THE LIGHT SIDE OF THE FORCE (3 OF 4)
by Steve Jones
The Light Side of the Force (3 of 4)
Series: Star Wars Christmas
Steve Jones
Matthew 2
INTRODUCTION:
In the Star Wars movies, the force has a dark side and a light side. The dark side of the force feeds off of emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, lust and hate and corrupts those who use it. The light side of the force is the opposite of the dark side and is used by the Jedi for peaceful purposes.
Last week we identified the "dark side" of the Christmas account with Herod's attempt to kill the young child Jesus. Today, I want to identify the "light side" of the Christmas story by focusing on the Star that led the wise men to Jesus.
While stars have always been a source of navigation and guidance, Matthew records a special star guiding a special group of seekers on the ultimate journey-the journey to find the Christ. I want us to see what we can learn about worship today by following the Christmas star.
I. FOLLOW THE STAR FROM GOD
Matthew 2:7-9 “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”
This star was from God. There have been many attempts to explain the Christmas star from a strictly natural perspective. Suggestions include a comet, a conjunction of planets, or a supernova. But none of these explanations harmonize completely with the historical account. Besides, the star went before the Magi and led them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, a distance of about six miles, in a direction from north to south. Every natural object in the sky moves from east to west due to the earth’s rotation. In addition, it’s difficult to imagine how a natural light could lead th ...
Series: Star Wars Christmas
Steve Jones
Matthew 2
INTRODUCTION:
In the Star Wars movies, the force has a dark side and a light side. The dark side of the force feeds off of emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, lust and hate and corrupts those who use it. The light side of the force is the opposite of the dark side and is used by the Jedi for peaceful purposes.
Last week we identified the "dark side" of the Christmas account with Herod's attempt to kill the young child Jesus. Today, I want to identify the "light side" of the Christmas story by focusing on the Star that led the wise men to Jesus.
While stars have always been a source of navigation and guidance, Matthew records a special star guiding a special group of seekers on the ultimate journey-the journey to find the Christ. I want us to see what we can learn about worship today by following the Christmas star.
I. FOLLOW THE STAR FROM GOD
Matthew 2:7-9 “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”
This star was from God. There have been many attempts to explain the Christmas star from a strictly natural perspective. Suggestions include a comet, a conjunction of planets, or a supernova. But none of these explanations harmonize completely with the historical account. Besides, the star went before the Magi and led them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, a distance of about six miles, in a direction from north to south. Every natural object in the sky moves from east to west due to the earth’s rotation. In addition, it’s difficult to imagine how a natural light could lead th ...
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