Focus
Breathe in clear thoughts of peace and reflection as you prepare to hear God speak to you through the scripture and the writer. Put aside all the things the world says you have to accomplish today and use this time to rest in God’s presence.
Read
The Visit of the Magi
2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Reflect
I feel like I spend half of my days looking for something and then I spend the other half trying to remember why I was looking for it.
Today’s What ifs:
- Can you imagine looking across the sky and then the desert looking for a baby king?
- What if the magi had not hunted for the star that was to guide them to Bethlehem?
- What if they had been stopped or robbed or even captured during their long journey across the desert?
- What if the magi had not had gifts to bring the child as was custom to bring a gift to a king when visiting?
- What if the magi hadn’t heeded the dream in which they were warned not to go back to Herod?
- What if Herod would have learned where Jesus and his family were and had tried to kill the Messiah while he was still a baby?
As one of my former professors used to say, “Just a question!”
Pray
Thank you, Great God that You still speak to us, even from afar. During this season of Advent, as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Your Son, may we scan the skies for the star to lead us to Your Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love of the season, and live each of these throughout the coming year. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Go with God.
