Matthew 2:1-12 After Christmas

Sermon for first Sunday after Christmas, again based on 'Getting it Across' by Nick Fawcett.

--------------------------

Props:

Image of nativity scene without wise men.
Leftovers from Christmas – deflated balloon, a pulled cracker, a discarded wrapping paper, etc

Talk:

Begin by asking the congregation questions such as: How many days of Christmas are there? How many of you are still celebrating Christmas? What sort of Christmas did you have?

After all the build up, Christmas is over all too soon, and for many each year it seems to be a bit of a let-down; like a deflated balloon, a pulled cracker, or a discarded piece of wrapping paper (show examples). But, while Christmas itself is over, what it celebrates is not finished! Point to the picture on the projector, and ask the congregation what is missing. When they spot that the wise men aren’t there, ask them if they have any idea why not.

Although we think of the wise men as an essential part of the Christmas story, it is almost certain that they arrived in Bethlehem some time after the birth of Jesus, well after the shepherds had been and gone. And there must have been times on their long journey when they wondered whether, when they finally made it to their destination it would be too late, the event they had come to see long over and done with.

But although what we might call the first Christmas was over when they eventually arrived, the truth behind it, and the reason we continue to celebrate this festival, was as real as ever! Jesus had been born in Bethlehem – the King of the Jews, the Saviour of the world – and so they fell down and worshipped him and celebrated. And, no doubt those few moments with Jesus must have lived with them for the rest of their lives.

So it is for us today. Christmas may be over, but our worship and thanksgiving continues; for the truth we have celebrated goes on being as meaningful and relevant today, tomorrow and every day. God has come among us in Jesus, he has shared our humanity, he has opened up the way of life, he is by our side through his Holy Spirit. And he will go on being with us for all eternity. Thanks be to God!