SCRIPTURE: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (Herod the Great), magi (wise men) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2 AMP
The first advent of Jesus brought a lot of light into the world, but many people missed it. Light is helpful, even miraculous the way it exposes everything — from the beautiful, to the mundane, to the downright evil. Journey with author and blogger Amy Clemens as she explores the advent of one who said he was the light of the world…a light that shines in darkness…that exposes. A light that will make a second advent, with a power and glory no one will miss.
THOUGHT: Why do events unfold in our lives in peculiar and seemingly random fashion, leaving us shaking our heads and wondering what God is doing? I’ve been there many times, and I bet you have too. The good news is, we often get down the road a little way and see how God has been at work in a miraculous way that leaves us shaking our heads for a different reason. Amazing. Beyond understanding.
For reasons not immediately apparent to Mary and Joseph, God uses an astronomical sign to call a few foreigners to Bethlehem searching for Jesus, whom they call “King of the Jews.” Rich, intelligent foreigners who don’t understand the Jewish faith or the Jewish God, but come prepared with very expensive gifts and come prepared to worship. What is that all about?
Scripture tells us, “They saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts [fit for a king, gifts] of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mt. 2:11 AMP).”
This is a young couple who, according to Jewish law, present two doves or young pigeons as a purification offering because they can’t afford to give a lamb (Lev. 12:8). They have nothing until these gifts arrive, but in God’s economy, there is about to be a need they hadn’t predicted. A journey that will take them even farther from home and all that is familiar.
PRAYER: When life doesn’t go as we plan or expect, dear Father, help us trust that you have and will make provisions that we know nothing about.
Dear Reader,
I’m glad you’re along and I pray you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged in your faith by something you read here.
There are archives by topic below – now more than 1000 of these daily meditations to browse.
ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
FREE TO YOU:
If you’d like to be notified of this blog each weekday, please look for the little blue “follow” button below (just above the topical search), and welcome!
asipoblog.com 