Sermon: Have a Simple New Year

Have a Simple New YearSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on January 4, 2025 for Epiphany. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgText: Matthew 2:1-12After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 6You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.” 7Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 2:1–12.AI Notes:Keywords Epiphany, Wise Men, Christmas, Inclusion, Faith, Simplicity, Community, Worship, Blessings, GodSummary This conversation explores the themes of Epiphany, the significance of the Wise Men, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom. It highlights the simplicity of faith and the unexpected blessings that can arise from following God's guidance. TakeawaysThe arrival of the Wise Men signifies the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom.Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Christ to all nations.Unexpected blessings can arise from unplanned situations, as illustrated by Kristen Bell's story.Faith can be as simple as following God's word and worshiping Him.The wise men exemplified simplicity in their faith journey.God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of background.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.Community and fellowship are essential aspects of worship.God has made it possible for us to approach Him freely through faith in Jesus.Living a simple life of faith can lead to overwhelming joy.