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Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Isaiah 60:1-6 (ESV)

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes all around, and see;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from afar,
and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and exult,
because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.

What are some ways this light can reach our friends and relatives and co-workers and neighbors? It can happen through the relationships that you have with the people you know. You can tell them about the hope and the joy you have as a Christian. You can tell them about Christ your Savior. You can invite your friends and family members to join you for church or Bible class. You can introduce people to your pastor, or refer them to him, if they would be willing to talk to a pastor. You can find out if they’d be interested in taking an instruction class in the Christian faith--I’d love to get one started up again. And I want to get to the homes of our members who aren’t here in church, too, who have fallen by the wayside. They need to get back in the light. So in the days ahead let’s think about, and talk about, all the ways we can be light in the midst of the darkness, reflecting the light of Christ in our community and especially to the people we know.

My number one all time favorite Christmas movie is the 1980's remake of "A Christmas Carol" Scrooged starring Bill Murray.

Murray's soliquoy at the end..."there are people having trouble finding their miracle...you can help them...they've gotta find their miracle!" is a vertiable cinematic altar call.

You have taken it to the next, and most proper level.

Well done, good and faithful servant of the Word.