Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
Our second day of Advent for Vintage Church is our first day of “Love All.” Given Jesus’ life and teaching, this concept should be an easy one for his followers, and yet we often struggle with pride, self-reliance, and judgment. Here’s a quote from Advent Conspiracy: Making Christmas Meaningful Again by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg Holder
At Christmas, one of the things that should distinguish a Christ follower is a love that reaches out to the hungry and thirsty and sick and imprisoned. Such giving is an act of true worship. There is a close connection between how we treat each other and how we treat God. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says that whatever we do for one of the least of his brothers and sisters, we do for him.
As a collective, we show the love of Jesus for those in need through working with several partnerships and organizations. The Giving Tree is a simple way they communicate the needs of people and we can fill them. Today’s activity is “Take 1, 2, or 3 items from the Giving Tree today at the gathering of Vintage Church. Pray for the person or family as you fill this need.” Don’t skip that last part; as we pray for those who will receive it, we find it becomes less of check the box off the list next to “help others” and more of loving women and men created in the image of a loving Father.