From the Heart of God's Word...
Christmas Message 3: Wise Men Still Seek Jesus
Imagine The Wise Men just doing their thing… being WISE. When suddenly, they notice a Star beaming in the East. With all their wisdom and knowledge of scripture, they recall Numbers 24:17, "A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab and destroy all the sons of tumult."
These men didn’t sit around contemplating the situation. They moved into action. With little time to waste, they headed to the East, following the Star. Imagine their journey. Possibly, they were singing songs of praise or contemplating what they would say first. With every step, their hearts beat faster and faster. Keeping their eyes on the Star, their pilgrimage ended at a humble home in the little town of Bethlehem.
The excitement pounding in their hearts resembled their knock on the door. As the door opened, they see the toddler standing next to his mother. The long-awaited Yeshua, their Messiah, humbly standing in the midst of them. With arms open, they run toward the child and fall on their knees before Him in worship and praise. Immediately, they reach into their bags. One by one, they laid their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh at the feet of the young boy – their King! Tears pooled beneath them. Physically weary yet energized spiritually, they left to return home. Wow, what a trip that must have been!
Digging deeper, we must grasp that the Wise Men’s gifts had purpose and meaning…
GOLD symbolized Royalty – Representing Jesus as The King of the Jews.
FRANKINCENSE was a Fragrance - used in the temple to represent Jesus’s priesthood.
MYRHH was an Embalming Ointment – Prophesying Jesus’ Death.
God had it all planned. He directed The Wise Men, not only with the Star but with the perfect gifts! With these three presents, God provided Joseph and Mary with the financial resources needed to flee to Egypt, escaping the wrath of Herod. These gifts provided not only physical purpose but also spiritual significance. God used The Wise Men as His hands and feet here on earth. Oh, what we can learn from these men of God.
Christmas 2023 Challenge… May this Christmas be one you will remember as life-changing. Not because of the gifts you receive or places you go but because of the unseen gifts you give to others. One of the most precious presents you can give someone is the gift of prayer. I challenge all of us to be “Prayer Givers” this Christmas season. The most beautiful thing about this gift is… It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
From My Heart to Yours,
Carla McDougal