December 23 – Matthew 2:1-15
Peace. While Joseph and Mary were making their journey to Bethlehem, the magi were as well. They’d seen a star. God’s great sign in the sky, announcing the birth of His Son! Jesus’ birthplace on earth might have been humble, but the skies proclaimed His glory with that bright star! We’ve already visited with the shepherds and seen their amazement at the angels’ words and the birth of a baby lying wrapped in swaddling clothes. Now we see wealthy men who invested perhaps a year or more of their lives, to find a king predicted through that star in the sky. It’s a stunning story, isn’t it? God wanted people from another land to also discover the Prince of Peace.
We also see violence in this story. Mary and Joseph are forced, at some point after Jesus’ birth, to flee to Egypt to escape the slaughter of the babies that Herod brought down upon the helpless families of Bethlehem. Satan hates all good things. And sometimes I think he especially hates innocent little babies. In any case, this is a horror that makes us aware that there is an enemy around, fighting against the One who brings peace.
And yet, God wins. And He protected His Son. Most likely, the magi’s gifts financed that trip to Egypt. God was preparing every single detail for His Son and for Mary and Joseph. No need to fret. He had them covered.
My verse: Matthew 2:12 “When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
My response: Father God, I have such curiosity about these wise ones. How many came? How long did they stay? Did they tell Mary and Joseph about that dream? Did they stay in touch with Jesus as He grew to manhood? So mysterious. And I wonder if their gifts financed the escape to Egypt of the little family. You protected them, in any case. They suffered hardship – but their lives were spared, and they saw Your hand at work through magnificent presents and dreams and visitors from other lands. There was no doubt but that You held them in the palm of Your safe hand.
5 Minute Selah Moment – Give the Lord a gift today. A kindness offered to a family member or a stranger. Some little something that you do sacrificially out of love for Him. Whisper, just to Him, “This is for You!”
