“The Three Wisemen” are as common a Christmas figure as Shepherds and Angels, yet in reality they weren’t there the night Christ was born, and there could have been more than three of them. As we see in Matthew 2, they appear to come sometime later, possibly even a few years after His birth. The Scriptures call Him a young child. (Vs 11)

This story shows us God’s Love, and God’s witness through this special star, but it’s the Wisemen’s reaction to God’s Love that I would like to focus your attention on. 

In the Visit of the Magi we see…

The Reason for Their Visit Vs 1-3

Their journey from the East was certainly a long one, but it was a journey unlike any other. They were following a star! Can you imagine explaining to your loved ones that you’re going off to follow a star wherever it leads!? 

But they had a good reason for this trip. In verse 2 they simply explain to Herod that they have come to worship the newly born King of the Jews! What a lesson for us this season. Can you say that your one purpose is to worship the King of kings? I want this to be my one mission day in and day out: To Worship the Saviour!

The Rival to Their Purpose Vs 4-8

Herod is a perfect reminder to us of how Satan operates. If there is anything that he hates and will always oppose it is the Worship of Jesus Christ. Satan will do anything he can to prevent God’s people from really worshipping Him. Worship for himself is what Satan desires. 

You’ll notice as you read Matthew 2 that Herod sought advice from the Bible for where the King should be born, and he even feigns a desire to worship this King himself. Yet he was full of deception. This is very much how Satan likes to deceive people. He knows the truth. He knows it well enough to distort it. He will pretend to have our best interests at heart. Beware, he is the deceiver. 

Wouldn't you say that Satan has done quite a job on distorting the truth of the Christmas message? I mean it nearly disappears in the midst of wrapping paper, lights, presents, and parties! Please remember the goal of the Magi was to Worship the King. 

When we lose sight of Jesus Christ we have just bowed to the Rival.

The Rejoicing in Their WorshipVs 9-11

I’m sure the Wisemen never dreamed that their stop at Herod’s palace would cause the death and destruction we see in the later portion of Matthew 2. What a horrible event. Herod’s true colors show, and so will Satan’s. 

You might say that the Wisemen could have been a bit wiser if they would just have asked God for directions, but instead they stopped to ask Herod. But you’ll notice that the moment they leave the palace God shows them the star again. They are finally led right to the very place where Christ is. They made it! 

What a time of rejoicing they had. They rejoiced because they had found Christ. He was their goal and He was their joy. They were also glad to give. Worship always involves giving. Is it wrong to say that worshipping Christ should cost us something? These Wisemen gave Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. All very costly items. I’m sure they gave in great quantities too. What can you and I give Him? Well, what does He deserve? Only Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship. Only He, who has given so much for us, deserves our all. What does Jesus want? — He wants you. 

He wants you to know Him as your Saviour. To believe on Him and be free from your sin. He wants you to live for Him. Now and forever. 

Give Him the worship He deserves. Refuse to allow anything to stand between you and Him. Give Him your heart and truly make this a season of worship. 

Are you in the Christmas spirit? I know that phrase can mean different things to different people. But what I mean is, are you in tune with the true Spirit of this season, the Spirit of Jesus Christ Himself?

How do you feel about Christmas? For some it is “the most wonderful time of the year!” My children love every aspect of this season, as all kids do, but so do I. I love the lights, trees, music, parties, and time with family. 

For others though it can be depressing, and discouraging. Some have lost loved ones recently, for others, relationships have been broken, and for this season they will stay that way. It makes for a tough holiday.

For many believers there is the feeling that the real meaning of the season is lost somewhere in the midst of all the commercialization of Christmas. Why, even Charlie Brown was distressed over it when he saw Snoopy’s house decorated for a Christmas contest. He exclaimed, “My own dog gone commercial, I cant stand it!”

Whether you're a Christmas fan or not we all must strive to keep our priorities in check during this time of year.

Here are 3 things that we can do to keep the Right Christmas Spirit:

Remember the Person of Christmas — Matthew 1:16-20,23

In verse 16 of Matthew 1, The genealogy ends with the bold statement that this babe who was born in a stable is Jesus, who is called Christ. Remember this season that it is the Person of Jesus Christ that we are to be celebrating.

Recognize The Purpose of Christmas — Matthew 1:21-25

God tells us the reason for Christ coming right away when He says in Matthew 1:21 that Jesus “Shall save His people from their sins.” We must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus Christ, the baby in the manger, came to die on the cross for us, as us, so that we might be saved. All people need the Saviour, Jesus Christ, because we all are sinners. We all have fallen short of God’s glory. The whole purpose of Christ’s coming is to save anyone who would repent of their sin and believe on the Christ of Christmas.

Realize Your Place in Christmas

Mary and Joseph had their place in this Christmas story. As did the Shepherds, Wisemen, Angels, and the Innkeeper. But what is your place in this Christmas story? Your place is to accept the Gift of all Gifts — Christ Jesus the Lord. Romans6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Don’t lose sight of what matters most this season. Focus on Loving, Serving, and Obeying Christ.

When the gifts are being purchased, and later opened, remember the greatest gift — Jesus Christ. 

And if you've never put your faith in Christ, don't delay, there is no need to wait! Believe on Him and trust Him now!

If we can help you with that please take advantage of our contact information on our church site. We would love to hear from you.

I heard this short piece on a podcast that I like to listen to called the Ministry Connection Podcast. This also appeared on Pastor Cary Schmidt's blog, "Encouraging Words". You can find his blog at caryschmidt.com. Please enjoy and I pray that this will be a blessing to you.

   Just Pedal

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping

track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether

I merited heaven, or hell when I die. He was out there,

sort of like a president. I recognized His picture

when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though

life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem

bike. and I noticed that Christ was in the back

helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested we

changed places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control. I knew the way. It was rather boring,

but predictable...It was the shortest distance

between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long

cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at

breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang

on! Even though it looked like madness, He said,

 "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are

you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I

started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and

entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm

scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,

 gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me

their gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage,

too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and

I found that in giving I received, and still our burden

was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.

I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets,

knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jumps

to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.

 I am learning to shut up and pedal in the

strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the cool

breeze on my face with my delightful

constant companion, Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,

He smiles and says...

" Just Pedal."

- Author Unknown

Easter Sunday was a great day and certainly, a highlight of the year so far. Days like these are alot of work, but well worth the effort. I was just thinking about how thankful I am for the Easter Sunday Celebration here at North Chester Baptist. I am thankful for:

1. Fellow Helpers (3 John Vs 8) --

Easter Sunday was a great opportunity for many people to be involved in the work of the ministry. The people of our church gave out around 100 invitations, and we had many visitors attend church. People served God, and one another, by preparing a delicious breakfast. Several of our ladies worked very hard on special music numbers, and ministered in song at the Resurrection service. The greatest way, and the most productive way, people were involved was through prayer. Finally, it was my privilege to share the Resurrection Gospel of Jesus Christ, but in reality, all of us together delivered the truth of the message. Thanks for serving North Chester Baptist!

2. Every Person, Whatever Reason --

I often hear people talk about the C&E Christians, and I think, "well I hope they don't talk about them like that when they do show up on Christmas and Easter!" I am thankful for every single person who came to our services on Easter, and frankly, I don't care what their reason was! I applauded our congregation for being in church on Easter. Because no matter what their reason it gives God’s Word and God’s Spirit a chance to impact hearts. My prayer is that they will return desiring to hear the truth of God’s Word again. Thanks for coming everyone!

3. Extra Work --

Really!? Yeah, really, I am thankful for some extra work to do! It was a lot of work making the church facilities ready, preparing messages, inviting people, but it was so worth it! And now that it’s over the work is really just beginning. Now there are letters to write and mail, people to visit and encourage. There is more praying, preaching, and serving to do!

4. A Risen Saviour --

Above all, I am thankful for Christ being risen from the dead. I am grateful that our God is Alive! Not only that, but He is alive and at work. It was evident that Christ was working in the hearts of people on Sunday. In the days since, we have heard of people who are considering Christ. He works beyond the perimeters of our church meetings. Praise God! I pray that in the days ahead we can see the reality of Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”

I want to invite you to come celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this Easter Sunday at 11 am. We are having a special Open House Breakfast before the morning service at 9:30 am. This breakfast is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Our Resurrection service is at 11 am, and we will be having an Easter egg hunt for all the children immediately following the 11 am service.

For the last several Sunday mornings we have been studying through the Gospel of John. As we’ve studied we have learned that Jesus Is...Our Everything! He is the Word, He is the Living Water, He is the Light of the World, He is the Good Shepherd, He is the Way, Truth, and Life, just to name a few. Last week we learned that Jesus Is our Sacrifice for Sin, and this week I am praying that many people will understand that “Jesus Is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing they might have life through His name.” (John 20:31) My prayer is that all would be able to truly say that Jesus Is...”My Lord & My God.” (John 20:28)

If you are in our area please join us as we celebrate the Savior!

Our church is blessed with people who love the Lord, and are willing to use their abilities for Him.

We have a children's classes that meet at two different hours. First at our 10 a.m. Sunday School, and then at our 11 a.m. Children's Church. Our focus is on teaching them the Word of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

These classes are staffed with people who are qualified, committed, trustworthy, and talented. One of our volunteers, Megan, actually has hand-drawn the storyboard pictured above. Another of our volunteer teachers, Mary, has been teaching boys and girls for nearly 38 years. My wife Kate is organizing and leading this children's ministry right now and she always has alot of great ideas, along with a huge heart for kids! I am excited that our children have people like this they can learn from and look up to.

We are excited to see what God will do in the lives of these precious kids. The Lord Jesus told Peter in John 21:15, "feed my lambs" and by His grace we will.

For questions regarding this ministry or about our church browse this site or give us a call.

Thanks for stopping by to check out our website! I'm glad to know you are interested in our church.

We believe that every person is important to God. So, everyone is important to us! I think that many people wonder whether or not they really matter to God. I can assure you that you do. I know it's true because Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. Romans 5:8 says that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

At North Chester we understand that our purpose is to let people know how much they mean to God. We want to help anyone who would give us a chance to know the love of God, the forgiveness of sin, and the love of a church family.

Please feel free to browse our site for more information, and please be our guest at one of our church services soon!