December 1, 2015 – Matthew 2:8-10
And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:8-10King Herod didn’t have a cell phone or internet, but he wanted to know where this upstart, Jesus, Christ the King, was born. The wise men were indeed wise. Not only did they know who Jesus is, but they also welcomed Him. Can you imagine coming for many days’ ride on a camel carrying their food on a long journey. No McDonald’s on their way. Their only map was God’s GPS, a Star. This star led them directly to the manager in the stable where Jesus was born.They brought gifts to Jesus that cost more money than you can imagine ever having — gold, frankincense and myrrh. Jesus had his own baby shower with angels in the heavens singing Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, Peace….Then the shepherds from a nearby field came, for they heard the message of the angels. They didn’t say, wow, that is nice, I think I will take a picture and send it to a newspaper. No, they walked to the stable. What led them there? The brilliant God-created star in the heavens. They wanted to see this baby.Had the wise men and the shepherds heard the prophecy in Isaiah? The government shall be upon his shoulder — no wonder King Herod wanted a report from the wise men…it was a threat to him as a king.Some of the names of Jesus are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The easy-to-read version says, This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.”Jesus’s Words lead us in peace, and is ever with us. He is God, the Father, who lives forever. The question is, have you chosen Jesus, as the shepherds and the wise men did?