12/24/2017
On this day, Christmas Eve, we are in great expectation of a tiny baby’s arrival into the lineage of David... the Christ Child, Jesus, Emanuel, the Son of God. He will be born in Bethlehem, and a star will shine bright inside each of us to show the way to where He will be held to His mother’s breast. Are you ready to make the journey to where He will be born into the world; into each of us? Is the anticipation of His coming calling you even now to where Angels announce Him?
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."”
Matthew 2:1-2 ESV
The most wonderful part of Christmas Eve for you, and me, is that today isn’t just the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, but the anticipation of a celebration, a re-enactment of His birth. This is a time of remembrance, and for some of us decision... will we go to Him?
There are two mysteries surrounding the biblical account of wise men who journeyed to worship Jesus; the first is how long it was after He was born until they arrived, and the second is... how many of them there were.
In the minds of many believers, the wise men arrived just a day or two after Jesus was born, to others it was within a couple of years, but in fact, we really don’t know exactly when they knelt before Him. As for their number, well, that too is unknown. Bible lore traditionally depicts three, but in fact there is no definite number written in scripture. What I want to propose today is that wise men and women are still coming, and have been coming by the millions since His birth. They come following a star that shines within each of us. The only difference between those who see Jesus and those who don’t is a single deciding event. Every journey must start with a first step, yet most end prematurely when that faithful step is never taken.
Do you have plans to attend Christmas Day church service tomorrow? Are you planning to attend a Christmas Eve service today? Are you spending these days with family to talk about the coming of the Christ child, and then to forget Him for months? Will you pray jointly before a Christmas feast and then place your prayers back on the shelf until Easter? Some of us see the starlight far off within us, and although we long to go there, we never begin the journey. We go to church on the high holidays as if we were about to travel, and then return home without ever making the first step. Others see the star, but will make no movement whatsoever... no prayer, no service, just an acknowledgement of a child, and consoling themselves with such excuses as “It’s all about being with family!” or further excusing themselves by saying “Christmas is just too commercial” without the slightest intention of stripping that commercialism away and actually worshiping.
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:10-11 NIV
I invite you today to make a journey. I invite you to be a Magi of sorts, and follow the star that is alight within you, to where Jesus Christ awaits. Join the untold millions who have made this trip, and don’t let Satan tell you that it is too late, because there is no timeframe set upon this Pilgrimage. You have an open invitation to join more than just a Christmas celebration... you are invited to a reunion with the Word of God, with Jesus Himself.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 ESV
This Christmas take the first step in a lifelong journey. Don’t sit and look at travel guides while dreaming of one day going there... begin praying, follow the star that you see within you, kiss the cheek and tiny feet of Jesus, worship the Christ Child, make gifts to Him of your life, love, and faith. God “gave” us the gift of Jesus... can you give Him the gift of your life in return?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16-17 NIV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, and I thank you for the star you have provided to lead me to Him. My spirit sees the Star of David Lord, yet my feet are ever so slow in moving towards it. Speed my travel Merciful Father, and help those who are yet to begin their journey as they struggle to take that first step of faith. I praise you Holy Father, and I desire to worship your Son this Christmas Eve, and for ever more. On this eve I anticipate the renewed celebration of your promise; a life that ends death forever in those who believe in Him. The awaited Messiah has arrived, and now we no longer must look to prophesy for Him, but instead He has come, and waits for us as we journey to where He is. Give us strength of faith Father, and a burning desire to join Him before you every day. Give us perseverance as we walk, and heal the suffering that slows our pace... cure the blisters, the ache in our legs, the soreness in our backs, help us as we suffer the journey, and bring us in glory to your Son Jesus, and through Him to You. Just as the Magi brought gifts that symbolized a life complete with its death, to lay before the Christ Child, let me lay my life at your feet as I worship you Father, and in my death let me realize your promise of eternal life in its fullness. Then Lord, I can worship you in joy throughout eternity. Praised be your name on this the eve of your Son’s birth... the realization of promise.
Rich Forbes