1. The Star of Christmas What was it?

2. Every time I think that “nobody is THAT stupid” something like this comes along. What is wrong with these people? It’s a friggin’ tree! Exactly who is offended?

3. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. This account is not a fable…This account is not a fable… It is history that corrects our Christmas fables!It is history that corrects our Christmas fables! –“The Census” – not earlier than 6 BC. –Quirinius as Governor: no earlier than 6 BC. –Herod died in 4 BC. –Born some time between 4-6 BC. Of all scriptures, only the Bible’s spiritual teachings are rooted in historical events that can be verified

4. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

5. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” “…From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity “…From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; … And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

6. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. Matthew 2:16

7. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 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. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:8-10 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14

8. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q:What about “The Man in Borneo?” The “Magi” had no “Bible”The “Magi” had no “Bible” Probably astrologers…Probably astrologers… Not God’s preferred approach!Not God’s preferred approach! Yet God brought them to the MessiahYet God brought them to the Messiah

9. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q:What about “The Man in Borneo?” A:God Meets You Where You’re AT

10. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

11. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q:What about “The Man in Borneo?” A: God Meets You Where You’re AT You’ll either SEEK or SUPRESS the knowledge that you have a Creator.You’ll either SEEK or SUPRESS the knowledge that you have a Creator. God is not an Impersonal ForceGod is not an Impersonal Force God is not a trite ‘spirit of the wood’God is not a trite ‘spirit of the wood’ HEROD is Accountable!HEROD is Accountable! The Magi were SEEKERS.The Magi were SEEKERS.

12. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q: What about “The Scribes?” A: They could care less! You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings! 1 Corinthians 4:8

13. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q: What about “The Scribes?” A: They could care less! “70% - 94% of young people are leaving the traditional church after high school… and very few are returning” 63% don’t believe Jesus is the Son of the one true God63% don’t believe Jesus is the Son of the one true God 58% believe all faiths teach equally valid Truths58% believe all faiths teach equally valid Truths 51% don’t believe Jesus rose from the dead.51% don’t believe Jesus rose from the dead. 68% don’t believe the Holy Spirit is a real person.68% don’t believe the Holy Spirit is a real person. Only 4% believe the Bible is God’s WordOnly 4% believe the Bible is God’s Word According to this study, there is no more than a four percent (4%) difference between …Christian and non- Christian young people.

14. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q: What About HEROD? A: Avoidance, Attack Herod was KING!Herod was KING! We, too, are Sovereigns!We, too, are Sovereigns! “Open” to God’s suggestions…“Open” to God’s suggestions… He was in the world, and the world was made through Him…He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11

15. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q: What About HEROD? A: Avoidance, Attack What he got: The Sovereign Christ Authority: “The right and power to command, enforce laws, determine, influence, or judge.”

16. The Star of Christmas Matthew 2:1-16 Q: What About HEROD? A: Avoidance, Attack What he got: The Sovereign Christ The Crucified Christ! He died for YOUR violations…He died for YOUR violations… He offers forgiveness without cost!He offers forgiveness without cost! But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 1:12