The arrival of Jesus is not just about the end of the year. It is a message about God entering our world in a specific place. Bethlehem was steeped in history, but it’s not the place that is always important. What mattered on that night was what happened there.
To Think About:
- Read Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi, or wise men, were looking for the king of the Jews. It became their mission. Who or what are you looking for in your life? Said another way, what is your mission?
- The Magi were looking for this baby so they could worship him. They not only had a mission, but they had a reason for it. What is the reason for your mission? Why are you looking for your answer to the first question above?
- It took some work, but the Magi found whom they were after. Look again at verse 11. What did they do? Mission accomplished! What did you do when you realized Jesus was with you this morning? What will you do when you realize he’s still there at lunchtime? How about as the day ends?
To Live Out:
Where you are is less important than what you are doing there. If God can use a little town like Bethlehem, he can use the place where you are – right now. Don’t wait for a new year, a new week, a new job, or a new plan. Do what you can with what you have right where you are. Will you decide to look for Jesus above all other people, places, or things? It takes work because some people don’t want you to find him. Or they want you to find him for their reasons. Look for Jesus for who he is: the King.
To Pray About:
- Tell God what you’ve been looking for. If you want to look for something different, tell him that. If you want to know more about Jesus, share that.
- Ask God to help you see the people and events he’s used to help you know Jesus, then thank him for those.
- Invite Jesus to be a part of your day and even your new year.
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