Big Idea: Christmas is a time to worship. Focus Point One: Worship is a journey. (Matthew 2:1-6)

Consider: The wisemen travelled a long way to celebrate the birth of Christ. Tell the group a story about you, or someone close to you, who travelled a long way to celebrate Christmas. Going Deeper: The description of the wise men makes it likely that they were travelling from Persia, which means they likely travelled a similar path to that of the Jewish exiles returning from Babylonian captivity. By reading the story of one of these exiles, we can get some sense of how long the journey might have taken. Read: Ezra 7: 1-9, paying special attention to verse 9.

Focus Point Two:

The wisemen didn’t allow obstacles to get in their way. (Matthew 2:7-9)

Consider: The star took the wisemen far, but they needed the words of the prophet Micah to help them. When has the Bible given you the guidance you were looking for? Going Deeper: Read: Micah 5:2. The depth of Herod’s cruelty will soon become apparent in Matthew 2: 16. His son was not much better, read: Mark 6: 17-29. It is this latter Herod that was king during Jesus adulthood and to whom Jesus refers in Luke 13: 31-32.

Focus Point Three: The wisemen worshipped and protected the Messiah. (Matthew 2:11-12) Consider: The wisemen protected Jesus with their silence. Think of other examples, personal or historical, of one person protecting another person with his or her silence. Going Deeper: The wisemen were very likely the first Gentiles to worship Jesus. They certainly would not be the last. Read: Acts 15: 12-22: Romans 15: 16-22.

NEXT STEPS: 1. Like the wisemen, consider bringing an offering to our

Christmas Eve services, where 100% will be used towards three missions: Villa Fontana (Puerto Rico), 911Life (Colombia) and Boyertown Salvation Army.

2. Consider attending one of our Christmas Eve Eve services to allow room for our guests to attend on Christmas Eve services.

3. Need prayer? Want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior? Stephen Ministers and Lay Pastors are available to pray with you after the service.

Wisemen Came to Worship Christmas Matthew 2:1-12

SERMON SERIES: Who Is Coming To Christmas?

Life Groups Study Guide for December 21 & 22, 2019

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