In this passage, we read one of the most memorable messianic prophesies. For the promise is that a King is coming who will break into the darkness and bring his life-giving light. Here, we are not just pointing back to the first Advent of Christ, but to his future and forever reign. Jesus the King establishes his kingdom, not for a time but for eternity. “Justice” and “righteousness” mark his kingdom, for which there will “be no end.
Various Texts // Behold Your King
It may seem strange to focus on the cross of Christ during a season in which we focus on the birth of Christ, but the scriptures are clear: Jesus was born that he may die. He who was laid in a lowly manger was lifted up on a Roman cross that we may behold him by faith and have our sins forgiven. In order to rightly understand the beauty of Advent, we must look at the birth of Jesus in the shadow of his death.
Matthew 2:1-12 // Worship The King
When the wise men from a foreign land come to find the newborn King Jesus they say, "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." (Matt. 2:2). In this passage, we see the promised blessing of salvation to those who believe from all nations is starting to be fulfilled. As the church reaches out with the gospel to various social and ethnic groups, we call all who would listen to come that they may worship him.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
The foreign wise men (or magi, i.e., magicians or astrologers) were likely familiar with Old Testament prophecies. How does Numbers 24:17 help us understand why they would follow a star to find a king?
Read Psalm 72:8–11, 15, in the context of the whole psalm. How does this shed light on the wise men’s actions in Matthew 2:11?
FEELING: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God.
Isaiah 60:1–5 tells us that when a “light” comes to Israel it will be the time of salvation for his people and renewal for the world. This should cause the people’s hearts to thrill and rejoice (Isa. 60:5). When this “light” finally comes, who ends up responding properly and who does not (note Matt. 2:3, 10)?
What do the Wise Men do when they finally see Jesus? What does this tell us about who Jesus is?
DOING: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally).
This passage points to the fulfillment of the promise that through Israel all nations will be blessed. How does this spur you on in the mission to bring the gospel to those around you?
Compare and contrast the three responses to Jesus in this Passage: Herod, the Scribes and Chief Priests, and the Wise Men. Where do we see these responses to Jesus today? How does this challenge the way you see and respond to Christ?
Luke 1:26-38 // The Coming King
The fulfilled promise of this passage has been in-the-making for generations. After years of waiting, the Advent of the Coming King who will rescue God’s people is about to begin. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (carrying John the Baptist), God sends the angel Gabriel to Nazareth to a virgin named Mary, who is engaged to Joseph. The angel tells Mary that God is showing her favor; she will conceive and bear a son, which she is to name Jesus (meaning “Yahweh saves”). Gabriel explains that the child “will be called the Son of the Most High” and rule forever as a Davidic king.
Isaiah 60:1-9 Revelation 21-22:5 // The Future Light
We conclude our Advent series by looking forward to the second Advent of Christ. There will come a day when all darkness, sin, suffering, pain, injustice, & struggle will be done away with and Christ will reign forever more. Revelation 22:4–5 says, "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." What does this future reality mean for us as we live our lives today?
Matthew 5:13-16 // You Are The Light of The World
The introduction to John’s gospel is a rich description of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. He cannot be overcome by darkneJesus Christ, the light has stepped into the darkness so that we may be rescued. What do rescued sinners then do with this light? In Matthew 5:13-16, the "light" illustration turns to focus on the people of God. We are the light of the world. We are called to demonstrate the light of Christ and his kingdom through the character of our lives and the words of our mouths.
John 1:1-18; 8:12 // Light Shines in the Dark
The introduction to John’s gospel is a rich description of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. He cannot be overcome by darkness and this is such an encouragement in the dark times that we all face. John also introduces us to John the Baptist who bore witness about the Light so that all may believe. Who can you bear witness to about the Light of the World this Christmas season?
Isaiah 8:22-9:7 // Great Darkness, Greater Light
The people of Judah are in the midst of turmoil as they await the impending invasion from the Assyrian army. This invasion is judgment for their neglect of God in pursuit of idolatry. In the midst of this darkness, God gives the promise of a future day in which light will dawn and overcome the darkness. This surprising light is Jesus Christ, the one who will bring his people into the knowledge and joy of God.
Philippians 1:6 // Perseverance of the Saints
We have come to our final sermon in our Advent Series: Christmas in the Doctrines of Grace. So far, we have explored from scriptures what God has done from eternity past and how he applies it to us in salvation. But what happens now that we are in Christ? How will we make it to the end when we see Jesus face to face? This biblical doctrine shows us that those God has accepted in Christ can neither totally nor finally fall from God’s grace. They will certainly persevere in grace to the end and be eternally saved, because the gifts and callings of God cannot be revoked.
John 3:1-8 // Irresistible Grace
What is the biblical doctrine of Irresistible Grace: At God’s appointed time, He applies the finished work of Jesus to those God the Father has predestined to life. The Holy Spirit renews their mind and heart, gives them new life, and effectually draws them to Jesus Christ in such a way that by grace and through faith they come to Jesus freely and willingly.