Merry Christmas; The Stars Cry Out

Dec. 25

Read: Luke 2:8-21, Matthew 2:1-12

Merry Christmas!

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy…” (v.10)

It is hard to capture the full magic and mystery of Christmas. I know we do our best to reflect on the coming of Christ… images of a baby in a manger with animals all around… but I can’t help but feel like the full weight of this cosmic truth is something we can’t bear. We all need to be led into the worship of Christ the King; each of us bringing with us what we have to offer. The worship of “baby Jesus” is always directed by something and/or someone outside of the worshipper.

Take for instance the shepherds: Told by an angelic host where to go and what to do. What was it that motivated them? I am sure the supernatural experience of worshipping angels had a lot to do with it. I also think that the message of a “savior” was appealing to them. The hope of being rescued… being saved… being lifted out of their lowly station. They were local, and had a short but “hasty” trek to get into town. The shepherds found the baby just as the angel had declared and they worshipped the child. They brought to Mary and Joseph the message that had been entrusted to them. This was a part of their “worship”, sharing the truth revealed to them with those they were “called to”. Their motivation makes sense to me.

Now let us consider the Wise Men… the “Magi”. What was it that motivated them? They were from a different place. They were from a different culture. They had success, power, and resources. They were affluent in every way. So why would they be so excited about a star? Why would they be so motivated to learn about other people’s prophecies and traditions? What was it that drove them to travel such a far distance, over so many months? These were men who spent their lives observing the natural world, namely the stars, and LOOKING for the truth that God therein reveals. My wife, Olivia, loves Psalms 19 which reads:

“The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.” - Psalm 19:1-4

The Magi must have read this Psalm. They watched. They listened. They sought the child - baby Jesus - to worship him! (v.Matt 2:2) The brought gifts out of their most precious treasures. Like the shepherds, they brought what they had to give to the Lord. Through visions and dreams the Lord was guiding them to Jesus. Through the provision of a supernatural star they were led all the way to Christ.

God is leading his children to Christ. God is calling his people to himself. From both ends of society - shepherd to magi - God is calling a people. From all over the earth - local blue collar people in the fields to far away foreign wise men - God is drawing his people. Our hearts arrive to worship Jesus being led to him by whatever path the Lord brings us. We carry with us what we have to give… messages from angels or precious treasures. Jesus has something for everyone, and everyone has something they are to bring back to HIM. This is our right worship!

What is it that is leading you? What is it that motivates you to come to the manger this Christmas day? What path have you walked to Jesus? Some find him soon - think Shepherds who see him as an infant… a new born. Some take time… a longer journey… think the Magi traveling over more than a year to see Jesus as a toddler. God is gently, kindly, and forcefully leading us - his people - to Christ. God is calling to his people through his creation:“the heaven’s declare the glory of God… and night to night reveals knowledge”. God is calling us through angels, some of which we will never even realize are angels. (cf. Heb. 13:2) Will you take the trip? Will you approach The King who was born some 2000 years ago? May our eyes be opened this Christmas day. May our hearts be filled with JOY and PEACE. May we “see the star” and set a course. May we bring whatever we have to bring our hopes, dreams, fears, failures, gifts, praises, treasures… God is calling us; His Children.

Merry Christmas to you all! May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face to shine upon you. May you travel in his peace as he goes ahead of you and follows behind.

- JDP