“When the Magi saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy”. Matt. 2:10
Lord Jesus, it makes no difference if they were astrologers, wise guys, magicians, or kings… or if there were 3, 5, or 7 of them… or whether they arrived 2 days, months, or years after you were born… the Magi came to you because you are an irresistible grace-magnet. Hallelujah, you are the Savior who allures, draws, and seeks… then finds, saves, and treasures us. Thank you for being the “author and perfecter” of our faith (Heb. 12:2), not the hand-wringing spectator.
No matter the hurdle, hitch, or Herod—you are saving a Bride for yourself as numerous as the stars, sand, and dust (Rev.7:9-10, Heb.11:12, Gen.13:16). By the ordinary means of grace, by the spontaneous, sovereign work of your Spirit, by friend-to-friend evangelism, by angelic visitation, by the Gospel being shared in all kinds of ways… Jesus, you are mighty and merciful to save. This is the meaning of history—planned in eternity, secured by your work, and surely to be completed.
In a world that feels fragile, grace-less, and scary, you are “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:5) and worker in all things for our good (Rm.8:28). We. Can. Trust. You: With our children, health, and future. When wickedness seems to prosper (Ps.37:7-8). When it seems darkness, not your glory, will fill the earth (Hab.2:14). When we are weary in well doing and inconsistent in doing good (Gal.6:9-10).
Lord Jesus, you are more active in making all things new than we are awesome at failing, disbelieving, and needing. This Christmas, restore to us the joy of our salvation, the love we first had for you, and a delight to serve you with all we have and are. So Very Amen.