Emerald Isle Baptist Church

Children’s Sermon for December 28, 2025

“Watching and Waiting”

Theme

Just as the wise men watched for the star announcing Jesus' birth, we watch and wait for his return.

Object

A Christmas star such as one that would go on the top of a Christmas tree.

Scripture

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:33 (NIV)

Today marks the beginning of the most exciting time of the year. Today we begin the countdown to the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I always look forward to this time of year and to all of the beautiful music, lights, and decorations of the Christmas season. One decoration that we will see everywhere during this season is the star. The reason we will see so many stars during the holiday season because a star was so very important to the very first Christmas.

I'm sure that all of you know the story of the wise men. You know about how the wise men, sometimes called Magi, saw a star in the sky and followed that star to find Jesus.

The Magi studied the stars and planets night after night looking for signs that might predict the coming of a great leader. I wonder why the Magi choose this particular star to follow? Did they just say to themselves, "Hey that is a really bright star. Why don't we follow it and see where it leads us?" I don't think so. God's prophets had written about that star hundreds of years before. They had told when and where it would appear and that it would announce the birth of the Messiah. I think that perhaps the wise men had heard about those prophecies, so when they saw the star, they knew where that star would lead them.

If the Christmas story ended with the star leading the wise men to Jesus, it wouldn't bring much hope to to us today would it? Well, it doesn't end there. In fact, it hasn't ended at all! The Bible tells us that just as surely as Jesus came to be born in a manger, he is going to come again. The next time Jesus comes, he will take us to heaven to live with him. Now, that is a message of hope! That is what this season is really about! Just as the wise men were watching and waiting for the star that would lead them to Jesus, you and I are watching and waiting for his return.

Dear Jesus, during this season when we look back and remember your birth, we are also watching and waiting for your return. Amen.

 Join the Youth Group “Break Through!”

You are invited to Christmas Ice Skating at Winter Wonderland in newport! Sunday, December 14, at 11:15 AM includes lunch at Frank’s pizza and subs ($20 recommended) register with maxine smith eibc-family@outlook.com. break Through christmas party on december 21 at 11:15 am. attire: ugly christmas sweaters!!!

Adult Sunday School Continues

Join us each Sunday morning at 8:45 for “answers in genesis.” This adult series has resumed.please see Mike Whitehead with questions about this class.

EIBC Cookbooks for Sale!

Written by members and friends of Emerald Isle Baptist Church in 2015, our cookbooks are chock full of delicious recipes, and we have lots to share. They make wonderful gifts for the new bride and groom, college students, and birthday gifts for anyone who loves to spend time in the kitchen! ! All proceeds go to local missions: $15 each.

“Reflections” Daily Devotional and Sunday School Materials

Pick up your copy of the January through April daily devotional at your convenience in Dorla’s office or the sanctuary vestibule…and take one to a friend!

Winter Bible Studies

Young Women’s Bible Study

All ladies are welcome to come experience a wonderful time of prayer, fellowship, and Bible based study on scriptures and subjects new each week.  Please call Toni Higgins at 919-749-5374 for more information or to request childcare.

New Women’s Bible Study

Join the Tuesday morning Bible study group as we begin “Angels: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns over Heaven and Earth” by Melissa Spoelstra on Tuesday, January 6, at 8:30 AM. Member books are $22 each. Please contact Dorla Pake at 252-354-8795 for more information about this class.