Star

Our Christmas Prayer

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

This year what will our Christmas prayer be? Neither Mary nor Joseph had prayed for a son, and yet God’s Son was given them. The Wise men weren’t praying for a sign and yet a star was sent to bring them to the Wonderful Counselor.  Bethlehem’s shepherds were not asking for angel’s visits when they were startled from their sleep by the heavenly hosts glorifying God. The keeper of the inn had not asked for any honored guest and yet the Everlasting Father sent him the Prince of Peace to be born in his stable.

If God gave so much in this way, imagine what He might give us when we ask. Why not pray for Jesus to be seen by our neighbors through our lives this year? Why couldn’t Jesus bring healing to our racial and ethnic divide if we ask? How many more could fill our churches on Christmas morning if we would be willing to knock on their doors and invite them to our homes? Why couldn’t Jesus come again to forgotten people all around us and show His love and mercy. Will we ask to be a simple manger for Him in which He can lay His head?

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Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7

A Reception at the Palace

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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. Matthew 2:11 ESV

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The wise men had crossed deserts, rivers and mountains. They had gotten lost, faced a treacherous king and learned from an ancient prophecy of where to find Jesus. You might think they would have been dismayed at their reception in Bethlehem. They had come for a king maybe thinking there awaited a royal welcome, a place to rest and sumptuous surroundings. Instead they came to a small house in a simple village where a carpenter and his young wife opened the door in astonishment at their arrival.

But the wise men were not disappointed or discouraged because they had come with one goal in mind. They had come to worship! As we approach Christmas we need to be careful to keep the attitude of those men. We mustn’t imagine that a proper Christmas celebration has anything to do with a beautifully decorated home, fine food on the table, or all the correct holiday preparations. All journeying to Bethlehem asks of us is to have open and humble hearts ready for any doorway which God brings us to. Christmas is not about our reception at the palace, but about the worship and gifts we bring for Jesus!

11th Christmas Gift

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11th Gift –  Star of Bethlehem

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy Matthew 2:10

The star shone brighter and brighter as the wise men followed it to Bethlehem. They may have paused just over the horizon from Bethlehem, and given thanks for God’s guidance all through their long journey.  sam_0223

 

As our own 40 day journey to Christmas draws near its end we need to remember all the many times, on our darkest nights that God sent His star. He sends the star to help us know the Savior was born. He sent the star to guide our path to Him. He sent the star to light our way. He sent His star to come and stand over the place where we can come and present our gifts to Him and worship. Thank God for His amazing gift that leads us to Jesus Christ, the bright and morning star!