Will We Seek Jesus?

Wise men from the East looked for Jesus. They had been searching the heavens where they saw an unusual star and they followed the star to Israel. Then they said, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? (Mt. 2:2a NKJV) They wanted to worship the King.

Shepherds responded after they saw an angelic visitation. They left their flock of sheep and went to Bethlehem because they wanted to see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. (Lk 2:15b)

We may not be able to literally see a star in the heavens or hear a message from an angelic host, but each of us can hear God’s message in our heart. If we listen, we will learn His call is soft, gentle, real. He waits for our response.

Will we seek Jesus—that we might worship Him? Will we investigate the truth He makes known in our lives?

As we celebrate Christmas once again, our goal can be seeking Jesus. Like the wise men and the shepherds, let us spiritually look for Him and upon Him. Let us worship Him.

Originally published December 18, 1987.

She Meditated and Marveled

The Christmas gospel tells us, Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Lk. 2:19 NKJV)

So many things had happened to Mary. There was an angelic visitation, a miraculous pregnancy, prophetic words from her cousin Elizabeth. Then Joseph believed her, accepted her into his home, and provided for their journey to Bethlehem. When Jesus was born, shepherds unexpectedly arrived and announced another angelic visitation.

Small wonder that Mary pondered. She thought deep thoughts about events related to the child sent by God. But her pondering was not merely excited mental gymnastics racing out of control. Nor was it doubt. Rather, Mary meditated upon—marveled over—the great love and power of her God. God was doing a mighty work on the earth, and she was privileged to be a part of it.

If God is truly alive in our hearts, we will ponder, too. He has done—and continues to do—mighty works on the earth. We cannot help but think deeply about His great love and power toward all who believe.

Originally published December 21, 1990.
Picture: Karen's garden, Winona, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Sheep or Shepherds?

Shepherds are appealing as we anticipate Christmas—because God chose to announce Jesus’ birth to a group of lowly shepherds.

Shepherds are also a familiar Biblical metaphor. Shepherds are used to portray God Himself in the Old Testament. Ezekiel said, As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I [God] look after my sheep. . . . (Ez. 34:12a NIV)

In the new Testament, Jesus identified with shepherds when he said, I am good shepherd. (Jn. 10:11a) So it is fitting that shepherds were among the first to receive news of Christ’s arrival.

And yet, when An angel of the Lord appeared to them [the shepherds] . . . and they were terrified. (Lk. 2:9) Their response was understandable, but their reaction did not demonstrate an ability to care for others—or present a picture of God looking after His people.

So perhaps God had dual vision when He selected these particular shepherds. Perhaps He wanted to emphasize the shepherd image—and perhaps He selected specific shepherds who also represented sheep in need of salvation. When we look at the shepherds as sheep, we can identify with them—and identify with their quest for Jesus.

Originally published December 2, 1983.