December 21st, 2025
Immanuel: Experiencing God's Presence
The Journey
Jon Fredricks
Today's Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8 NIV
Matthew 2:1-8 NIV
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
John 3:16 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
1) THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH THE FATHER
John 6:44 NIV
44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
John 12:32 NIV
32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Revelation 3:20 NIV
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
2) THE JOURNEY IS A NATURAL RESPONSE
Acts 17:27 NIV
27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him...
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Romans 1:20 NIV
20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
3) THE JOURNEY IS A FAITH DECISION
Mark 4:31-32 NIV
31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Revelation 3:20 NIV
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
AFTER THE LIVESTREAM
Pray -
Jesus, I know that I have been separate from you my entire life. I have tried to pretend otherwise, but I realize today that my decisions, choices...my sin has separated me from God. I believe you are the Son of God and my only way forward. Please save me as I surrender the rest of my life into your hands. Thank you that you hear me!
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Start Reading!
We think the Gospel of John is a great place to start. Consider using the app: YouVersion.
