The Four Kings of Christmas (Herod) (Part 1) (Mt. 2:1-8, 16-18)

Introduction:

1. Illustration: Missing The Point

      “On Dec. 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. On their fifth attempt, the plane under the control of Orville, embarked on a 12-second flight.

      Wilbur rushed to the local telegraph office and sent the following message: WE HAVE FLOWN FOR 12 SECONDS—WE WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

      Upon receiving the telegram, their sister, Katherine, went to the newspaper office, told the editor of her brothers' new flying machine and informed him they would be home for Christmas if he would like to set up an interview. He told her that was nice, and he would be sure to put something in the paper regarding the boys.

      On Dec. 19, the local paper placed the following headline on the sixth page of the paper: "Wright Brothers Home for Christmas."

      The most important story of the year—man's first flight—and the editor missed it!¹

2. Today's Bible verses have to do with a king named Herod.  Just as the newspaper editor missed the point about the Wright brothers' flight, so Herod missed the point about Jesus' birth.

3. My concern today is that it's possible to have another Christmas pass quickly and without impact. When December 26 arrives, will you look back at the last 25 days and say, “I missed it”?

Bible Verses: Read Matthew 2:1-8, 16-18.  Have the sound technician softly play “Coventry Carol” (handbell version) while you read.

1 http://www.preaching.com/sermon-illustrations/11660821/ (accessed 12.02.15)