I. The Myths about the Magi
A. The wise men were not kings
B. They were not three.
C. They were not riding on camels
D. The shepherds and wise men were not together
E They were not alone
II. The Truth about the Magi
A. They were members of an Eastern priestly clan.
B. They were most likely followers of Daniel. The Chief Magi.
III. Ovecoming Fear with Hope
A. In the Old Testament, the word for hope (TIKVA) means a strong rope.
B. In the New Testament, the word hope (ELPIS) means it’s certain.
C. You cannot place your hope on yourself and thrive.
D. Your happiness is only a by-product of you fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.
Questions: Points to ponder upon this Christmas
A. What do you think about the practice of gift giving during Christmas? What are the positive and negative aspects of it?
B. Read Hebrews 11:1. What is the relationship between faith and hope?
C. Read Jeremiah 29:11. Why is it important for a person to have a hope for the future? What happens when a person has no hope?
D. Read Psalm 39:7. How does hope help us in our waiting?
E. Read Psalm 119:114 and Proverbs 3:5. Why is it crucial that the focus of our hope is trustworthy?
F. How can hoping in the wrong cause be destructive? What happens when you hope in the wrong thing?
Prayer and Action Point:
Reach out to someone you know is discouraged this Christmas, and ask Jesus to show you how to bring hope to this person.