During Advent, we are inundated with images of the nativity scene. Often we see Jesus’s birth depicted with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and three wise men joined by a few barn animals, all assembled to worship Jesus. In the center of these figures lies an infant Jesus, angelically and peacefully still and awake (which seems slightly unbelievable if you’ve ever spent any amount of time with a newborn).
It’s safe to say we have condensed quite a bit of Jesus’s birth story to fit into our Christmas traditions, including our understanding of the wise men. In reality, the wise men most likely didn’t visit Jesus till He was a toddler. Scripture makes no mention of only three of them making the journey to worship Jesus, and they weren’t kings. These men were wealthy priests who likely would have traveled with a large entourage for protection as officials from the East, most likely Persia.
They were wealthy, they were educated, they were influential…and yet of all the things they had experienced in their lives, when they arrived where Jesus was, they were overwhelmed with joy (Matthew 2:10). A more word-for-word translation of this phrase in Matthew is, “they rejoiced with a great joy exceedingly.” In other words, they were ecstatic!
We all long for this type of joy but often come up short. We look for this type of joy in thrilling experiences, new relationships, career achievements, financial success, health goals…the list goes on and on. We go to great lengths in the search for happiness, but many times the fruit of our efforts end with fleeting pleasure instead of the wise men’s joy.
The wise Magi traveled from afar and were given the chance to worship Jesus, the eternal King (Matthew 2:2). Do we believe that seeking Jesus is always the journey worth taking? What voyage of the heart and soul are we willing to make? What discomforts and unknowns are we willing to embrace simply to bless the King of kings and Lord of lords?
Jesus is the Light of the World. Come to His light; draw near this season to His brightness (Isaiah 60:3). Make the journey. Take it from the Magi—it’s the greatest journey you’ll ever take.
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55 thoughts on "The Eternal King Has Come"
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This was such a beautiful devotional, but one that was also deeply convicting. So often I find myself not putting God at the center of my life and thoughts. Being willing to put aside all questioning, discomfort, and the pain of unmet expectations to worship the Eternal King is something that I find myself struggling with, especially in my season of infertility and waiting on His promises. Please pray that I would learn to seek Gods face instead of his hands
Praying for you Emma
Thank you, Mercy.
Jesus is the Light of the World. Make the journey-it’s the greatest journey you will ever take!
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Seeking Jesus is always worth it! That is something I have definitely learned this year, especially the past 3 months! I have been seeking His wisdom and guidance and waiting for His direction. It has not been easy, but so worth it!! I know the road will never be easy, but I do know Jesus is always with me leading the way before me!
I too loved hearing about how you all keep up your nativities and decor through Epiphany. That is my goal too but sometimes life happens and it’s up a little longer. It is just that reminder to savor the celebration of Gods only Son.
I am driving tomorrow from SC up to New Jersey to spend New Years with my family. I ask for prayers for a smooth and safe travels.
Tina ❤️
This wise question from HRT today really helped with self assessment. As we reflect and search our hearts: from HRT, “Who do you worship?” In America, we often think of worship as something that only happens in churches or temples. But the truth is, we all worship something. We make things—money, careers, happiness, children, spouses, etc.—the kings of our hearts. We give our time, energy, and resources to these things, and if we lost them, we would be crushed.
As I pondered this question, I experienced some Christmas blues this holiday(the crush), truly because I put my expectations and hopes in the wrong places. The three wise men went a long long journey to worship a child. They are wise.
Isn’t it so humbling that true wealth and treasure is in the embodiment of a child that earthly wisdom cannot lead to. Wise people still seek Jesus today. Godly wisdom always leads to Him.
Prayers lifted up…
@MICHELLE PATIRE: God places so much work on your shoulders, the burden for the lost in your family, He chose you to bear. As He said the burden will not be more than we can bear. He trusts you with so much, because you have been faithful with little, and He sees that you are THAT strong. I am so encouraged! prayers for strength and grace for you.
@GWINETH52: thinking of you, hope you had some rest during the busy holidays.
@RHONDA J: prayers for you and husband, healing, unity, love.
@ALEIDA: peace for Victor and his dad, may they get along, and Victor to turn to God strongly by heart conviction.
@LAURA DIANE: thank you for your encouragement over Lisa and her husband, and your testimony.
@GAILE C: your daughter and baby delivery to come soon and safely.
@MARI V: safety for your children’s travel to see cousins, may peace, healing and reconciliation be planted in their hearts toward their dad.
@KIMBERLY Z: may your heart’s desire of being a wife and mother be fulfilled and granted, that your joy may be full.
@SUSAN: thinking of you and Andy’s children during the holidays, may God bless you with love and comfort.
@SEARCHING: last but not least, hope your holidays went great, miss you sister and your sweet daily presence.
Be blessed dear sisters.
My husband was reminding me and telling my daughter that the wise men call came after Christmas. I think it’s important that we make sure that the details of the Christmas story is correct when we are telling our children the Christmas story. This story really happened , and I want my daughter to trust in it.
I have been behind on reading for the last four days, so I’ve spent the last few hours reading the Scriptures, devotions and comments for five days. I feel like I’ve been to a revival! The devotions were so amazingly uplifting, as were your comments. I learn so much, and go so much deeper in my understanding because of being in community with all of you. God wants us in community. He made us to need one another (made Eve to be a helpmate for Adam). And God, Himself, as the Trinity, is a community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you, sisters, for this community of believers.
I am so moved that many of you are praying for me. Words can’t express what a difference it is making. God is answering your (and my) prayers. The symptoms have subsided, and I feel more like myself. I have a deep joy in my heart knowing that whatever comes, God will never abandon me, and I will never walk alone.
My prayers are with you, too. I’m not good at mentioning names, but please know that I pray for each request as I read it. To you who have children who are not following The Lord, keep praying, and believing you will see answers to your prayers. I, too, was a prodigal daughter for many years after a painful divorce. But, my mother prayed for me every day. And she never stopped reminding me of that, and reminding me of Gods love for me. She even reminded me of my need for Him when I was not very nice to her about it. Her prayers were answered. I eventually realized the waywardness of my actions, and God was there to welcome me with open arms. And my mom was thrilled, and so thankful. I praise Gid for my mother’s prayers. She is gone now, but I know God is still answering her prayers for both of her daughters, and her grandchildren. Keep praying, mommas. God is listening, and He is working.
Happy Wednesday ladies! Praying for you all. @Kris it is so comforting to see such intentional prayers for somebody. You’re truly a gift to this community.
@Kris love your message for @Tanya – praying she sees it ❤️❤️ so sweet
Thank you @AZ Walker – Amen. I know I need the patience to sit in the waiting and His strength to continue praying and interceding on their behalf. ❤️✝️
@Rhonda J ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you all for your comments today. Blessings.
@Traci G- agree, as we come to a new year, it’s a great time to ponder those questions!
@Kimberly- Prayers and keep trusting! Are you still with the boyfriend?
@Az- love
@Michelle- you always bring such wisdom, thank you! Agree, it is in His timing, and hard to wait. They need listening ears to hear.
@Gayle- praying for your daughter’s delivery and healthy baby! And for you to be healed completely!
@AllShe’s- So glad we are on this journey together! Hard to believe a New Year is beginning soon! I pray we will be enlightened to what He has for us. I am praying for a breakthrough with my husband, to end the cycle of discord in our house.
Do “I” believe that seeking Jesus is the journey worth taking? YES, I do! I’ve been on the other side and its LONELY!! I’m piggy backing on what Rhonda J mentions this morning that unfortunately for most of us it came from a place of need. That was me! Though I was already a Christian, I remember saying that in front of a small congregation. I had come to that church that morning because I had a need. BUT God…He had a plan. I’m a true believer that all things happen for a reason or that God does not waste a hurt, and that reason is to GLORIFY God! Fastforward 25 years later…another hard decision, and though I was scared out of my wits, My God, MY JESUS gave me the strength. All Glory to our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6. Happy Wednesday sweet She’s. Prayers are appreciated as my children travel to have spend time with their cousins on their dad’s side. Pray for safety. AND I’m going to be transparent here, they already told me if their dad shows up, they will leave. Some here know my journey. BUT GOD…I’m not going to let that get in the way of worshiping MY JESUS!
Amen Tina, I was such a mess for so long before become a believer and in some ways still am but in a much better place now with the dear Lord in my heart. It’s hard to watch our loved ones suffering thru hard things without hope in Jesus. My Dad thinks that God is a genie in the bottle and why won’t he fix this and that, sigh. Keep praying dear Michelle Pattire, keep shining and planting seeds around your family. The Lord needs to work on their hearts in his timing, I can understand though living it 24/7 is so hard. So nice that you prayed with your brother and you and your mom have the special bond with music too. I felt like at my gatherings with others in town, half the dinner table wanted to do an eye roll when I wanted to pray before the meal but hopefully I imagined that! I’m praying for you all often. Peaceful blessings to everyone especially those feeling lonely.
The wise Magi traveled from afar and were given the chance to worship Jesus, the eternal King (Matthew 2:2). Do we believe that seeking Jesus is always the journey worth taking? What voyage of the heart and soul are we willing to make? What discomforts and unknowns are we willing to embrace simply to bless the King of kings and Lord of lords?
Do I take on discomfort to follow our King? Am I willing to let go of things that do not represent my faith? These are good questions to ponder as we will be starting a new year. A time of renewal. A time to worship like I have never before. To make the journey to my God with all my heart and soul.
SEARCHING.. you post every day, and you have been MIA for the last few days. You ok?
And… KELLY (NEO)… I am trying to go back through the comments to look at your notebook/prayer request approach. I cannot find it. Post direction on that again, please? (Thank you.) I am seriously trying to work out a system to help me.
Love your hearts and comments, ladies! So much beauty! So much to savor in today’s read!
Do I seek Him to bless Him or do I only seek Him to be blessed?
GAYLE CRAIK – So sorry babe is being stubborn! Praying for your daughter and family and that he will make a healthy appearance soon and all will be well! ❤
Tanya, I don’t know if you will see this or not, but I want you to know that I prayed for you on Christmas Day. I know you shared you would be alone, and maybe using that day to clean out a storage unit. I took my dog for her regular walk that morning and talked to God about you. You were not forgotten that day. You were “seen” by me but more importantly by God, your Father. I know the enemy loves to make us think nobody cares, nobody notices us, but that simply isn’t true. I have a few friends who were alone that day, as well, so you were not the only one who didn’t have a big, wild, family-filled holiday. And some people worked. Hospitals, police, rescue personnel, hotels, gas stations, convenient stores, and restaurants – to name a few – those places have staff on duty. My daughter works in a ski resort and had to work Christmas night. I did ask God to show you Himself in a very personal way, to let you know He sees you and loves you dearly and is very present with you. I hope you were able to find joy in that day, joy in knowing you are a very valuable daughter of the Most High King who has not forgotten about you. I hope you were able to find some things to do that brought peace to your day. I thought of you that day, and I’m a mere human, so I know God thought of you that day, too!!
Three things…
1). I really saw our current world in the reading from Isaiah. I will go read more of it, MICHELLE PATIRE. Thank you for laying some groundwork and the tie-in to Revelation.
2). And, CHERYL BLOW, how sweet and wonderful. (Your words and your find!)
3). And many comments yesterday and today about leaving nativities out all year. (I do too!) I find it sad that people take down their trees and deco the day after Christmas. (Many people are tired of Christmas. “Good riddance!”, they seem to say!) Christmas is still happening! Our tree and deco doesn’t come down till after Epiphany. Yes, Christmas is when we celebrate His birth, but there is so much more!
Remember His first Advent always, sweet sisters! Look for His second Advent too, loved ones!
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Pray for my daughter & her family, she was due to have her son Christmas Eve & nothing is happening yet.
Praying
Gayle, I’m praying for your daughter. Waiting at the end of pregnancy is so hard. I’m praying for an easy labor and delivery of a healthy baby.
Thank you for the reminder that struggling with earthly discomforts clouds the beautiful journey of seeking Jesus and walking with him ❤️
I love that “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!” I found a tea this Christmas called joy. It is a wonderful blend of black, oolong, and jasmine green tea. I have been looking for more to replace what I bought but it is sold out everywhere. I do not think it was by coincidence this morning that I thought to check on Amazon. It is there but it is 3x the price. Then I read our study and God just reminds me that exceedingly great joy is only found in Jesus and it came at a great price. I’m not willing to no pay the price for Joy tea but am I will to pay the price for God’s exceedingly great joy? You betcha!
I love you ladies. I love reading your stories of joy and sorrow. I love knowing that we bear one another’s burdens and pray for each other. Blessings to you, and prayers for the requests. ❤️
Praise God only true joy is found in Him, the everlasting, and not in earthly fleeting pleasures. Praise Him for the wisdom of the Wise Men who sought to find and worship the one true King. I am grateful for the author’s dedication to write such a beautiful devotion and for the opportunity to learn more about the Wise Men. Just yesterday, I was at a store and the clerk was from Persia. I think that’s neat how I met her yesterday and read about the Wise Men today. I love how God is always preparing me. I surrender my heart to you Lord, please fill it with your love so I may love others around me well. Amen!
Amen!
Amen
If you read all of Isaiah 60, this is a prophecy about the Lord reigning on earth in the New Jerusalem. It reflects the words of Revelation 21:23 that says Christ will be our everlasting light (no need for the sun or moon- no night) & Revelation 21:25 that say the gates of the Lord’s city will continually be open. As I type this, I realize the gates are open because there is no longer a threat of enemy attack. Gates are closed for protection. But in the New Jerusalem, there is no longer a threat. Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire Revelation 20:10. Praise the Lord!!! This is what we rejoice to know. Our enemy will be defeated finally and we will reign with Christ forever and ever.
When I sat down and studied with my brother Mario for the first time the other day, the Lord had us read the end of Revelation. Mainly chapters 19-22, as we reflected on the fact that the Lord’s wrath was building and the enemy had to be destroyed. I needed that. I need to remember that although I see him attempting to wreak havok on my family, he ultimately is already defeated. Jesus won over death and the prophecy of Satan’s destruction will be fulfilled.
And he knows this. He knows his time is short. “…for the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time (Revelation 12:12).”
The wise men are a glimpse of what is ahead, if you think about it. Gentiles traveling from afar to bring gifts to Christ the King. This is what Isaiah 60 is actually about. All the nations will see His return. (Revelation 1:7)
This is what we are waiting for… The defeat of our enemy after Christ’s 1000 year reign and a kingdom in which the gates will never be shut because there is eternal peace. We long for the peace of God to fill the earth. We long for the war to end. We long for Paradise with Christ.
Jesus we long for Your judgement and kindness.
Let us share what we know with those who are willing to hear Him. Those who have ears, let them hear. (Matthew 11:15)
Thank you for your words @Kimberly Z. ❤️ Let us not grow weary in reading His word. It is literally life to our bones and health to our flesh. We are lost without His word to guide us, trying to manage life in our own wisdom. Let us hold fast to it, reading and meditating on it as it says in Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Though our feelings and the enemy will try to keep us out of the Word, we must keep on the full armor of God to resist the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)
^ The Lord reminded me of this yesterday and I have seen too much spiritual warfare to walk away from the Word. It is my daily bread. I know the enemy gains ground if I lose sight of it. This is my conviction. It is a war, after all.
Okay, needing to preach to lift myself up this morning. Thank you, Lord, for Your Holy Spirit. Your Word is a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. (Psalm 119:105) blessings to all you Shes. Stay strong in the Lord and the power of His might, as I try to do the same. (Ephesians 6:10)
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Anen
GM!
It all sounds so easy to seek Jesus, why wouldn’t we? IF it is to our comfort and want, right?! Those questions made me go OOF!
Do we believe that seeking Jesus is always the journey worth taking?
What voyage of the heart and soul are we willing to make?
What discomforts and unknowns are we willing to embrace simply to bless the King of kings and Lord of lords?
Unfortunately, for most of us it came from a place of need. An end of ourselves. A desperation, a cry for help. Sometimes I pray for my son to “want” Jesus and develop a true relationship with Him, and then I think “no” I don’t want anything earth shattering to come upon him. But God- I have to trust. Would we choose these routes, maybe not, but surprisingly many people know it is their “ah ha” moment (to put lightly!)!
My path is one I’m not proud of, full of sin and living for myself. I am so thankful like Tina said, that He takes us as we are, broken and dirty, and makes us clean and gives us new life! My word this year was JOY! I love even the word Joy, and found lots of it this past year. Even through chronic pain and not feeling joyful most days, I feel joyful! lol. Jesus brings me Joy. If only being saved and going to heaven when I die on this earth, that is enough to bring my soul joy. I often think and share the story of Joni Earickson Tada, after a diving accident when she was
18 or 19, she was a quadriplegic and spends the rest of her life in a wheelchair, chronic pain, two rounds of cancer YET, she has been a light to many for the glory of God! Can you imagine. And I trained a client with ALS that had a light that shined for Jesus until she passed. WE are the light for others. Shine your bright light today, someone needs to see it!
I love e you and your insight dear RHONDA J. I am so grateful to know that even in the stuff that’s not so wonderful I have a hope and joy that can’t be quenched. ❤️
When the magi saw the star over the place where Jesus was – They were overjoyed! When they saw him, they bowed down in worship. Then they presented him with their treasures. Is this how I approach Jesus – with exceeding joy? Do I fall before him in worship? Have I given him the most valuable gift I can, my heart? What a lesson we can learn from these men of the east!…It’s hard to imagine what it will be like to actually stand in the presence of our Savior but I’m thinking our reaction will be somewhat similar to the Magi’s – with joy unspeakable, we will fall at His feet! Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!
Blessings to all of you today – praying for all your requests!
Jasmine, thank you for this beautiful prayer. You put into words what I was longing to pray but could not find the words to express. This prayer will become my guiding words for 2024. Thank you again❤️
Amen. Rejoice
Father Your joy I live for. Amen
Amen ❤️
So merciful of the Lord to give the good news of Messiah’s birth to those outside of Israel who were seeking the true God. The influence of Daniel and Ezekiel in Persia during the Exile, planted seeds in the hearts of some that passed down the expectation through generations.
TINA❤️
SHAMRA HICKS – praying you sense the Lord’s forgiveness as you seek to be more patient with your grandson.
Amen
Amen!
Praise God for the seekers!
Do we believe that seeking Jesus is always the journey worth taking? What voyage of the heart and soul are we willing to make? What discomforts and unknowns are we willing to embrace simply to bless the King of kings and Lord of lords?
Had you asked me this 19 years ago, I may have shut you down with some cutting remarks, if I could even have responded. My mind was full of whys and questions back then.
Until that moment when God gave me reason to believe, trust and hope in Him, I was a real mess! A mess in need of answers to the questions that ran on repeat in my mind.
I did not seek the Lord out with frankincense, or myrrh or gold, I sought Him out to confront Him!
BUT GOD..
You see, was already bringing ME to Him..
I was not wealthy, ‘educated’ or influential, but He led me to him anyways, with my baggage, my sorrow, my hangups. He met me right there in the church as I confronted Him, and I in turn, found a home for my brokenness to heal, and my heart to know grace, hope and freedom.. He gave me a new song to sing.
Today, today, with my hand on my heart and remembering a line from the Christmas Carol, In the bleak mid winter..
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part:
Yet what can I give Him, I will give my heart..
My heart. Indeed my heart, and, though, I did not travel to find Him with gifts, I can now, and will always honour Him with my heart wrapped in Thanksgiving and gratitude for my Savior.., My Eternal King.
AMEN.
CHURCHMOUSE, once wrote that she left her nativity up all year, I followed suit, as I liked that idea, it sure is a reminder of the gift, the greatest gift ever.. I love to stand and look at it in absolute Thanksgiving for the little baby boy in the manger.. named Jesus.. my Eternal King..
Thank you CHURCHMOUSE. Hope you are well, dear friend.. much love coming your way ..
Happy today, my dears.. wrapped in much prayers, love and hugs..♥️❤️
Thank you for sharing Tina. Thank you for the reminder of Churchmouse too. Have a blessed day.
I remember that post from CHURCHMOUSE too and have since done the same
Tina, I also leave a nativity up after Churchmouse sharing that she did.
Keep sharing dear She’s. We learn so much from each other. Amen.
God, help me to seek Jesus with the joy of the wise men. Help me to listen to your word and trust the journey you have sent me on.
Amen
Amen!