November 19, 2016: SOAP #2543:  Matt 1-4

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 2:10 When they [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed.  11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Observation:    The Wise Men [Magi] had been following the star for long months.  They had followed it to Israel.  It seems to have disappeared and so they went to the obvious place a King of the Jews would be born—to the palace in Jerusalem.  They had come to worship Him.  Herod referred their question to the religious leaders who searched the scriptures and discovered that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.  So, they head off to Bethlehem; and there it was!  When they “saw the star,” they were overjoyed!  But when they “saw the child” they bowed down and worshipped.

Application:  The trappings of the Christmas season can bring me joy.  I can enjoy looking at the lights and decorations.  But if I do not spend time in His presence, I will miss the whole meaning of Christmas.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, during this coming Christmas season, keep my focus on Jesus.  Help me to recognize His presence everywhere.  May it be a season of worship. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!