Daily Inspiration

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'” -Matthew 2:1-6

Many believe it was a unique astronomical event that led the magi to the newborn King. Consider for a moment another explanation.

When I was in the presence of the Holy Spirit, I knew that I was looking at the Star of Bethlehem. He made Himself visible to me as a brilliantly beautiful star. I knew that the wise men followed this same Star individually at first, as others around them could not see it. This Star rested just over the hill, then across the stream, and at the end of the next valley. Soon all three would meet and would follow the Star, step by step, drawn together to see the Christ Child. All the while, perplexed that so many could not see.

Why didn’t Herod, or his astronomers see this Star themselves? Why couldn’t the chief priests pinpoint the place where the Christ Child lay? When Jesus walked by the fishermen and said, “Follow me”, why did some hear Him and others didn’t? The Lord reveals Himself to all, but not all choose to see or hear.

Throughout the millennia, this story has played out over and over again. Today, just as in the time of the magi, the Holy Spirit shows Himself to us, and Jesus passes by and says, “Follow me”. Each of us must look and listen for Him. Our choice is to get up and follow Him or be deaf and blind to His presence. The Holy Spirit still guides each of us to Jesus, step by step. Let’s walk together to meet the Newborn King.

Merry Christmas!

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you-” -Isaiah 60:1-4