Embracing the Universal Light of Christ

 

Summary

The message today centers on the theme of Epiphany, a time in the Christian calendar that celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the light of the world. This light is not confined to a single group but is meant for all nations and peoples. The story of the Magi, who traveled from distant lands to worship Jesus, exemplifies the universal reach of God's message. Their journey signifies God's intention to cast His light across the world, a theme echoed in both the Old and New Testaments. Isaiah speaks of nations coming to God's light, and Paul emphasizes the privilege of sharing the treasures of Christ with the Gentiles.

As we move beyond the Christmas season, it's crucial to maintain our awe for the Savior, not just the festivities. The new year invites us to live with humility, guided by the Spirit rather than our own ambitions. This humility allows us to hear and respond to God's vision for our lives. We are encouraged to start the year with a blank slate, open to God's plans rather than our own. This openness requires humility, worship, and obedience, as demonstrated by figures like Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah through their humble and obedient lives.

Worship is more than a Sunday activity; it's a lifestyle of sacrificial living in response to God's work in our lives. The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize the worthiness of Christ, and we are challenged to consider what gifts we will offer to God in the coming year. Worship and obedience are intertwined, as true worship involves living in a way that honors God as the most valuable aspect of our lives.

As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the humility required to receive God's grace. The table is open to all, symbolizing the inclusivity of God's love. We are called to bring our lives, plans, and visions to God, acknowledging His worthiness above all else. This act of surrender is an expression of worship and obedience, aligning our lives with God's greater plan.

Key Takeaways:

1. Universal Light of Christ: The story of the Magi illustrates that Jesus is the light for all nations, not just a select few. This universal message calls us to embrace the inclusivity of God's love and share it with others. [23:48]

2. Humility and God's Vision: Starting the year with humility allows us to hear and respond to God's vision for our lives. By setting aside our own plans, we open ourselves to the greater purpose God has for us. [37:45]

3. Worship as a Lifestyle: Worship extends beyond Sunday services; it is a lifestyle of sacrificial living in response to God's ongoing work in our lives. This involves offering our time, talents, and treasures to God. [48:06]

4. Obedience and Humility: The Magi's journey exemplifies the humility and obedience required to follow God's guidance. True obedience begins with a humble heart, willing to seek and follow God's direction. [50:15]

5. Communion and Surrender: Participating in communion is an act of humility, worship, and obedience. It symbolizes our surrender to God's will and acknowledges His worthiness above all else. [51:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:48] - Epiphany and the Light of Christ
- [36:41] - Moving Beyond Christmas
- [37:45] - Humility and New Year Vision
- [40:39] - Worship and Obedience
- [42:01] - Simeon and Anna's Encounter
- [43:35] - The Magi's Journey
- [45:19] - Receiving with Humility
- [46:12] - The Essence of Worship
- [47:06] - Gifts of the Magi
- [48:06] - Worship as a Lifestyle
- [50:15] - Obedience in Action
- [51:30] - Communion Invitation
- [54:10] - Prayer and Reflection
- [58:40] - Open Table Invitation
- [01:11:52] - Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-12
2. Isaiah 60:2-3
3. Ephesians 3:8

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the journey of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 reveal about the universal reach of God's message? [23:48]

2. How does Isaiah 60:2-3 describe the impact of God's light on the nations?

3. In Ephesians 3:8, what privilege does Paul mention, and how does it relate to the theme of inclusivity in the sermon? [23:48]

4. How do the actions of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:28-32 demonstrate humility and obedience? [43:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of the Magi challenge the idea that Jesus' message was only for a specific group of people? [23:48]

2. What role does humility play in hearing and responding to God's vision for our lives, as discussed in the sermon? [37:45]

3. How can worship be seen as a lifestyle rather than just a Sunday activity, according to the sermon? [48:06]

4. In what ways do the gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) symbolize the worthiness of Christ, and how does this relate to our own offerings to God? [47:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the universal light of Christ. How can you actively share this light with someone from a different background or culture this week? [23:48]

2. Consider your plans for the new year. How can you incorporate humility to ensure you are open to God's vision rather than solely pursuing your own ambitions? [37:45]

3. Identify one area of your life where you can transform your worship into a lifestyle of sacrificial living. What specific steps will you take to make this change? [48:06]

4. Think about a time when you had to follow God's guidance with humility and obedience. How did that experience shape your faith journey? [50:15]

5. As you prepare to participate in communion, what personal plans or visions do you need to surrender to God, acknowledging His worthiness above all else? [51:30]

6. How can you cultivate a heart of humility like Simeon and Anna, allowing you to recognize and respond to God's presence in your daily life? [43:35]

7. What specific gift (time, talent, or treasure) can you offer to God this year, and how will you ensure it reflects the worthiness of Christ in your life? [47:06]

Devotional

Day 1: The Universal Light of Christ
The story of the Magi traveling from distant lands to worship Jesus highlights the universal reach of God's message. This journey signifies that Jesus is the light for all nations, not just a select few. The Magi's quest to find and honor Jesus exemplifies the inclusivity of God's love, which transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, where both the Old and New Testaments speak of God's intention to spread His light across the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this universal message and share the light of Christ with others, recognizing that His love is meant for everyone. [23:48]

Isaiah 49:6 (ESV): "He says: 'It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'"

Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling excluded from God's love? How can you intentionally share the light of Christ with them this week?


Day 2: Humility and God's Vision
Starting the new year with humility allows us to hear and respond to God's vision for our lives. By setting aside our own plans and ambitions, we open ourselves to the greater purpose God has for us. This requires a posture of humility, where we are willing to listen and be guided by the Spirit rather than our own desires. Figures like Simeon and Anna in the Bible exemplify this humility, as they recognized Jesus as the Messiah through their obedient and humble lives. As we embark on a new year, let us approach it with a blank slate, ready to embrace God's plans and vision for our lives. [37:45]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What personal ambitions or plans do you need to set aside to make room for God's vision in your life? How can you practice humility in your daily decisions?


Day 3: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is more than a Sunday activity; it is a lifestyle of sacrificial living in response to God's ongoing work in our lives. The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize the worthiness of Christ, challenging us to consider what gifts we will offer to God in the coming year. True worship involves offering our time, talents, and treasures to God, living in a way that honors Him as the most valuable aspect of our lives. This lifestyle of worship requires us to be intentional in our daily actions, ensuring that they reflect our devotion to God. [48:06]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What specific gift—be it time, talent, or treasure—can you offer to God this week as an act of worship? How can you incorporate this offering into your daily routine?


Day 4: Obedience and Humility
The journey of the Magi exemplifies the humility and obedience required to follow God's guidance. True obedience begins with a humble heart, willing to seek and follow God's direction. The Magi's willingness to travel great distances to honor Jesus demonstrates their commitment to obeying God's call, regardless of the challenges they faced. As believers, we are called to cultivate a similar attitude of humility and obedience, trusting that God's guidance will lead us to His greater purpose for our lives. [50:15]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to greater obedience? What steps can you take today to humbly follow His guidance?


Day 5: Communion and Surrender
Participating in communion is an act of humility, worship, and obedience. It symbolizes our surrender to God's will and acknowledges His worthiness above all else. The open table of communion reflects the inclusivity of God's love, inviting all to partake in His grace. As we bring our lives, plans, and visions to God, we are called to surrender them to His greater plan, trusting in His wisdom and love. This act of surrender is an expression of worship, aligning our lives with God's purpose and acknowledging His sovereignty. [51:30]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: What aspect of your life do you need to surrender to God today? How can participating in communion help you embrace this surrender and align your life with God's will?

Quotes

"God's plan, ultimately, in the end, but the Christmas story continues, and we don't want to miss the rest of the Christmas story, and so today is called Epiphany Sunday on the church Christian church calendar, and it's a reminder again and a proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, that his message, his coming was not just for a particular group of people, the Jewish people in a promised land, but it was for all of us. It was for all nations, all people, and in Matthew chapter 2, verses 1 through 23, we have the visitation of the magi, or the wise men, and these magi came from far off land. They didn't come from just over the hill of Nazareth. They came for months, and they came for miles, and it shows that God was working." [00:34:41] (56 seconds)


"Also confirmed in the New Testament is the apostle Paul talking in Ephesians 3 .8. He says, Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, how graciously he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. Again, Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is a message for all the world, all people. God's story continues. Our story within the story continues beyond Christmas Day. Beyond Christmas." [00:36:04] (37 seconds)


"And then, worship and obedience is important. Worship and obedience allow you to walk in God's vision. You have to have worship because he's got to be first and foremost. And you have to have obedience. And you have to have a vision. And you have to have a heart of obedience because you've got to follow the one who is first and foremost, the worthiest one. And the truth is, to live with humility, we must worship. We must obey the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit." [00:40:52] (31 seconds)


"Humility is present throughout the Christmas story. It's actually really present beyond the normal story that we usually read. But Simeon meets the Messiah. Jesus at the presentation at the temple. Anna gets to meet the Messiah as well. There's humility in their stories. The wise men, they see signs. They follow those signs. They visit. We also see worship and we see obedience in these three characters as well." [00:41:23] (38 seconds)


"You know, the act of worship, if you've heard me talk about worship, it is grounded in humility because the Hebrew word, shaka means to bow. So when somebody says you need to worship, shaka, you bow in reverence. The Greek word is proskunio. And proskunio means to prostrate oneself or to blow kisses in love. That's what it means to worship, to prostrate oneself, to blow kisses. And so that to me is a posture of humility." [00:45:58] (37 seconds)


"So I wanna highlight it. I think that that's highlighted there by the gifts of the Magi. If you think about it, gold, frankincense, myrrh, gold for a king, frankincense, for the high priest, for an act of worship, and then myrrh, which is a savior, a sacrificial savior. And so those are highlight, I think, this worthiness of our Savior and the Messiah, Jesus Christ. I think about gifts. You know, what gifts? What gifts will I give to God in 2025?" [00:47:06] (36 seconds)


"Now, you think about the Magi. They journeyed from a long ways away. And today, we don't have to travel far. We only need to come to Him with humble hearts, declaring faith, receiving God's grace in our life. When we come, we're invited to, like the Magi, to bring our gifts. But we don't bring gold and frankincense and myrrh, even money for the special offering. We need to bring our personal plans. We need to bring our personal vision, our steps, our lives." [00:50:52] (45 seconds)


"And we celebrate salvation through this table. It's been gift of God that is acquired through surrendering. It's not something you've earned, but surrendered. And that takes humility. That takes some worship. That takes some obedience. I love Simeon's words. Let me reread them. Sovereign Lord, he said, now let your servant die in peace. As you have promised, I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people." [00:51:54] (36 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?