Countdown to Christmas – Day 23

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-8

When Christ was a small child, Mary and Joseph were visited by a gathering of wise men called a Magi sent by King Herod. Herod was ruler at the time having a reputation of being ambitious yet incredibly suspicious man. Having received word of a birth of a baby boy who would be called King of the Jews, Herod grew desperate to hold onto his throne. So, he sent these wise men out to find this supposed king claiming a desire to locate him so that he may worship this new King.

We must be wise ourselves knowing that God is not ignorant to the motivation of our heart. The scriptures tell us that when the wise men found the star that was to guide them to Jesus’ whereabouts they were filled with joy. Most likely a nearly indescribable joy they may not have ever experienced. This joy in seeking the presence of the come King prepared the hearts of these men to receive a message from God warning them in their dreams to not return to King Herod with news of the child.

Biblical scholars estimate the wise men found Jesus when he was around the tender age of two or three. We can imagine Him nestled at His mothers feet, such peace evident within the spirit of a small boy. These great men laid before Jesus gifts of great worth. Gifts not useful to a small child but mighty and powerful for they symbolize the posture of their hearts before the King.

And when we seek the presence of Christ, our hearts are prepared to receive from God. The attitude of our hearts before Jesus is not unknown to Him for He knows us better than we know ourselves. Do we come before this King offering everything we have of worth and value at His feet? For when we do it symbolizes the posture of our hearts before the King.

Father, may I give you all that I have for your purposes and glory. Search my heart and make it clean so I may seek Christ’s presence and receive from you. In Jesus name, amen.