December 26, 2019

Bible Reading: Revelation 19

With this being the week of Christmas, I am going to continue to look at individuals from the Christmas Story.
Matthew 2:1-11 (KJV)
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
The star is a fascinating part of the Christmas story. I have some questions about it. When did it appear? Did it move when Jesus moved? What was so unique that made it stand apart? I’m not sure we can know some answers this side of Heaven, but it’s interesting to dig in.
Some say the star appeared two years before His birth, while others say it appeared when He was born. It appears the star was over the home of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. It may have been over their home the entire time through the nativity until they arrived. Its amazing how God puts things in our life that we are unaware of.
Mary and Joseph had no idea they were about to leave to go to Egypt. God knew they would need money for the journey. He provided exactly what they needed by bringing the wise men when He did. God does same for us.
We don’t know what God has planned for our lives. Yet God knows exactly what we need going forward. You have no idea what God has already put in motion in your life to supply your needs. He is just an awesome God.
Jacob Jarriel