Precious Truth: Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these other things will be added to you.

Today’s Reading from The Word

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

We have journeyed through Advent with many simple thoughts and heartfelt songs that discover to us the hopes, joys, and loving kindnesses found within the Christmas story.

The birth of Christ has given us so many facets of God’s message of love that would later be manifested through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.

We are grateful to know him, and those who follow Christ are filled with such awe during this season. It is hard to express, and can only be felt within the holy aura that surrounds the baby Jesus in the manger. We now know “the rest of the story”, but each Christmas we revisit that starting place, and identify once again with how amazed we are that God would send His only begotten Son.

The only message today is one of meditation, simply gazing upon the truth of God’s love as we hear the story of the nativity once again. As we sing the old carols, while our candles glow with gentle light, reminding us of our gentle Savior, who came into this dark world as a great light…. and shines still, we are aware of his love for mankind.

Our faces light up with that light and we can reflect that love to each other.

How good and gracious God has been, and continues to be.

My wish is for you to have a Merry Christmas.

Take time to seek Christ Jesus today, and give him worship. He is worthy of worship, every day.

Jesse Tree Nativity Scene Ornament #1 by ilonagarden
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…and listen to “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

Precious Truth: Wise men still seek Him.

Today’s Reading from The Word

Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Camels were the transportation and pack animals of the east. They could travel long distances and were often used by caravans to carry the heavy loads of trade goods. Most likely they were used by the Magi in the long journey as they followed the star to Bethlehem.

Why would wise men from the east be more aware than the scholars of the area? Why were they looking for the coming Messiah? It is unknown, but perhaps it was their anticipation and attitude of joy which created the way they kept alive their focus through the generations. They knew whose star had appeared and they followed it. Unafraid of the unknowns, of which there were many, these revered and wealthy men were not going to miss this chance of a lifetime to give honor to such a great King, which their writings had foretold.

Daniel the prophet had been a member of the Magi during the Jewish captivity in Babylon. He had predicted the generation of the Messiah and wise men made it their life’s occupation to study the old writings. They also studied the stars for signs of events.

What is known of them is recorded in the gospel, but we have this key to their long journey: they were overjoyed at the prospect of a Savior King who would rule a new Kingdom. This new Kingdom would be greater than all the others in world history, and these wise men longed for it, prepared for it, and desired to properly welcome such a great leader with their finest and most valuable gifts.

No wonder Herod took note, and felt a threat to his plans to rule the region.

God planned all events carefully, and the expensive gifts financed the journey to safety for the young family.

A well known saying, “Wise men still seek him” holds true for us today. Are we overjoyed at the prospect of meeting Christ? Do we understand his greatness, and what his advent means to the world and to our own lives?

Take time to seek Christ Jesus today, and give him worship.

Jesse Camel Ornament #1