Big Idea
Joy comes when we seek a King, not a kingdom of our own making.
The Christmas story gives us two responses to Jesus: the Magi who traveled far and bowed to worship Him, and Herod who was disturbed and tried to destroy Him. Those same two responses live in us today, and real joy is found only when we stop building our own kingdom and instead seek Christ as King, letting His kingdom and His rule take first place in our lives.
Key points
1The Christmas story is full of characters who each respond differently to the news of Christ's birth
Pastor Scott walks through Luke 2 and introduces figures like Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna, noting how Simeon prophesied over the infant Jesus at the temple and Anna, an elderly widow and prophetess, recognized Him as well.
2The Magi and King Herod represent the two ways people respond to Jesus
From Matthew 2, Pastor Scott explains the Magi were astrologers from Babylon who traveled a great distance following a star and, when they found Jesus, bowed down and worshiped Him. Herod, by contrast, was the ruthless reigning king of the Jews who was disturbed by the news and secretly plotted to destroy the child, later ordering the killing of boys two and under in Bethlehem.
3Our own response to Jesus mirrors either the Magi's bow or Herod's disturbance
Pastor Scott shares his own story of being 'disturbed' rather than immediately worshipful when he first heard the gospel through Stryper lyrics his friend Todd pointed out, spending three days wrestling with the question, 'What if this is true?' He says this disturbance comes because meeting Jesus creates a clash of kingdoms within us.
4Following Jesus means a kingdom transfer, stepping off our own throne
Reading Colossians 1:13, Pastor Scott explains that God rescues us from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His Son, and that God does not force us in but invites us to step off the throne of our own life and put Christ in His rightful place.
5Believers are called to also be seekers of God's kingdom in every area of life
Using Matthew 6:33 and examples of Randy and David from the congregation, Pastor Scott argues that Christians shouldn't just be labeled 'believers' while others are 'seekers' — every believer is called to keep seeking God's kingdom and righteousness realized in marriage, parenting, and business.
6God is not hiding from us; He is revealing Himself and can be found
Pastor Scott uses the hide-and-seek illustration of a father who doesn't really hide from his child, then reads Jeremiah 29:13-14 to show that God confidently promises to be found by those who seek Him with all their heart, because He is the one who places that desire in us.
Application
Pastor Scott frames the response as choosing between building our own kingdom or seeking the King and His kingdom.
Notice whether you're bowing or disturbed
Reflect honestly on whether your response to Jesus looks more like the Magi's worship or Herod's disturbance, and bring that honestly to God.
Step off the throne of your own life
Recognize the clash of kingdoms inside you and choose to let Christ take His rightful place rather than staying in charge yourself.
Seek His kingdom in specific areas of life
In marriage conflict, parenting, or business decisions this week, ask God to realize His kingdom principles in that specific situation rather than defaulting to your own way.
Pay attention to how God is getting your attention
Consider whether it's a friend's conversation, a struggle, or even something as simple as a Christmas card that God is using right now to reveal Himself to you, and respond.
Rewind AI contributed study material from the sermon transcript; church-authored wording and verified sermon quotes keep their own source. Always trust the sermon itself over anything here. How Rewind uses AI
