New Year's Gifts for Jesus
Mike Stone
Matthew 2:1-12
The stockings are packed until next year. The trees are either back in the box or off to the landfill. And yet the Spirit of Christmas graciously lingers in the air. As we approach this new year of our Lord, I want to connect these two holidays by examining the visit of the magi.
Although scholars debate exactly when this visit occurred, it is generally agreed that it occurred after the actual birth narrative. Still, the opening of Matthew 12 reveals some great New Year's gif ideas for the Lord Jesus. And I'm not primarily talking about the gold, frankincense, or myrrh. I'm speaking of how they sought after Him, gave Him what He deserved, and walked away changed by the encounter.
I do want to be up-front about these gifts. This is no bait-and-switch sales pitch. This isn't like an infomercial where they tell you something is free and then charge an arm and a leg for shipping. No, I want to be crystal clear.
These gifts may not cost you very much. The poorest person here today can give these gifts. And yet the richest here may be unwilling to part with its price. For again, these gifts may not cost you much. But they will cost you everything.
You see, the greatest gift you could give Jesus is a life that says, ''I will prioritize You. I will bring You the worship You deserve. And I'll live my life, transformed by our relationship.'' That's a great gift for New Year's Day and any day of the new year. Let me show you what I mean.
The first gift the magi reveal is the gift of:
1. Looking for Him
Maybe you heard about the telemarketer that called the house one day. She was greeted by the hushed voice of little boy. She asked to speak with his mother. He whispered that she couldn't come. She was talking to the police officer.
Can I talk to the policeman? ''No, he's with the fireman,'' was the hushed reply.
Can I talk to the fireman? No, he's talking to the helicopter pilot.
Can I talk to ...
Mike Stone
Matthew 2:1-12
The stockings are packed until next year. The trees are either back in the box or off to the landfill. And yet the Spirit of Christmas graciously lingers in the air. As we approach this new year of our Lord, I want to connect these two holidays by examining the visit of the magi.
Although scholars debate exactly when this visit occurred, it is generally agreed that it occurred after the actual birth narrative. Still, the opening of Matthew 12 reveals some great New Year's gif ideas for the Lord Jesus. And I'm not primarily talking about the gold, frankincense, or myrrh. I'm speaking of how they sought after Him, gave Him what He deserved, and walked away changed by the encounter.
I do want to be up-front about these gifts. This is no bait-and-switch sales pitch. This isn't like an infomercial where they tell you something is free and then charge an arm and a leg for shipping. No, I want to be crystal clear.
These gifts may not cost you very much. The poorest person here today can give these gifts. And yet the richest here may be unwilling to part with its price. For again, these gifts may not cost you much. But they will cost you everything.
You see, the greatest gift you could give Jesus is a life that says, ''I will prioritize You. I will bring You the worship You deserve. And I'll live my life, transformed by our relationship.'' That's a great gift for New Year's Day and any day of the new year. Let me show you what I mean.
The first gift the magi reveal is the gift of:
1. Looking for Him
Maybe you heard about the telemarketer that called the house one day. She was greeted by the hushed voice of little boy. She asked to speak with his mother. He whispered that she couldn't come. She was talking to the police officer.
Can I talk to the policeman? ''No, he's with the fireman,'' was the hushed reply.
Can I talk to the fireman? No, he's talking to the helicopter pilot.
Can I talk to ...
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