HOW TO HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

HOW TO HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Scriptures: Matthew 2:1-12

1.     YOUR PURSUIT

Matthew 2:1–2 (NET) — 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem2 saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Isaiah 55:6 (NIV) — 6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Matthew 2:2 (NLT) — 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

2.     YOUR PEEK

Matthew 2:3–9 (NIV) — 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) — 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Micah 5:2 (NIV) — 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

3.     YOUR PRESENT

Matthew 2:10–11 (NLT) — 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

1.     Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

o    Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

2.     Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

3.     Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.

The best gift you can give to Jesus during this season is your life.