January 6, 2025

Scripture

Matthew 2:1-12 1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “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.” 3When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8And 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.” 9After 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. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Reflection

These verses about the visit of the wise men relay a bundle of Good News miracles, and it is fun to try to pinpoint and ponder them all! A prominent miracle of the story relayed in these verses is the Gift of Faith – especially striking is the belief of the gentile wise men that they must undertake such a long and likely arduous journey, and see it through. Yes, the Magi were indeed wise to seek and ask, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”. They were also wise to ultimately worship the Good Shepherd and give him such valuable and important gifts.

Take an extra moment to imagine taking a journey like the wise men, with a goal such as theirs. They likely met challenges which caused them to question whether they should’ve undertaken such an effort – or leap of faith. And then, as in verse ten, when the wise men saw the star (supernaturally moved and resting over the place where the child Jesus was) they were gifted with an abundance of joy. It is no wonder that they were overjoyed, for so many reasons! Since we have been gifted with belief in our King and Savior Jesus Christ, we also know and share in the joy – without even seeing the glorious star or Jesus! God and His gifts are truly amazing!

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the gift of Christ Jesus who saved us and promised to be with us always during our journey and forevermore. We thank you for the gifts of faith and joy. Help us so that your glorious light shines in and through us, so that our joy with you and your Word may be a guide for others to seek and receive your Gifts through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ precious name we ask, Amen.

Heather Lofstuen