christ –
A. Notice his ways are filled with lies and plots – Matthew 2:8 & :13
B. Notice his sinful frustration fires him into a mad-man – Matthew 2:16-18
2. Notice this murderous madness is the ultimate end of all unchecked sin, see it in:
A. Cain – Genesis 4:1-8
B. In the ways which seem right to a man – Proverbs 14:12
C. In the persecution and crucifixion of Christ – John 5:16, :18; 7:1, :19-20; :25; John 8:37 & :40; John 11:45-53; John 19:6, :16-16
3. Ultimately, this hissing does not cease with Christ but it continues, directed at His followers – John 15:18-25
4. This heated persecution is enflamed by the Devil / Satan – Revelation 12
A. This, I believe was behind Herod’s extreme anger – Matthew 2:16
B. Behind the Pharaoh’s killing in Egypt –
C. Behind Haman’s hatred expressed toward Mordecai and the Jews in Queen Esther’s day –
D. Behind persecutions recorded in Scripture
E. In Church History
F. Around the world today
G. In the fanatic workings of the ACLU, etc

IV. Comfort to true worshippers of Christ –
1. God will thwart all the devil’s plans – Matthew 2:13-15
2. Even seeming defeat is actually part of our victory – Revelation 12:10-11; Romans 8:35-39
3. We are commanded to kiss the Son, Who is the Victor Who is God’s King, Who will win –

NKJ Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: 6 "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." 7 "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' " 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Pastor Arnold Brevick