Advent Devotion – 12/4/2009

December 4, 2009 – Tail As Big As A Kite

Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-2 (KJV)
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.”

Devotion:
I’ve already written some about the star. In the song, it is almost implied that the star may be a comet. There are some theories that the star of Bethlehem may be a comet. This helps explain why it would appear only at the this time and place. Stargazers, including the Magi or Wise Men from the East, would see this as an important sign: the star and its appearance in that night sky pointed to a royal birth in Judea.

Many pictures portray the star as more than just a point of light and even the star decorations we purchase for our Nativity scenes and Christmas trees picture the star with a “tail”. In fact the star blazes almost like a lighted cross. The birth of the King in Bethlehem is of little significance without the death and resurrection of the King in Jerusalem. The tale is big and has many signs and wonders associated with it.

Even within the brief telling of the tale in Matthew, one realizes that the Wise Men had been looking for quite a while for this sign. I’ve already mentioned that Israel had long awaited this sign but largely ignored it when it came (yet those in Herod’s court could verify the Wise Men’s information!). I think we get tired of waiting and give up on God’s promises too soon. How much do we miss by giving up and not seeing the signs that have been so clearly laid out for us?

Tonight, Kathy and I go to celebrate with Rick Bonfim Ministries at their Annual Christmas Dinner. It is a time to remember what God has done. Rick’s tale is also big and has many wonders associated with it but it is of little significance compared to Jesus, born King of the Jews, whose star rose in the East, and who we worship. Rick’s tale is far from over but it has been laid out long in advance: by Rick, by his father before him, and most definitely by God.

One point of the tale is “Do not give up too soon on God’s promises”. The signs are there. Don’t miss them. Don’t miss Jesus.

Father God, we remember the star – and we remember that You planned Christmas as You were planning Eden. Help us to see the signs of Your plans for us and the realization of those plans in Jesus. Let us see His star rise in our Hearts as we bear our gifts to worship Him. In His Name, we pray. Amen.