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.
Jesus is the Light of the World. Make the journey-it’s the greatest journey you will ever take!
♥️
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.