Matthew 2:7-12 (click to view Scripture below)
Herod is very serious about the news he has heard of the birth of a king — a threat to his power. He questions the wisemen further about the details of the star’s appearance, imploring them to go and search for the child, letting him know when they have found him — so Herod can come and pays his respects (worship) this new king. Like an ancient version of GPS, the star leads them right to Jesus.
The intrigue of this story continues as the wise men are warned in a dream not to return to Herod. They realize Herod’s true intention is not to worship Jesus and they head home by a different route.
This account reminds us that there are many people who seek after God’s peace who are honestly searching for a saving reality and know very little about who Jesus really is. In the middle of this Christmas season and its frenetic pace, there are folks who are desperately seeking for some Good News that is for all the people. They will know their search is valid when they meet Jesus. Could you be a part of their search? Would you be willing to be used by God to direct the “searchers” of Christmas 2018 to the Christ child?
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer: Lord, bring me in contact with some people this season who know a part of the Christmas story but need to meet the main character — Jesus born in Bethlehem to be our Savior.
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Matthew 2:7-12 (ESV)
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
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Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
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