January 8, 2022

Dear Road Church Friends,

The story of the Wisemen from the East, who paid homage and offered precious gifts to baby Jesus is one of the most intriguing and mysterious stories in the Bible. It is only twelve verses, yet the speculations and legends it has generated could fill volumes. Through the centuries the curious have given their imaginations free reign in their attempt to answer the many questions this story raises. The “visit of the magi” is celebrated on the first Sunday of Epiphany, the season of “enlightenment.” In this week’s message I hope to shed some light on the meaning of their pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

SERMON:   “Who Were the Wise Men?”

SCRIPTURES

Matthew 2:1-12   In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea…When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Revelation 21:23-24   The city of New Jerusalem has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. Even the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

HYMN: We Three Kings #233.

FACING THE NEW YEAR

We pledge ourselves to follow through the coming year,

The light which God gives us, the light of Truth wherever it may lead;

The light of Freedom, revealing new opportunities

for individual development and social service;

The light of Faith, opening new visions of the better world to be;

The light of love, daily binding brother to brother,

And man to Godwin ever closer bonds of friendship and affection.

Guided by this light, we shall go forward to the work of another year,

With steadfastness and confidence.

Author Unknown

May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be yours.

Pastor Norm

Our service on YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=O3nAxUCTlN0&feature=share