Second Sunday of Advent 2018: What Child Is This?

LEFC Family Advent Readings: “What Child Is This?”
Matthew 2:1-12 :: December 9, 2018
Week #2: King of the Jews

“Advent” means “coming.” Christmas is coming. Jesus has come and is coming again.

During this year’s Advent season, we are answering, from the Gospel of Matthew, the title question of the classic Christmas carol “What Child Is This?”

[LIGHT FIRST CANDLE AGAIN.]

Our first candle proclaimed that the child sleeping on Mary’s lap was “Immanuel.” As prophesied by Isaiah, the virgin gave birth to a child who is “God-with-us.”

[LIGHT SECOND CANDLE.]

The Bible also says that this child whom angels greet with anthems sweet is “The King of the Jews.”

Matthew tells the story in the second chapter of his gospel of a mysterious group of people called the “Magi” who came to Jerusalem from the east looking for the King of the Jews. They had seen His star and had come to worship Him.

The Magi learned from wicked King Herod and the Jewish chief priests and teachers of the law that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem in Judea. They knew this because of the prophecy of Micah in the Old Testament.

[READ MATTHEW 2:6]

So they went to Bethlehem, still following that star, and that’s exactly what the Magi found–a newborn king. They were overjoyed and worshiped Jesus. They knew that He was royalty, and before they left by a different route to outwit evil Herod, they gave Jesus gifts fit for a king.

Jesus is the King of the Jews, and He is our King, as well.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.