The Wise Men in the Christmas Nativity Story were knowledgeable about astrology and the prophecy of Jesus' birth being foretold by the appearing of a star in the sky.
The were not religious men - certainly not Jews - and maybe they were not even very "spiritual." But they probably had more wisdom concerning Jesus, the newborn King, than Christians do today about Jesus, our King of King and Lord of Lords.
Here is the wisdom of the Magi that many of us are missing:
- They pursued Jesus diligently until finding Him
- They overcame obstacles and hindrances in their efforts to seek the Lord
- They ignored an enemy who sought to keep them from Jesus
- They traveled any distance just for the chance to worship the Lord
- They risked their status and reputations for what they believed
- They studied the truth of Jesus with great commitment
- They freely, willingly and joyously gave Jesus of what they had
- They came to Jesus, prepared to Him their very, very best
- They worshipped Him openly, and without shame
- They recognized the Lordship of Jesus with reverence and awe
- And they had one great desire: to simply be in His presence
But the deeper truth is that that God Himself provides for us an example of true Christianity in the story of the many men who came to Bethlehem to worship a newly born child.
How many of us can say that we have done even half of what the Wise Men have exampled for us as Christians?
This Christmas - in the midst of all that we do to celebrate the holiday - let's also add celebrating our own Christianity to the admonition to remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus - our Savior and Messiah; the Anointed One.
Jesus was born to give us His life. Let's celebrate Him with our lives, lived in the wisdom of Christmas - everyday.
God bless you - may you know the true joy of Christmas this year and everyday...
~Pastor Deidre Jones
