Big Idea: God leads seeking hearts on a journey of faith, worship, and transformation. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT2) Like The Wisemen, Are You: 1. Open To A Journey Of Faith? (Matthew 2:1–6) 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, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘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.’” Matthew 2:1-6 (NLT2) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 24 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though He is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:22-27 (NIV) 2. Open To A Journey Of Worship? (Matthew 2:7-11) 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 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!” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 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. Matthew 2:7-11 (NLT2) • Gold represents wealth “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT) • Frankincense was incense used to worship God “Therefore, go and give this message to Israel. This is what the LORD says: “O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever. 13 Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the LORD your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to listen to my voice. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Jeremiah 3:12-13 (NLT) • Myrrh was perfume used to anoint the dead The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NIV) But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on Him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6 (NLT) 3. Open To A Journey Of Change? When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.” Matthew 2:12 (NLT) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:6-8 (NLT) “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) Are you open to a journey of Faith, Worship & Change? My next right step I will: Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior Go deeper in my worship Make the Bible my compass for living TALKING IT OVER Big Idea: God leads seeking hearts on a journey of faith, worship, and transformation. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT2) Read Matthew 2:1–11 together as a family. Daily Reflection Prompts: Monday: Think about a time you followed God’s direction and found joy. Tuesday: Pray for God to help you see His light this week. Wednesday: Choose one way to show kindness to someone. Thursday: Thank God for sending Jesus to guide you. Friday: Worship as a family — sing or pray together. Saturday: Reflect on how Jesus changes the direction of your life. Family Discussion: What helps you feel close to Jesus during Christmas? What’s one ‘gift’ our family can offer Him — like kindness, service, or worship? Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the light of the world. Help us follow You wherever You lead and give You our best. Change our hearts so others can see Your light through us. Amen.