READ
Matthew 2:1-12
CONSIDER
In the Advent season, we are reminded once again that the people of God are waiting for the second coming of our Lord as we are celebrating His first coming. His birth was the announcement of the inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven among us. The story in Matthew 2 revealed the clash of two kingdoms and the contrasts of two kings. Herod, the appointed king of Jews by the Roman Empire, and Jesus, who was born as the King of Jews, the Messiah who saves.
This week, we are going to examine the second name of the child mentioned in Isaiah 9 – Mighty God. Jesus the King is Mighty, He has the power and authority. Jesus is God, His Kingdom is Divine and Eternal. In this world, many kingdoms and governments come and go but God’s Kingdom is eternal. Christmas season is joyful but people in Matthew 2 was distressed. The birth of Jesus made us reflect on what kind of Kingdom we should live in and live for.
Pastor Julian Wong
PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your only Son Jesus Christ to save us from destruction and deception from Satan. May the Spirit remind us the presence of God is here and how we should respond to the wonderful grace You freely gives us through Your Son. In the Advent season, we give thanks to Jesus for His birth, His way to live, His sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection. Thanks be to God, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
Reflect on the year 2024. What are the most important things in our lives that we spend most of the time on?
In this Advent season, what are we waiting for?
In the sermon, there were 5Ps mentioning what King Herod was pursuing. Any reminders and reflections on these?