Series Outline for Christmas Surprises
The story of the first Christmas, recorded in Matthew 1 and 2, is full of surprises, each of which reveals an aspect of the Gospel that still has the power to amaze us today.
Christmas Surprises
The story of the first Christmas, recorded in Matthew 1 and 2, is full of surprises, each of which reveals an aspect of the Gospel that still has the power to amaze us today.
Matthew 1-2
Surprise Worshippers
In a stunning Christmas surprise, the Magi – pagan scholars skilled in religious texts, dreams, and the stars – become the first Gentile worshipers of Jesus, foreshadowing God’s plan to call followers from every nation.
Matthew 2:1-23
Surprise Reactions
In a surprising twist, the news about Jesus unmasked three responses still common today: Herod’s hostile fear, the religious leader’s complacent indifference, and the Magi’s joyful worship.
Matthew 2:1-18
Christ Through My Eyes – Christmas Eve 2021
The central question for every human is how they see and respond to Christ – whether with faith and worship like the Magi or with fear and rejection like Herod.
Matthew 2:1-18
Matthew – The Man
Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, God’s True Son who accomplishes the call of Adam and Israel, succeeding where they failed, to bring salvation to the earth.
Matthew 1:1; 2:13-15; 3:16-17; 4:1-11