His Star

"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 they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11)

Jesus's birth in Bethlehem, was a prophecy fulfilled. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2) God's Greatest Gift to us came to a small, humble town, Bethlehem. Bethlehem means "house of bread." The Bread of Life (John 6:35) came into this world in the "house of bread"! The magi (who were Gentiles) from the east (probably from Persia or Babylon) acknowledged Jesus as King of the Jews and traveled a long distance in search of Him so that they could worship Him. The Bible does not indicate how many wise men came to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. God guided and directed these wise men (astrologers) by a special star. It went before them and stopped over the place where Jesus was. I love the fact that they called the star, "His star". When they finally found this special Child, they were overjoyed, bowed down, worshiped Him, and gave Him gifts. They found Jesus and Mary in the house (not the stable). The visit of the Magi (wise men) must have taken place when Jesus was between 1 to 2 years old. By this time, Mary and Joseph were married and lived in a house. The three gifts symbolized Christ's identity. Gold was a gift for a King. Frankincense (a costly element of the priest's incense and anointing oil) was a gift for deity (the Son of God) and the High Priest. Myrrh (prized perfume used in embalming) was a spice for a person who was going to die. Jesus was born to die for us so that we can be born again and never die (John 11:25-26).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I'm so grateful for Your birth, death, and resurrection. What amazing love You have for us that made You leave Your throne in Heaven to come to earth and humbly take on human flesh in order to become the satisfactory sacrifice for our sins! Though You knew You would die a painful, humiliated death, You came to save the world anyway. Thank You for the light of Your presence that faithfully guides me and comforts me! I want to worship You with my life. I offer all that I am and all that I have as a gift to You. May I boldly share the joy of Your birth and the good news with others so that they may come to experience the joy of Your redemption and wonders of Your love.