Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 1Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

Christmas 2016: Light of the World: Message 3Sermon Outline: Star of Bethlehem

Topic: The Star of Bethlehem

Main Point: Just as the star of Bethlehem guided the wise to Christ, Christ now guides us back to God.

Intended Response: Follow the star that is Christ

Key Verse: Matt 2:2 We saw his star when it rose and we have come to worship him.

Mission Intention Making Disciples, Transforming Lives, Reforming Society, Caring for People

IntroductionThis sermon looks at the Star of Bethlehem and how it holds meaning for us.

A. The Star Refers to Christ Moses prophesied of this star The star holds a prophetic announcement Christ fulfils the meaning of the star

Point One: Christ fulfils the meaning of the star – the Saving King has been born.

B. The star reveals a prophetic message East refers to a type separation from God in Scripture The star rose in the East at dawn God will speak hope to those who are separated from Him

Point Two: Just as the star led the wise men to the Son of God, Christ will lead us to God.

C. The star guides us to God The morning star signifies a new day had dawned. A new day has dawned, and it began with the arrival of Christ. No matter where we find ourselves, God’s light in Christ is shining for us.

Point Three: If we follow Jesus, He will guide us back to God.

Teaching Illustrations and prop:Throughout this sermon, there are plenty of opportunities to hold up a star that goes on top of the Christmas tree. It would enhance the sermon for you to continually use a star prop. You may want to use one with a light inside it, or you may want to use the one for your Corps Christmas tree and place it on top at the end of the sermon.Resources Power Point slides are available at www.sarmy.org.au/christmas-packs

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 2Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

Christmas 2016: Light of the World: Message 3Sermon Transcript: Star of Bethlehem

Introduction: Good morning everyone and welcome to church.

Every year at Christmas time, thousands of trees are put up and decorated in homes, shopping centres, work places and in churches across the world.

The ornaments that are placed on a Christmas tree have significant meaning behind them that is often unknown or has been forgotten about:

The Christmas baubles for example, are a reference to the forbidden fruit Adam and Eve ate. Traditionally, people assumed this fruit was a red apple – hence red baubles.

The strands of Tinsel used to reflect the Christmas lights on the tree refer to the stars in the sky above the manger where Christ was born.

The candy canes hanging off the tree refer to Christ: His spotless life symbolised in the white cane, the cane being a shepherd’s staff, the red strips for his sacrifice, the hard candy to denote his solid truth, and the green stripe for eternal life.

And atop the tree you will either see:o An angel: which refers to the angels that announced Christ’s birth, oro A star (hold up star prop). The star placed on top of the Christmas

tree symbolises the Star of Bethlehem – the star that shone in the sky and directed the wise men to place where Christ was born:“We saw his star when it rose and we have come to worship him” (Matt 2:2).

Today, we are going to look at some of the deeper meanings behind this star.

Transition You may be wondering what is it about the Christmas star that could possibly hold value and meaning for us today?

Well let’s open our Bibles together and see what we can draw out of the Word of God…

Scripture Reading (Matt 2:1-10)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him…they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matt2:1-10).

Long ago, in the Book of Numbers, Moses wrote down a prophecy:

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 3Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

1. THE STAR REFERS TO CHRIST

“I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob...” (Num 24:17).

The use of the word star here refers to Christ. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus says of himself:

"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star"(Rev 22:16)

Now, this is not to say Jesus is an actual star, but rather the star serves as an illustration helping us to understand that just as the stars light the night sky of heaven, the saving work of Christ lights the darkness in the heart of humankind with the light of God:

In him was life, and that life was the light of men (Jn 1:4), Jesus spoke to the people, and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever

follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (Jn 8:12).

This same Scripture in Numbers goes on to say:

“I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a sceptre will emerge from Israel” (Num 24:17).

A sceptre is a type of decorated staff that is held by a ruling king and speaks of their authority.

When the wise men saw the star in the sky, they knew it pointed to the arrival of a new King:

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matt 1:2-3).

This helps to explain their gifts. In those times, appropriate gifts to be given to a king were gold, frankincense and myrrh: the very gifts they presented to Jesus – they understood Jesus as a new born King.

Secondly, the word sceptre also refers to a Shepherd’s staff. This meaning is picked up in Matthew 2 when the teachers of the law explain the meaning of the star to King Herod:

‘But you, Bethlehem, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel’ (Matt 2:6).

So again, the prophecy in Numbers 24:17 points to Christ:

“I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a sceptre will emerge from Israel” (Num 24:17).

When we look at the star atop a Christmas tree, we can remind ourselves that the star serves two purposes:

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 4Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

1. It refers to Christ.2. It is a prophetic announcement – the king of the world has arrived, who will

gather, rule, and shepherd God’s people.

Point 1: Christ fulfils the meaning of the star – the Saving King has been born.

Transition The other thing about the star of Bethlehem is that it arose in East where the wise men lived. But why is it important that the star was seen in the East?

2. THE STAR REVEALS A PROPHETIC MESSAGE

Now, I fully admit this is not something people generally think about, but have you wondered why Matthew makes the point that the star was seen in the East? (your silence is very reassuring )

At the very beginning of time when God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in a garden where He could walk and talk with them freely. It was a place that fostered a close relationship and connection with God. Yet when Adam and Eve sinned, a great gulf of separation came between them and God. Now, no longer able to visibly see God they were expelled from the Garden of Eden and driven eastward.

This began a very large story arc throughout Scripture – heading East denotes a moving away from God’s presence:

Adam and Eve headed east after being expelled from Eden:“After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life” (Gen 2:24),

Cain headed east after killing Able“So Cain (after killing his brother) went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden” (Gen 4:16).

Humans headed east to set up their own empire away from GodAs the people moved eastward, they found a plain in Babylon and settled there [saying] “come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves” (Gen 11:2-4),

When Israel were sent into exile, they were sent east from Jerusalem to Babylon (Jer 29:4).

We see that in Scripture that heading East denotes a heading away from the Garden of Eden, away from God’s presence. To be in the East meant that Israel were cut off from God. The East symbolised a place of separation from God.

And now, here is the significance of the star rising in the east: Though the star rose in the east, it headed west back to Jerusalem to signify

that God’s presence is returning. The fact that it was seen in the East, and men from the East interpreted its

meaning, shows that God is speaking into the place of separation – and intends to guide people back to Himself.

We celebrate this truth at Easter when we remember Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem:

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 5Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

When Jesus entered into the Temple at Easter, He enter in through the Eastern gate accessible from Mt Olives – symbolised God’s glory had returned (Mk 11:1).

And we can also celebrate this truth at Christmas when Christ was born - God has returned for His people:

o “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14),

o "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us") (Matt 1:23).

This is a picture of such amazing grace. The star was seen in the East – the place of separation. It signifies that God is about to bring His people back into relationship with Him (Je 29:10). Moreover, it signifies that God is willing to go the place of separation and sin to find and rescue His people with a message of hope.

And this is exactly what Christ was born to do. Though He was innocent and sinless, He went to the cross, died a criminals death for us, in order that we might be brought back to God. So no matter what we’ve done, no matter how far away from God we feel, His grace can be present in our situation and His presence can save us.

The Star, which was seen in the East, highlights the prophetic intention of God’s heart: He will speak to us in our state of separation with a message of hope – the true guiding star: Jesus – has come to guide us back to God.

Point 2: Just as the star led the wise men to the Son of God, Christ shall lead us to God.

Transition The message of the star hasn’t changed…

3. THE STAR GUIDES US TO GOD

Second Peter says,

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19)

The morning star is the brightest of all stars at first light and in ancient times, was the way they knew a new day had dawned. For us here today, we no longer need to wait – a new day is dawning and it began with the arrival of Christ.

The Bible says:

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness” (Jn 12:46).

No matter where we find ourselves, God’s light in Christ is shining for us. Just as sailors used stars to guide navigate their way, just as the wise men were guided by the star of Bethlehem, so to Christ can guide each of us.

If you feel separated from God – Christ’s light shines to reassure you of the message

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 6Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

of hope: that this sinless child, born in a manger, grew up to take away our sins and bring us back to God.

The true star, the morning star, the light of men, has come to guide our way home.

Testimony: share a quick story of how Christ has led you closer to God.

Point 3: If we follow Jesus, He will guide us back to God.

Transition The star on top of the Christmas tree reminds us that God has come for us. The child born of a virgin came to take away our sin, to meet us in our darkness, to shed the light of God on our hearts, and to light the true pathway home to God.

Call to Action So as we close today, let me encourage us all to consider:

Has the star of Bethlehem settled over your heart? Has God’s light come to shine on you and lead you to that manger – that

place where Christ is found?

And if so, where might be Christ leading you next? Into mission, into service, into

sharing your faith?

Let’s we pray together…

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank you for shining your light on the world. We thank you for the precious gift of Jesus this Christmas.

We thank you that you have come for us. That you are guiding us back to you through Christ. We pray for boldness this day to share our light and hope with others. For Christ Jesus truly is light of all men, and we welcome His life into our life this day – Amen.

We pray that you would help our light shine, that we would share our hope and faith with others this Christmas season, so that all would know the hope of God. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus – Amen.

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 7Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

Christmas 2016: Light of the World: Message 3Sermon Scriptures: Star of Bethlehem

Matt 2:1-2 (NIV)After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi

from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Num 24:17 (NASB)"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.

Rev 22:16 (NIV)I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the

Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.

Jn 1:4 (NIV)In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Jn 8:12 (NLT)Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.

Matt 2:6 (NIV)But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.

Gen 2:24 (NIV)After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden.

Gen 4:16 (NIV)So Cain went out from the LORD's presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Gen 11:2 (NLT)As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there.

Ezek 10:4 (NIV)Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple.

Ezek 10:19 (NIV)While I watched, the cherubim spread their wings and rose from the ground, and as they went, the wheels went with them. They stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD's house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 8Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)

Ezek 11:23 (NIV)The glory of the LORD went up from within the city and stopped above the mountain east of it.

Jer 29:4 (NIV)This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Matt 21:1 (NIV)As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.

Isa 7:14 (ESV)Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matt 1:23 (NLT)Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.

2 Peter 1:19 (NIV)“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

2 Peter 1:19 (MSG)The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.

Jn 12:46 (NIV)“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.”

Je 29:10 (NIV)This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfil my good promise to bring you back to this place.

Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory © 2016 9Christmas Series: The Light of the World. Written by Christopher Trodden B.A (Bib.Stud)