Sermon text
Matthew 2:1–12
[1] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” [3] When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; [4] and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. [5] They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
[6] “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
[7] Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” [9] After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. [11] And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. [12] And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Scripture Reading
One of our Advent traditions is having families read the sermon text both in English and in a different language. This week, the Schwede and Sullivan families read Matthew 2:1-12 in English and German at the 8 am service. The Yabeny and Easley families read in English and Navajo at the 9:30 am service. The Roark and Needham families read the text in English and Indonesian at the 11 am service.
Call to Worship
Psalm 87
[1] On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
[2] the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
[3] Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God.
[4] Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
[5] And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
[6] The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.”
[7] Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.” (ESV)
Prayer of Repentance
Almighty God, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed; we have not loved you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength; we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. Deepen within us our sorrow for the wrong we have done, and the good we have left undone. Lord, you are full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy; there is always forgiveness with you! Restore to us the joy of your salvation; bind up that which is broken, give light to our minds, strength to our wills, and rest to our souls. Speak to each of us, and let your word abide with us until it has wrought in us your holy will. Amen.
Benediction
May the LORD bless you like the mighty men and women of faith who have gone before you. May He give you the grace to lay aside every weight and sin, which so easily entangles us. May He give you the endurance to run the race that is set before you, and give you eyes that look to JesusAs the founder and perfecter of our faith, and may He set before you the joy that enabled Christ to endure the cross, as He is now seated at the right hand of God where He will rule and reign forever. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Weekly Discipleship Resources
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Weekly Discipleship Resources are tools for families to use to help connect Sunday’s sermon to the rest of your week, fostering conversations and habits of worship.
