Sermon title: The Shepherd-King-Priest from Bethlehem
Sermon texts: Micah 5:2-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon points: (1) A Ruler of His People; (2) A Shepherd of HIs Flock; (3) A Priest Who Sacrificed His Own Body and Blood

Summary: Micah prophesied the coming of a "ruler in Israel" who will "shepherd his flock." Jesus our Shepherd-King from Bethlehem is also our Priest-Sacrifice. He lived a sinless, perfectly righteous life and died as the once-for-all sacrifice for all the sins of his people. Through his sacrifice, God cancels our debt of sin and restores us to peace and communion with him. Gold for a King, frankincense for a Priest-God, and myrrh for a Sacrifice.

Hymns:
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"
2. God of God,
Light of Light;
lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created;
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

"What Child is This"
3. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him;
the King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby:
joy, joy for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary.

"As with Gladness Men of Old"
1. As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold;
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious God, may we
evermore be led to thee.

"Angels, from the Realms of Glory"
3. Sages, leave your contemplations,
brighter visions beam afar;
seek the great Desire of nations;
ye have seen his natal star:
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn King.

Reading of the Creed: Nicene Creed