Christmas

Matthew 2:1-3

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

It often amazes me how we can miss the things that are directly under our noses. I can’t even hazard a guess at the number of times I have asked my wife where something was, only to have her reach out and grab it from right under my nose. Sheepishly, I will thank her and then walk away shaking my head in disbelief. Berating myself I might wonder, “How could I not see that?”

Two thousand years ago, angels appeared to shepherds, declaring a miraculous birth. The shepherds declared it to the people they met, after finding all the angels described. In Jerusalem, Simeon and Anna are both drawn to the miraculous child. Then Anna declares to all who seek that Messiah has finally come. Yet, two years later, when wise men arrive, the King and his leaders still haven’t heard the good news.

Watchful Shepherds were made aware of their deliverer. The watchful man, who clung to his promise, found salvation. The watchful woman, who made prayer her life, found her messiah, and the watchful wise men found their king.

It is amazing the things you’ll find when you are keeping a watchful eye, but miss, when you’re mind is on something else. King Herod and all his leaders were focused on maintaining power and authority. They missed one of the greatest events in history, that took place in the shadow of their palace, because their focus was on something else.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that your focus will be drawn to a simple stable, a gentle baby, The King, born in Bethlehem.

Merry Christmas

Ken, Carla & Family