Your Daily Devotional for December 21, 2007

 

December 21,  2007

 

 

The Light of Christmas

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."

 

Matthew 2:1–6

 

 

In search of Jesus, the wise men were following the light of the eastern star. When they arrived in Bethlehem, they asked Herod the king where the young child could be found. It is interesting to notice that though the wise men were following the pathway of light, the Bible was their true guide. Micah 5:2 gives us this Old Testament prophecy: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Just as the Bible guided the wise men to Jesus so many years ago, the Bible will light our path today. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamb unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

 

The wise men recognized who Jesus Christ was, and they allowed His light to guide their paths. Therefore, they became a people of His light. Acts 26:18 tells us, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." These wise men desired that "the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." Sadly, Herod's heart was darkened to the Messiah, but the wise men sought the Saviour; they recognized Him as the King of kings and desired to bring Him honor and worship.

 

I heard a story about a little girl who learned this verse at Sunday school: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Later that day, she asked her mother the meaning of this verse. Her mom said, "Well, it means that when you are good, kind, and thoughtful you are letting Christ's light shine in your life before all who know you." The very next Sunday the little girl got into an argument with another student and created somewhat of an uproar—to such an extent that the teacher had to go and find her mother. The concerned mother came and said to her little girl, "Sweetie, don't you remember about letting your light shine for the Lord before others?" The child blurted out, "Mom, I have blowed myself out."

 

As you go about your day, remember Jesus Christ. He is waiting to guide you into His pathway of light this Christmas. Wise men still seek Him!

 

Daily Bible Reading

Micah 4-5 • Revelation 12

 

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