JOYFUL BLESSINGS 20

And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9

The Magi, or wisemen, followed the star to Bethlehem. Different from the angel-visited shepherds, King Herod sent the wisemen to find Jesus. Who were these men? How is their story different from the shepherds? What did they have in common? Today and tomorrow, we'll find out more.

A handy footnote in my NLT Bible notes these wisemen are also known as royal astrologers, which in Greek reads Magi. Sent by a "deeply disturbed" (Matt. 2:3) King Herod, the wisemen went to find Jesus for him. Why? King Herod claimed he wanted to worship Him too, but we know that wasn't actually the case. And as we'll read tomorrow, the wisemen's response to meeting Jesus is the exact opposite of what Herod truly thought of Him. 

I can't help but think following the light in the sky to the Light of the world lit up something within the wisemen's hearts. A sort of transformation happens from Herod's sending to Jesus' meeting. Like the wisemen, I want to keep my eyes fixed upward, looking for light. Jesus, the Light of the world, goes ahead of me and guides me. And in Him there is fullness of joy!

Let's pray together.

Dear God, Your goodness was on display in star-shaped light those nights the wisemen traveled to Bethlehem. All the while, their journey meant more than seeking. It marked new beginning. Thank You for always working in and through my own seeking. I trust You are faithful to Your promises! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Blessing for little ones

Jesus, just as the wisemen followed the north star shining bright, would I follow You day and night! Let Your light shine out through me, for my friends and family all to see. In Your Name, Amen.