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.

He Brings Revelation

Throughout the Christmas season, everyone will experience specific events that will make up this year’s celebration. Some will become vivid memories—good or bad—that we will carry with us the rest of our lives. They might come through a church or school program, the trauma of shopping, parties, or the individual things we do to prepare for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Will our memories center on Jesus? Not all—but hopefully many. Without Him, there would be no Christmas. And without a revelation of Him, our memories fall short because we miss the meaning of the event.

Only a few individuals outside the family understood the significance of God's visitation when Jesus was born, but a prophetess named Anna did. She was “of great age. . . .” (Lk. 2:36b) After her husband died when she was still young, she had given herself to prayer. The Bible tells us, She did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (v. 37)

Then Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the temple on the day of His dedication, and Anna had a revelation. The Bible tells us, in that instant, she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (v. 38)

Over the years, Anna had collected many memories as she learned from God's Spirit. All came togeher when she looked at a baby and recognized the future ministry of Jesus. For revelation is built on what we know. Anna recognized Jesus because she already knew Him with her spiritual eyes. When we are ready, He brings revelation.

Originally published December 26, 1986.
Picture: Poinsettia tree, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Moments of Love?

Do we experience the love of Jesus? Even more significantly, do we experience loving Him in return? Does the thought of Jesus bring joy?

Peter said, Though you have not seen him, you love him . . . and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. . . . (I Pet. 1:8 NIV)

Of course, there will be times when we don’t feel love. There are times when love will be a choice—even if we feel more-or-less dead inside. But a close walk with God—just like a close walk with any other person—should include moments of tangible love and moments of joy.

These moments may come when we set time aside to be with Him—to pray, to ask questions, or to enjoy His Presence. They may come when we struggle with a specific task He sets before us. They may even come when we aren’t consciously thinking of Him at all.

Those special moments are like visitations. Whatever the circumstance, treasure His tangible expressions of love. We are precious in His sight, and He wants to be precious in our sight. He desires a love relationship with His children.

Originally published February 17, 1989.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN 2009. Photo by Solveig.