Jim asked in Sunday School this week what our favorite character was in the Christmas story-apart from Jesus. My first thought was Mary. For she was a young girl who when God showed up in her world, it wrecked the life that she knew, yet she embraced it as good. Some in the class spoke of the Shepherds, even Simeon. After having sat on that question a few days, I have come to the conclusion that my favorite for the time being is the Wise Men. And yes, I know they were NOT at the manger. But I think that is WHY I like them. Let me explain.

The Wise Men were men of great wealth. And upon the seeing of a star, the Lord compelled them to make a journey. A journey that took 2 years. They left life, family, job, house, safety and chose to follow a star that hovered over Jesus. They didn’t understand the importance of Jesus. They didn’t know the prophesies or the part they played. All they knew was they were driven to follow this star. The traversed much distance and were not deterred by the time it took or the distance they had to travel. They were not stopped by what they left behind. They faced much danger, including an angry king that threatened to them. They did not hide along the way, but stopped and pointed people to what they were searching for. And they didn’t stop til they saw Jesus.

When they got to Him, they had been on mission for 2 years, with nothing to show for it, but determination. They arrived at where Jesus was and were the first worshippers to bring HIM GIFTS. They came and worshipped, laying gold, frankincense and myrrh at His feet. They traveled two years, over much terrain and difficulty to worship Jesus and to offer Him the finest of offerings despite their lack of knowledge about Him, compelled by a love for Him. Now that is WORSHIP.

Would it be that we could have such determination and offerings in our worship of Jesus. Could this Christmas be filled with giving JESUS the finest and not allowing distance or those that might try to deter us-keep us from getting to Him. And when we get there…might we give our all.

Merry Christmas and SEEK HIM ONLY.

ALL FOR YOU