Advent: Stars

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. Matthew 2:1-4
 
When Jesus appears on the scene – even the stars declare he has arrived. Wise men, who probably know nothing of who Jesus is, travel from the distant east to come and see and worship him. The great city of Jerusalem is turned upside down with rumours of another king. Yet God chooses not a great city or a palace as the place of the birth of Jesus, but a tiny village called Bethlehem. He is born not in pomp and power, but out of sight in a farm shed.
 
This Christmas, though you may be distant from God like the wise men, draw near to worship the Saviour of the world. Don’t be so busy listening to the rumours, clamour and noise going on about the seemingly important issues of the day. Maybe go out from all the noise and drama and find time to once again fall in love with the one who gave himself for you. We were made to worship him and only really find true joy when we do just that. All other pursuits have a hollowness about them and their glow very soon fades.