Advent: Week 4 | Day 3
December 22 | Matthew 2:1-6
Men, traveling for miles, likely over a period of months, came looking for Jesus. They had studied the prophets of old and knew the King would be born in Bethlehem. Somehow, from their studies of the stars, they knew it was happening in their generation.
Bethlehem and Israel in general would not prepare room for Jesus. There would be no room for them in the Inn. Jesus was right there in their midst, and they would miss him. But from the other side of the world, seekers would come and find him.
Foreigners would show the world what really mattered.
It’s common for people of any race or nationality to consider their views and perspectives as the best. It’s very common, but that doesn’t make it right. This story of the men from the east remind us that sometimes other people from other cultures can show us what we should be looking for. If we look to them, they can show us Jesus in ways we never thought possible.
King Herod was not happy about the announcement of the birth of a King—and for good reason. A new King would put him out of business. Ultimately, Jesus wouldn't come to challenge Herod’s power—at least not in a traditional sense. Jesus would challenge the idea of power and bring Herod down by establishing an everlasting Kingdom. This Kingdom is made up of people from all walks of life, over the ages, who have chosen to look to Jesus as their King. More than 2000 years later, this Kingdom has never been stronger. Herod’s kingdom—or any nation for that matter—comes and goes.
Reflection
How familiar are you with the church in other parts of the world? Is there a foreign expression of Christianity (or any religion) that has helped to shape your faith?
Where is your allegiance: to the nations of this world or to the person of Jesus? Or to something else?
Prayer
God, the One who draws people from all nations, draw me in as well. Help me not to miss the Jesus who is in our midst. God, you are the One who reigns for all time. Receive us as worthy servants, even today.