Same story as last week. Only this time, we are not looking so much at Herod's perspective but watching the journey of the magi. These wisemen were perceptive, far-seeing visionaries who were on a mission. Notice these truths about these Christmas travelers: 1) they were prepared, 2) they had a goal, and 3) they even knew who could potentially help them to accomplish their mission.  What they didn't know is that every step of the journey - they were caught in a trap. Notice their interruption: they were warned in a dream. All of them. It interrupted their sleep. Life is like that. What do you do when life takes a frightening turn? Trust the Light (where God illuminates - trust Him); Stay on the way (be patient but be persistent); Follow the nudge (when God tugs at your heart, jump all in - even if you don't know where the journey will end).

Pardon the Interruption

I Didn't See It Coming

Matthew 2:7-12

Life is full of things we didn't see coming.

Three directions of a faith journey:

1. Walk TOWARD Jesus

What DIRECTION are you moving?

Genesis 3:6, "The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too."

2. Walk WITH Jesus

What will you RELEASE to Him?

John 13:35, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

3. Walk AWAY FROM Jesus

What HAPPENED?

Jesus is God's mercy to a world that is TIRED, TORN, and TERRIFIED.