In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
The Wise Men from the East are most well-known for their expensive and exotic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But before they gave what they had in their hands, they gave Jesus their hearts. They gave themselves in worship first. What was true then is still true today. The Lord wants our lives, our worship, before He wants our gifts.
The Lord wants our love and attention. Of course, it’s hard to give our hearts to the Lord when our lives are consumed with cares and cluttered with the various concerns of our lives. However, God never stops trying to get our attention. So, every year at this time of year when I find myself so busy I feel like a cat chasing my tail – even though, this year that busy-ness has taken different forms of mastering computer programs and spending lots of time on the phone - I remember that God sent his Son to earth to find me, call me, love me and save me.
It’s true for you, too. If God could use a star to reach these men from a distant place, then God can use anything to reach you. Don’t be surprised at what God will use to get your attention. God is infinitely creative in this regard. It may be a book, a conversation, a television show, a person, an unexpected turn of events, a song, or even an off-handed comment. Even if this coming year will still be a time of wearing masks, socially distancing, and missing many of our familiar gatherings and get-togethers. If God could show them the way, God can show you the way too – to a tiny town, a stable, a manger, and a Child crying in the night. This Child is “Emmanuel” - God with us – and Jesus will continue to be with us as we enter this new year.
With the development, delivery and administration of Covid-19 vaccines, we are at least entertaining the idea that there will be, at some time in 2021, a time when life ‘as we knew it’ will become ‘life as we can live it again.’ The star of hope is rising once again. In the meanwhile, we are still invited to echo the words of the wise men and come to, and continue to, worship Him.
I wish you and yours a Blessed and Happy New Year!
In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Pr. Mary
The Wise Men from the East are most well-known for their expensive and exotic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But before they gave what they had in their hands, they gave Jesus their hearts. They gave themselves in worship first. What was true then is still true today. The Lord wants our lives, our worship, before He wants our gifts.
The Lord wants our love and attention. Of course, it’s hard to give our hearts to the Lord when our lives are consumed with cares and cluttered with the various concerns of our lives. However, God never stops trying to get our attention. So, every year at this time of year when I find myself so busy I feel like a cat chasing my tail – even though, this year that busy-ness has taken different forms of mastering computer programs and spending lots of time on the phone - I remember that God sent his Son to earth to find me, call me, love me and save me.
It’s true for you, too. If God could use a star to reach these men from a distant place, then God can use anything to reach you. Don’t be surprised at what God will use to get your attention. God is infinitely creative in this regard. It may be a book, a conversation, a television show, a person, an unexpected turn of events, a song, or even an off-handed comment. Even if this coming year will still be a time of wearing masks, socially distancing, and missing many of our familiar gatherings and get-togethers. If God could show them the way, God can show you the way too – to a tiny town, a stable, a manger, and a Child crying in the night. This Child is “Emmanuel” - God with us – and Jesus will continue to be with us as we enter this new year.
With the development, delivery and administration of Covid-19 vaccines, we are at least entertaining the idea that there will be, at some time in 2021, a time when life ‘as we knew it’ will become ‘life as we can live it again.’ The star of hope is rising once again. In the meanwhile, we are still invited to echo the words of the wise men and come to, and continue to, worship Him.
I wish you and yours a Blessed and Happy New Year!
In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Pr. Mary
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