THE GIFTS THAT REVEAL WHO JESUS REALLY IS

THE CHARACTERS OF CHRISTMAS — Week 1: The Wise Men / Magi In this Advent message, Pastor Graham explores one of the most misunderstood parts of the Christmas story — the Magi. Were they kings? Were there three of them? What was the star? And why did wizards recognize Jesus when the religious experts didn’t? Drawing from Matthew 2:1–12, this sermon uncovers what Scripture actually tells us about these mysterious visitors — and why their gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) reveal the true identity of Jesus: 🔹 Jesus the King — foreshadowed by gold 🔹 Jesus who is God — honoured with frankincense 🔹 Jesus our Saviour — revealed through the gift of myrrh We also explore the surprising contrast between the Magi and Herod’s religious advisors — men who knew the Scriptures but didn’t walk the five miles to see Jesus, while pagan astrologers traveled hundreds of miles to worship Him. This message will challenge you to look again at the Christmas story and consider your own response to the King who is God and Saviour. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES • Matthew 2:1–12 • Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7 • 2 Samuel 7:12–13 KEY THEMES • Misconceptions about the Magi • The meaning of their three gifts • Jesus as King, God, and Savior • How worship is the only fitting response • The danger of missing Jesus at Christmas HASHTAGS #CharactersOfChristmas #MidtownChurch #Advent #WiseMen #Magi #ChristmasSermon #JesusIsKing #BibleTeaching #Matthew2