Hi, I’m Scott Terry. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Christ Fellowship Today!

Matthew gives us a picture of two reactions to the news of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. We can follow Herod’s path or the way of the Magi. King Herod was troubled by the news of Jesus’ birth. Herod himself, claimed to be the king of the Jews, so he was not happy to hear the news of a challenger. Herod liked being his own king. He liked his selfish attitude, his hateful speech, and his sinful pursuit of satisfying his every lust. You know what he looks like.

The Magi were completely different. They had risked everything to search for Jesus. They journeyed long and far to meet Jesus. And this is what happened when they saw Jesus; “They fell to the ground and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

We are all like Herod in this way; we do not want to yield to Jesus’ rightful authority over us. Herod will continue on that path; he will die for his rejection of King Jesus; and worms will eat his flesh forever. How’s that for a bit of New Year’s cheer? Sobering isn’t it?

But the Magi willingly bow before Jesus and devote their allegiance to Him. As by faith they acknowledge Jesus, the gift of salvation, they submit themselves as His loyal servants.

Come worship Jesus the King this Sunday at 10am at Christ Fellowship Church. Check us out at christfellowshipmaine.org, and have a blessed New Year.