Embark on a mysterious expedition with me! And adventure of sorts! And, to some, it would be a long harsh journey in some ways, but oh, the outcome is GLORIOUS!
Imagine if you were one of the three Wise Men in the Christmas Story. Why would you travel from the Orient to Bethlehem? What are you looking for?
And, would you travel by camel for a hundred miles or even one thousand miles to see a mysterious babe in a manger? Why would you choose to do such an adventure? What would make you want to make this long, arduous journey towards Bethlehem?
And, would you really follow a star shining in the night sky? What would cause you to begin such a journey? Well, as it says in the scriptures, the Magi followed the star to Jerusalem to ask: "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:1-2). Wow! That is one long journey to worship someone you don't even know is real! But, somehow, they did make that journey and they did worship Him. They believed the prophecy which had been foretold: The Babe lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
And, the Three Kings brought gifts for Him, too! Gold, Frankincense, and Mryyh. Have you ever wondered WHY???
Some of the answers are in this song.....Remember the old Christmas Carol: We Three Kings??? The verses are fascinating!!!
1) "We three Kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star.
Refrain:
O______,
Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light."
2) "Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign."
Refrain
3) "Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh,
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God most high."
Refrain
4) Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume,
Breathes of life of gathering gloom,
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb."
Refrain
5) "Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sac-ri-fice.
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia,
Earth to heaven replies."
Refrain
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A star leading them through the night......in wonder......shrouded in mysterious light....
with royal beauty.....guiding to the Perfect Light! Christ IS that Light!!! If ever there was a time to explore who Christ is, now is that time!!!
Go on a journey..........read in the New Testament the story for yourself! It's in the Bible in the book of Matthew, Chapter 1 and 2, and Luke, Chapter 2: The Christmas story. It's amazing - especially if it has been since you were a child when you last read it or heard it!
And, John 1:14 says: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of Grace and Truth."
Come! Follow the Star!!! Find the Babe lying in the manager...........
He came for you. He came for me.
Merry, Merry Christmas!!!
