Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him. — Matthew 2:2 It was a clear and calm night. The usual stars assumed their usual spots in the black canvas of the sky. Until a newcomer appeared and stole the celestial show. Years of studying the skies confirmed, this wasn't just any new star. This was the star. The star for the King. So the wise men, or magi, journeyed to Jerusalem to ask the king of the country where they could find the King of all kings: "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2). Their inquiry led them to Bethlehem, but it was the star that led them to the infant Jesus: And there it was — the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. — Matthew 2:9 This wasn't just any new star. This star was supernatural. This star moved. Was it a shooting star or comet, a supernova, or a conjunction of planets? Whatever the astronomical phenomenon was, it was a divine guide right to the cradle of the newborn King. When the wise men came face-to-face with the King of the Jews, they fell down in worship, offering fine gifts fitting only for royalty. But the message of the magi here is more than a Christmas card picture of a star and three regal silhouettes on camelback. The message of the magi is about a loving and relational God meeting us right where we are. The wise men were a pagan people. They studied stars, not Scripture. So God spoke to them in a language they would understand: the skies. |
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God illuminated the skies to illuminate the magi's hearts — and ours. |
God illuminated the skies to illuminate the magi's hearts — and ours. |
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God met the men living in darkness right where they were by capturing their upward gaze with a mysterious light. He used their sense of wonder for the stars to bring them face-to-face with the wonder of their Savior. And they were filled with joy and awe, falling to their knees in worship. What they had thought was magical was nothing in light of a personal experience with the Light of the World. God illuminated the skies to illuminate the magi's hearts — and ours. The God of the universe humbled Himself in the form of a child to meet us exactly where we are: in our sin on earth. Divinity dwelling in human form, with us, beside us, for us. And ultimately dying to save us. This wasn't just any new star. This was a star for the King, our Savior — who takes us by the hand and leads us out of darkness. The light in the sky proclaimed the best news we'll ever hear: The Light of the World is with us, beside us, for us. Walking alongside us. Speaking to us in a language we'll hear and can't help but respond to with hearts full of awe and wonder and worship. Journal Prompt While you probably don't have any myrrh in your cupboard, what gift can you bring in awe and wonder today to our Savior, who is meeting you right where you are? ~ Meghan Mellinger |
Excerpted with permission from Let in the Light by The Proverbs 31 Ministries Team, copyright Proverbs 31 Ministries. * |
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Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. What better day to celebrate the Light of the World, Jesus?! He is the One who takes us by the hand and leads us out of darkness. ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Do you need light for your path and hope for the dark times? No matter what you face today, it's possible to encounter the power of God's light even in dark and difficult seasons. From the Proverbs 31 Ministry team, including Joel Mudamalle, Alicia Britt Chole, and Asheritah Ciuciu (and many more!) comes Let In the Light: 50 Devotions to Confidently Know God is Good and Guiding Your Steps, a devotional to lead you into the light of God's Word and presence. Friend, we were never meant to walk in darkness. But no matter how dark the world seems, the good news is that even in the darkest places, God still pursues us. There is no place too dark, because wherever God is, light is there too. And you can be sure there will be enough light for your next step. |
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More about Let In the Light | This timeless message offers profound insights into the eternal light that shines in our darkness. In this beautiful, full-color devotional, rich with light imagery, you will find: - An encouraging foreword from Lysa TerKeurst where she shares that it is possible to encounter God's light, even when life feels shrouded in darkness
- A relevant Bible verse for every entry
- Devotions from Proverbs 31 writers, including bestselling authors such as Joel Mudamalle, Alicia Britt Chole, Asheritah Ciuciu, and more
- Bible teaching that leads you from creation to the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World, and to our hope eternal where there will be no darkness
- A practical and relevant message to help you cling to God's Word and step into the light
When you have walked in dark places for a long time, it can seem that day will never come. But God has promised that He will not abandon His people. Though we may not see clearly now, God will lead us in new ways, on paths we haven't been before, making rough places level and dark places light. This book makes a wonderful gift for anyone who is: - Seeking a closer walk with Jesus and encouragement to spend more time with God's Word
- Facing a dark or difficult situation that needs hope
- Diving deeper into the biblical passages of light, doing a study for advent or lent, or studying with a group of friends
- Searching for daily reminders that God has ultimately defeated darkness and that we can live in the light of eternal redemption and be a light to those around us
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