Don’t Miss the Invitation to Seek Him

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11

To read the whole account of Magi from the east, click here: Matthew 2:1-12

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

It’s Christmas Eve. The preparations have been made, the invitations sent, the gifts wrapped. We stand at the edge of the anticipated quest, ready to savor the thrill of what is to come—the wonder of Christmas Eve.

But what if what we have been waiting for leads us to some place we never expected? Maybe our Christmas hopes and dreams have turned to disappointment, to fear of missing out, or to jaded indifference after years of unmet expectations.

The wise men were searching for the meaning of one unusually magnificent star. Their study of ancient writings told them the appearance of this star signified that a special child was born, one who was the King.

God sent this star to invite them to find Him.

After their long journey, the wise men assumed that this extraordinary baby must have been born in a place of prominence - Jerusalem. But when they arrived in Jerusalem the baby born King of the Jews was nowhere to be found. Can you imagine their disappointment?

The Magi, desperate for guidance, approached King Herod and asked, “Where is he, born King of the Jews?” The question unsettled Herod, whose interest in their search was fueled not by reverence but by a deep-rooted fear. As the words echoed in his chamber, Herod's mind raced with anxiety, imagining the loss of his hard-won authority and the chaos that might follow. He felt torn between maintaining the facade of royal composure and the dread gnawing at his heart—what if this child truly intended to usurp his throne? What if he lost everything?

In need of more answers, King Herod and the Magi questioned the religious leaders. These leaders were well-versed in the prophecy that the Christ would be born in the seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem, as foretold in Micah 5:2. Despite this clear prophecy, their response was surprisingly indifferent. Emotionally, some leaders might have grown weary or even cynical, finding it easier to cling to ritual and tradition than to risk the vulnerability of renewed hope. As a result, those who knew the prophecy best were personally uninterested in meeting the Messiah for themselves.

Despondent, the Magi had come to the end of their ability to find Jesus.

Only then did the star reappear to lead them. When they had come to the end of their own reasoning, logic, and efforts, God once again invited them to continue to seek Him.

Perhaps my disappointment is God redirecting me to seek Him in places I don’t expect, in ways I could not imagine.

Like the Magi, where is God inviting me to keep seeking and let the wonder of His birth overflow in joy filled worship?

What am I afraid of losing? Is there something I am clinging to that I see as more valuable than seeking Jesus? Perhaps, in surrendering all that I hold dear, God is inviting me to discover the King of Kings who came to give me true life in His Kingdom.

Where have I become indifferent to the message of Jesus? Am I just caught up in the traditions and just going through the motions? Have I given up hope that His birth is real for me?

Today, as we ponder the meaning of Christmas, where do you sense God inviting you to seek Him, to know Him, and experience Him personally?

Prayer – Thank You Father God, for inviting me to seek You. When I feel disappointment, fear, or indifference, renew my joy. Lead me to seek anew Your face - to know You. You are the best gift of all, the God who came for me. Nothing is better than You.