Wise Men from the East

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.

Matthew 2:10‭-‬11 ESV

Yesterday we looked at how upon Jesus' birth, the message was proclaimed first to the meek and lowly shepherds, the common man. There were also other observers of the star that shown that night; the wise men from the east. We don't know how many or how far they had to travel, but we know they were compelled to come and pay tribute to this new king.

From the day of his birth, Jesus called to everyone. In the star that pronounced his arrival, he brought light into the darkness for all people, in all nations. Rich and poor; common man and ruling class; Jew and Gentile -- sinners all.

He wasn't the king the Jewish people were expecting, nor the threat of rebellion that Herod feared. His Kingdom was one of changed hearts, not changed governments. He brought freedom to oppression from sin, instead of oppression of rule. He may not have been the king that was expected, but the one we needed.

God, we give thanks for the salvation offered by your Son to all people in all places and all times. Like the wise men, we worship you and offer our lives as gifts to use as you will. Please help us be the Christ star for others. Let all our words and deeds glorify you. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Blessings!

Pastor Tim

Merry Christmas! Please remember our 5:00 Christmas Eve Service. You may join in-person or attend via Zoom.