True seekers found the true king
Daily Scripture
Matthew 2:9-12
9 When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. 11 They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
We pray that God’s peace and joy will fill your Christmas Day.
Herod’s amoral paranoia led him to kill even family members to defend his hold on the throne. He hid his real intentions about the new king behind courteous, even religious-sounding, words. But the magi were honest seekers, maybe even inspired by Isaiah 60:6. When they saw the star that had led them on their journey, they “were filled with joy.” Matthew said the magi “entered the house,” not the stable, another hint in the text that some time had passed since Jesus’ birth in an animal shelter.
- Don’t miss the unexpected note. Matthew wrote that “they [wealthy foreigners who’d visited Herod’s court] saw the child with Mary his mother [a poor peasant girl]. Falling to their knees, they honored him.” What allowed the Persians to value the simplicity of Mary and her child more than the external glitter of Herod’s court? What do you learn about the God who valued worship from Zoroastrian visitors who came to see the newborn king because of an invitation in the stars?
- Bethlehem was only five miles south of Jerusalem. Fearful King Herod’s fortress/palace, the Herodium, literally towered over Bethlehem (click here to see the Herodium’s remains.) He would have kept a close eye on the main travel routes. It likely took effort and planning for the magi to find “another route” Herod wasn’t watching. When have you needed to choose a physical or emotional “road less traveled” to be true to your values and God’s direction in your life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, the magi honored you not just with their gifts but when they paid attention to the dream warning them not to play along with Herod. Help me to honor you both by acts of worship and by avoiding foolish choices against which you warn me. Amen.
GPS Insights
Melanie Hill
Melanie Hill, who serves as the Director of Operations at Resurrection's West location, wrote today’s Insight. She is a Navy mom and mom of three teen daughters, a wife of 24 years, and an avid fan of nachos.
This year my Christmas morning will start quietly. It strikes me that not too long ago at this same time, I would be anticipating being neck deep in the chaos of young children opening and playing with presents. Not so much this year. My kids are getting older and as teenagers even Christmas morning can’t interfere with their sleep. Ah to be a teenager again!
While I may miss the chaotic Christmas mornings with young kids, this quiet time alone is nice too. It’s given me time to reflect and to read today’s readings from the GPS. The story of the Magi is wonderful, but my attention went straight to Herod and his palace. You see, a few years back I was fortunate enough to get to travel to Israel and while many things struck me about that trip there was one day in particular that seemed poignant.
The day started at the Herodian National Park, Herod’s palace. While the palace is now in ruins, some parts have been reconstructed or excavated to give you an idea of just how grand his palace was. As our group climbed through the ruins of Herod’s once great palace, I was struck that for all intents and purposes, his palace fell into ruin not long after his death. It was held by rebels and Romans but soon was mostly forgotten and its splendor turned to dust.
Later that day we went to Bethlehem, a few miles away from Herod’s palace. We went to the church that has been built over the top of what many believe to be the cave where Jesus was born. We heard lots of opinions on whether this was the exact site or not and just how long those discussions had been going on, seemingly soon after his birth. We waited in line with hundreds of others for hours to get the opportunity to spend a few seconds in the spot believed to be where the Breath of Life took his first human breath. It left me speechless.
As I read through the passages today, I imagined what it might have been like for Herod to sit in his mighty palace gazing toward Bethlehem where a small king was welcomed into the world. The contrast is stark. Herod, who was constantly trying to prove how important he was through his building projects showcasing his wealth. Jesus born in a manger because there was no room in the inn or guest room. Herod, who was so consumed with keeping his power that he often had his own family executed. Jesus who was surrounded by loved ones and those who had traveled many miles to worship him. Herod, who was forgotten soon after his death. Jesus, who’s birthplace has been sought by those who seek him since the night of his birth.
This Christmas morning, as I anticipate my teens crawling out of bed and heading downstairs, I pray that my focus will be on the wonder that is Jesus and not, like Herod, on myself. Whether through fear or greed, Herod missed the wonder of the birth of the King. I don’t want to be like Herod. I don’t want to miss it. This Christmas morning I pray you take a minute or two to remember the wonder of a King born in a lowly stable who changed the whole world. Merry Christmas!
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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