Following the Star

As we navigate the Christmas season, our hearts naturally turn toward the familiar images of the nativity—the humble stable, the newborn King, Mary and Joseph, shepherds with their flocks, and those mysterious travelers from the East. But have you ever stopped to consider what we can learn from these wise men who journeyed so far to worship Jesus?

Their story, found in Matthew 2, offers us a profound roadmap for encountering Jesus in our own lives—not just during Christmas, but every day of the year ahead.

The wise men's story begins with a sign—a star in the heavens announcing the birth of the King of the Jews. These weren't Jewish scholars or local religious leaders. They were likely Persians from the East, Gentiles who had no ancestral claim to the promises of Israel. Yet something stirred in their hearts when they saw that star.

They didn't just observe it and move on with their lives. They made a choice to follow it, to seek what it represented. They traveled hundreds of miles, facing dangers and uncertainties, all because they believed this sign pointed to something—Someone—worth finding.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, the capital city, they expected to find celebration. Surely everyone would be rejoicing at the birth of their king! Instead, they found fear. King Herod, threatened by the possibility of a rival, sought to use them to locate and eliminate this child.
But the wise men persisted. The star led them not to a palace, but to a humble house in Bethlehem. And there, they found what they had been seeking: the young child with Mary, His mother.

What happened next reveals the heart of true wisdom. Matthew 2:11 tells us they "fell down and worshiped Him." They didn't come empty-handed. They brought gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

These weren't random presents. Each carried profound meaning:

• Gold was reserved for royalty—they acknowledged Jesus as King
• Frankincense was burned in worship to God—they acknowledged His divinity
• Myrrh was used in burial preparations—they somehow understood He would be the Savior who would die for humanity
  
  

These wise men praised Jesus by acknowledging who He truly was. They didn't just bring material gifts; they brought recognition, honor, and worship.

The journey of the wise men provides a pattern for our own spiritual lives:

1. Receive the Sign You're reading this for a reason. Perhaps someone invited you to church, or you felt drawn to explore faith, or you're searching for answers. That's your star. That's your sign. God is reaching out to you.

2. Seek Diligently The wise men didn't give up when the star disappeared or when they faced obstacles. They kept searching. They asked questions. They persevered. Our spiritual journey requires the same determination. We must actively seek God, not passively wait for Him to overwhelm us.

3. Expect to Find Jesus taught, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." The wise men expected to find the King, and they did. What are you seeking? Clarity for the new year? Peace in your circumstances? Purpose for your life? Expect that in seeking Jesus, you will find what you need.

4. Acknowledge Him When the wise men found Jesus, they didn't just observe Him—they worshiped Him. They acknowledged Him as King, God, and Savior. This is where transformation happens. When we enter His presence and acknowledge who He truly is, our lives begin to change.

Matthew 2:10 says that when the wise men saw the star again, "they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." Not just happiness. Not just contentment. Exceedingly great joy.

This is what awaits everyone who seeks Jesus. Joy that exceeds our circumstances. Joy that doesn't depend on our bank account, our relationships, or our plans working out. Joy that comes simply from being in His presence.

Here's something beautiful about this story: the wise men were outsiders. They weren't Jewish. They weren't from the right place or the right background. Yet they sought Jesus, found Him, and received from Him.

Acts 10:34-35 makes this clear: God doesn't play favorites. He accepts everyone who respects Him and does what is right, regardless of their nation or background. Jesus Christ is everyone's Lord.

Maybe you're reading this thinking, "I haven't been to church in years," or "I've made too many mistakes," or "I don't know if I'm worthy." The wise men weren't from the "right" background either, but they still sought Jesus, and He received them.

Your past doesn't disqualify you. Your mistakes don't eliminate you. Your doubts don't exclude you.

In John 20:29, Jesus said something profound to Thomas, who doubted His resurrection: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

We live two thousand years after Jesus walked the earth. We haven't seen Him with our physical eyes. Yet when we believe, when we expect to receive, when we acknowledge Him as our King, our God, and our Savior—we are blessed.

Blessed with joy. Blessed with purpose. Blessed with everything we need to become who He's called us to be.

As we step into a new year, we face a choice. Will we be like the wise men—following the signs God gives us, seeking Him diligently, expecting to find Him, and acknowledging Him in every aspect of our lives? Or will we simply observe from a distance?

First Peter 1:13-15 challenges us: "Your minds must be clear and ready for action. Place your confidence completely in what God's kindness will bring you... be holy in every aspect of your life."

Being holy doesn't mean being perfect. It means becoming more and more like Jesus. It means taking one step closer to Him today than we were yesterday.

The wise men received a sign and followed it. You've received a sign too—perhaps it's this very moment, reading these words. The question is: what will you do now?

Will you seek Him more? Will you expect to receive from Him? Will you acknowledge Him as your King, your God, your Savior?

When you do, you'll discover what the wise men found: not just a baby in a manger, but the living God who offers exceedingly great joy—everything you need for this life and the life to come.

The star still shines. The invitation still stands. And the One who was born in Bethlehem still welcomes all who seek Him.