The Light That Cannot Be Contained
We end this section of the outline with one of the most beautiful symbols of the Christmas story: the star.
The star was the sign God chose to lead seekers from distant lands. It wasn't a local light; it was a cosmic beacon that crossed borders and languages.
Matthew 2:9 (KJV) describes its work after the Wise Men left Jerusalem: "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was."
This star was unique because it didn't just shine brightly; it went before them and stood over the exact location. It was a precise, supernatural guide that never failed them.
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
Yesterday, we focused on the dedication of the Wise Men. Today, let’s look at the profound gifts they presented to the Christ child.
Matthew 2:11 (KJV) records their action after they found Jesus: "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
These weren’t just expensive presents. They were three specific offerings that perfectly prophesied the life and destiny of Jesus Christ:
Wise Men Still Seek Him
We’re moving forward in the timeline now, past the shepherds and the immediate birth, to a group that traveled a long way to find the Christ-child: the Wise Men, or the Magi.
These men weren't Jews. They were likely astrologers or scholars from the East, representing the first time the light of Christ was seen and pursued by the Gentile world. They beautifully prove that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of where they come from or what they believe.
Their motivation is captured in their simple, powerful question upon arriving in Jerusalem (Matthew 2:2, KJV): "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."
God Is With Us: Emmanuel
If you could remember only one promise of Christmas, what would it be? For me, it would have to be the meaning behind the name given to Christ.
As Joseph wrestled with Mary’s pregnancy, the angel appeared to him, referencing the prophet Isaiah, and said (Matthew 1:23, KJV): "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Think about the depth of that promise: "God with us."
In the Old Testament, God’s presence was often confined to the Temple, or sometimes manifested as a terrifying cloud or fire. He was holy, distant, and powerful—and rightly so.
A Host of Angels
After the single angel delivered the good tidings to the astonished shepherds, something even more magnificent happened. Luke 2:13 (KJV) records it: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying..."
Imagine the scene: The night sky, dark and silent, is suddenly flooded with light, and the silence is shattered by the sound of an entire army of angels—a "heavenly host"—not fighting a battle, but singing a song of praise!
And what was the song? Luke 2:14 (KJV): "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."