https://odb.org/2023/12/24/finding-home
As we read the account of the Magi from the East following the Star of Bethlehem and finding Jesus and giving Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (see Matthew 2) – the thing which speaks to me is not just the Magi but also the Star of Bethlehem. To me, it was spectacular and incredible, even magical that a star suddenly appeared to guide the Magi from the East all the way to Bethlehem. It would have taken them quite some time to reach Bethlehem if the tradition that they came from Persia, Arabia, and India is true. That is why we can never downplay the birth of Jesus – He was indeed the King of Jews, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God even made cosmic changes to proclaim the human birth of His son, whom He had sent to save mankind for eternal life.
Even as the LORD God created the Star of Bethlehem for the Magi from the East, each of us will have our own Star of Bethlehem that will lead us to Jesus Christ. God speaks to our hearts and leads us to Jesus. The Holy Spirit brings us conviction and opens up our spiritual eyes by removing the scales that blinded our human understanding of who Jesus is. I had my own personal experience finding Christ, and I’m sure every believer likewise has a similar personal encounter. We all have our own Star of Bethlehem, which led us to discover and know Christ for who He is.
My prayer for us as we attend church today for the Christmas Eve Sunday service is that we will find Christ in the midst of all the festivities, presentations, and performances. Christmas is the peak of all the activities in church. It is evangelistic but also very hectic and busy. I pray that amidst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the razzle dazzle of them all, that we will all be able to hear the still small voice of God calling us to Himself, to be a part of His family. Jesus came to the earth two thousand years ago as Immanuel – God with us, God living among men. Will we accept His gift of salvation?
The time for His return is fast approaching. The window for us to accept Him in faith is also fast closing. After that, we will still be given the chance, but it will be much harder and more difficult, and provided that we still have breadth. Find Him while He is still there to be found (Isaiah 55:6), while it is still daytime as night is coming when no one can work (John 9:4).
Have a great Christmas Eve celebration today, every one!
Ronnie's Thoughts 