Happy New Year! Welcome Back!
From Matthew 2:1-12: 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 have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: "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.' " Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 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." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
As you read this, enjoy the last day of Christmas for this year. Many think that the Christmas season ends on the 26th or at least when the radio stations stop playing Christmas music. I am thankful that my neighbors have kept their lights on even tonight, and last evening, Nellie and I drove around downtown Kerrville, where they have their seasonal lights still up. All reminders of the specialness of this season. And why not? The birth of Jesus was in and of itself an awesome event. Think about it; God, loving the world enough, gave His only Son to come and save us. And God chose a remote corner of the world, and a humble one at that, to allow His son to be born among a certain people speaks of God's love and concern for those whom God had chosen. The event we just read above speaks of God's love for ALL people. The magi came "from the East," and does not identify what country in particular, but the common agreement is that these visitors from the East were not Jews. They are identified as being "wise" and as ones who studied the heavens and saw the star of Jesus, and they came to worship. The story takes a great turn in that they come to the palace of a tyrant to ask where the new king could be found. Historians tell of Herod's rule and personal hangups and how he supposedly murdered his owns sons so they would not take his throne. Not a wise choice to call on this madman first. But, the point of this story is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the action of God to reach the yearnings of humanity for meaning, purpose, and relationship with something greater; all found in God and God's Son, Jesus Christ.
The magi found the Christ child, fell to their knees and worshipped Him. They brought what they could to expression their love and gratitude for this great action on God's part for our sake. It begs the question for us: When was the last time an encounter with Jesus brought us to our knees in worship and praise? What have we given from what God has shared with us to honor God? We have in Christ Jesus the answer to all questions regarding our worth and place in God's plan; the least we can do is say, Lord, I am yours. Then you will join the ranks of the truly wise men and women who have sought, and who have found the One sent by God.
PRAYER: Loving God, may I fall to my knees in praise, prayer, and worship every single day, for I know every single day I should respond to Your call to be Yours. May I offer myself and all that I have, to You and Your work. This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed year in the Lord! Thank you for your prayers for me while I was on our Christmas break. May this day be a blessed one for you and yours!
Eradio Valverde
