hidden and revealed

Foreign kings from a distant land were able to find HIm but his own earthly ruler could not.  Poor shepherds on a hillside could find Him but those who would do Him harm could not.  The wise men from the east outwitted evil King Herod.  They had visited Herod and told him the story of a star that had risen in the east that marked the birth of the newborn king of the Jews.  Herod probably pictured the kind of star that we see every night far above in the heavens.   But the kings had been following what I think was a different kind of star...more like an angel holding a light right in front of them and leading them in a close way.   I don't think they really needed to stop and ask for help from Herod, but they wanted to create the illusion that they were a little lost.   They gained the confidence of Herod and he thought they would serve as his spies to locate the newborn king and report the location back to him.   But the kings earnestly wanted to find the baby to celebrate His life, while Herod wanted to find the baby to eliminate HIm and the possible threat to his earthly power.  And the wise men from the east followed their personal star all the way to the baby's house and cradle.  The thought occurs this Christmas that the way to Jesus comes by revelation that is personal, like the star that guided the wise men.  And those who are earnest in seeking Him to find new life will be led in a personal way and in a protected manner to find life.  The Heavenly King, who protected His infant Son, will surely protect all of His children.

Matthew 2:⁹ When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹ And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

¹² Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 

Christmas blessings...may His Star lead you to Himself!

Rob Smith