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1. NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
AS WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
Matthew 2:1-12
Allan M. Canonigo
Word of Hope Church-Morong, Rizal
8 December 2011
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

2. HOW NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
1. They diligently seek Jesus (vv. 1-7)
• Continue to seek the Scripture and study the Word
of God
• Those who live at the greatest distance from the
means of grace often use most diligence, and
learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation.
But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can
direct men unto him.
• We must learn of Christ by attending to the word
of God, as a light that shines in a dark place, and
by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

3. HOW NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
2. They did not listen to what King Herod told them (vv. 7-9)
• We should not be deceived by what the world offers
• Though Herod was very old, and never had shown
affection for his family, and was not himself likely to live
till a new-born infant had grown up to manhood, he began
to be troubled with the dread of a rival. He understood not
the spiritual nature of the Messiah's kingdom.
• Let us beware of a dead faith. A man may be persuaded of
many truths, and yet may hate them, because they
interfere with his ambition, or sinful indulgences. Such a
belief will make him uneasy, and the more resolved to
oppose the truth and the cause of God; and he may be
foolish enough to hope for success therein.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

4. HOW NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
3. They were overjoyed and worshipped Jesus only (vv. 10-11a)
• We should not be overwhelmed by
circumstances, by the celebration, we should
focus our worship to Jesus alone
• What joy these wise men felt upon this sight of
the star, none know so well as those who, after
a long and melancholy night of temptation and
desertion, under the power of a spirit of
bondage, at length receive the Spirit of
adoption, witnessing with their spirits that they
are the children of God.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

5. HOW NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
4. They offered their best gifts ( (v11b)
• Always offer the best to God
• We may well think what a disappointment it was to
them, when they found a manger was his palace, and his
own poor mother the only attendant he had. However,
these wise men did not think themselves baffled; but
having found the King they sought, they presented their
gifts to him. The humble inquirer after Christ will not be
stumbled at finding him and his disciples in obscure
cottages, after having in vain sought them in palaces and
populous cities.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

6. HOW NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
• The gifts the wise men presented were gold,
frankincense, and myrrh.
• Providence sent these as a seasonable relief
to Joseph and Mary in their present poor
condition.
• Thus our heavenly Father, who knows what
his children need, uses some as stewards to
supply the wants of others, and can provide
for them, even from the ends of the earth.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

7. HOW NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF CHRIST?
5. They obeyed what God told them (v.12)
• We need to continue obeying God as we
journey.
• We CAN NOT go back to where we have
been before we accepted Jesus. Just like
the wise men they left Jerusalem using
another way.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

8. Conclusion
• Jesus Christ love is the greatest gift ever given
by God to men.
• The best gift that we can share to others is the
“gift of God which is eternal life in Christ
Jesus”.
• Let us not focus on Christmas so we may not
lose sight of Christ.
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal

9. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Word of Hope Morong, Rizal