Editor's note: Today, on the shortest day of the year, enjoy this devotion written by Meghan Mellinger from Let in the Light by The Proverbs 31 Ministries Team.
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Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him. — Matthew 2:2
It was a clear and calm night. The usual stars assumed their usual spots in the black canvas of the sky. Until a newcomer appeared and stole the celestial show.
Years of studying the skies confirmed, this wasn’t just any new star.
This was the star.
The star for the King.
So the wise men, or magi, journeyed to Jerusalem to ask the king of the country where they could find the King of all kings: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
Their inquiry led them to Bethlehem, but it was the star that led them to the infant Jesus:
And there it was — the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. — Matthew 2:9
This wasn’t just any new star.
This star was supernatural.
This star moved.
Was it a shooting star or comet, a supernova, or a conjunction of planets?
Whatever the astronomical phenomenon was, it was a divine guide right to the cradle of the newborn King. When the wise men came face-to-face with the King of the Jews, they fell down in worship, offering fine gifts fitting only for royalty.
But the message of the magi here is more than a Christmas card picture of a star and three regal silhouettes on camelback. The message of the magi is about a loving and relational God meeting us right where we are.
The wise men were a pagan people. They studied stars, not Scripture. So God spoke to them in a language they would understand: the skies.
God met the men living in darkness right where they were by capturing their upward gaze with a mysterious light. He used their sense of wonder for the stars to bring them face-to-face with the wonder of their Savior. And they were filled with joy and awe, falling to their knees in worship. What they had thought was magical was nothing in light of a personal experience with the Light of the World.
God illuminated the skies to illuminate the magi’s hearts — and ours.
The God of the universe humbled Himself in the form of a child to meet us exactly where we are: in our sin on earth. Divinity dwelling in human form, with us, beside us, for us. And ultimately dying to save us.
This wasn’t just any new star.
This was a star for the King, our Savior — who takes us by the hand and leads us out of darkness. The light in the sky proclaimed the best news we’ll ever hear: The Light of the World is with us, beside us, for us. Walking alongside us. Speaking to us in a language we’ll hear and can’t help but respond to with hearts full of awe and wonder and worship.
Journal Prompt
While you probably don’t have any myrrh in your cupboard, what gift can you bring in awe and wonder today to our Savior, who is meeting you right where you are?
~ Meghan Mellinger
Excerpted with permission from Let in the Light by The Proverbs 31 Ministries Team, copyright Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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Your Turn
Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. What better day to celebrate the Light of the World, Jesus?! He is the One who takes us by the hand and leads us out of darkness. ~ Devotionals Daily