1. Grace Fellowship Church www.GraceDoctrine.org Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard Wednesday, December 24, 2008

2. Christmas Eve 2008 The Light of the World Mat 2:1-12

3. The Magi were Oriental astrologers who studied the stars and sought to understand the times, especially called of God to pay homage to the newborn King.

4. The prophecy of The Light coming into the world is found in Numbers 24:17.

5. Num 24:17, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come forth from Jacob, a scepter shall rise from Israel.”

6. The Magi, there number unknown, gave three gifts to the child.

7. Gold emphasizing the deity of our Lord who now was in hypostatic union, God incarnate.

8. Frankincense tells of the impeccability of Christ, a perfect life, without sin, as a fragrant aroma to the Father culminating in the Cross.

9. Myrrh foretold of His death, the sacrificial lamb, anointed, and embalmed upon death.

10. They honored Him by proclaiming His deity, His humanity and His death.

11. 1) They followed the light God gave them;

12. 1) They followed the light God gave them; 2) They confirmed their steps by the Word of God;

13. 1) They followed the light God gave them; 2) They confirmed their steps by the Word of God; 3) They obeyed God without question as He led them each step of the way.

14. Luke 2:29-32, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

15. John 1:4-5, 9, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. … 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”

16. John 8:12, “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life'.”

17. John 9:5, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”

18. John 12:35, “So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.””

19. John 12:46, “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

20. 2 Cor 4:6, “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

21. That light is now the responsibility of you and I. Mat 5:14-16

22. Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’”

23. Instead of focusing our attention on the false and fading, let's give others the true Light of our Lord this season, in the hopes of permanently lighting up their hearts and souls.

25. Gift Offering

26. Grace Fellowship Church Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Tape # 08-094 Christmas Eve 2008 The Light of the World Mat 2:1-12; 5:14-16; Luke 2:29-32; John 3:16-21 Grace Fellowship Church Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Tape # 08-094 Christmas Eve 2008 The Light of the World Mat 2:1-12; 5:14-16; Luke 2:29-32; John 3:16-21 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2008