The Colours of Christmas: Gold

Celebrating the True Meaning of Christ’s Birth: The Colour of Joy

Speaker: Rev. Reuben Foncardas

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Several months after the birth of Jesus, Wise Men from the East came seeking for the one born King of the Jews. Guided by the “star” they saw in the East and perhaps some Jewish literature prophesying about the birth of a King of the Jews (Numbers 24:17), they sought the help and direction (and perhaps permission) from the ruler of the land, Herod the Great.

The story of the Magi’s visit reveals three distinct responses to the advent of Jesus the Messiah. These responses by three different groups of people persist throughout the gospel of Matthew. From this account, we evaluate ourselves as to how we have responded and how we ought to respond to Jesus the Messiah.

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1. The Ruler was HOSTILE to him

• Herod the Great felt threatened by the existence of the Messiah. His priority was to protect and preserve his office at all costs. So, he schemed to kill the child-Messiah by getting information from the Magi.

• God is Sovereign and even Herod the Great cannot thwart His plans.

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2. The Jewish Religious Leaders were INDIFFERENT to him.

• The experts of the Law knew the prophecies about the Messiah very well. Yet they did not care enough to verify the reports about the child-Messiah born in Bethlehem.

• Knowledge of the Scriptures does not automatically lead to belief in the Messiah.

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3. The Gentiles WORSHIPED him.

• The Magi travelled from afar despite their limited knowledge about the King of the Jews. When they finally saw the child-Messiah, they were overjoyed and bowed down to worship him. Then they gave him precious gifts.

• Knowledge of the Truth means nothing until it is received, believed and lived.

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Conclusion:

To experience joy we must…

1. Eagerly wait for the Parousia of the Lord.

2. Firmly stand on the Promises of the Lord.

3. Consistently dwell in the Presence of the Lord.