Advent Devotion for December 1st, the 5th day of Advent

Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, into my life and into the life of Your world.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “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.”

 

Devotional: God reveals the most extraordinary event in all human history to a group of astrologers, not Jews, who live in a strange location to the east of Judea, do not belong to “God's Chosen People” and have to travel some distance to worship the King of the Jews. How unexpected. Persian astrologers certainly were not anticipating such an event from prophecy or their religion. And yet these are the people God inspires to interpret the stars to indicate that God has brought into the world as a child, the One who is to be King of the Jews and rule the Kingdom of God.

Only God's inexplicable, unexpected Grace could have chosen such an avenue of revelation, not only for Jews but also for the world.

The grandest aspect of God's love for the world and every person is this business of Grace unearned, unmerited, unpredictable - not limited by human time, space or logic or reason.

 At the same time, this unconditional love of God that we call Grace is the most difficult aspect of saving faith. The reason is that we cannot manage it or cause it or deserve it or take any pride in it. It is as free as a gift is free. It is inexorable, and most significantly, it is initiated by God as an act of overture toward us in Jesus Christ.

The Magi were chosen to receive this revelation solely as the act of God's gracious love for them and for this world.

Almighty God surely wants us in this Advent Season to be acutely aware that it celebrates the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our lives and the life of this world. However, this revelation may come to you, ie., stars, events, relationships, worship, prayer,  or acts of love shown by or received by you. Ask God to make you so sensitive and receptive that you will be found by this Baby who is King of the Jews.

Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus.