Advent Daily Devotional - Day 15

Matthew 2:1-2 

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

Our world can be so dark. You just have to listen to the news or open up social media to find stories that make you reel in shock.   

But today, just as that night over 2,000 years ago, a light is shining.   

Matthew 2:1-2 tells of some wise men (‘Magi’) who see a light in the sky and set out to find it.   

The word Magi comes from the Greek word magos and is often interpreted as “wise men”, those who have wisdom through investigation and interpretation of the movements of the heavenly bodies, i.e astronomers and astrologers. Magi were often watchers of the stars and the heavenly bodies, seeking meaning and purpose from them.  

But here, God meets these travellers where they are and places His story in the stars, using His authority over the heavenly bodies to point them to His Son.   

When the Magi follow the star, they realise that it’s not just a cosmic wonder for their eyes, but something for their hearts – the child King, lying in a manger in Bethlehem.   

Upon their arrival, the travellers asked, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him". The mere fact that these people expressed a desire to worship this tiny baby shows that they understood they were meeting a king – and no ordinary king, but one of great importance, a divine nature.   

The King is here. He was given that title, even as a baby. This baby is the Light of the World, showing us what is true, good and beautiful. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He’s the Anointed One, the Messiah. And His light isn’t a tiny candle, He is a chandelier. Through God's grace, He takes away our blindness and allows us to truly see the beauty of Jesus' light. 

Questions… 

• How did God meet you? Were you wandering, looking at the stars, hoping for a sign when God appeared to point you towards His Son?   

• Are you running towards His light, and welcoming others into His light?   

• Are you emitting His light, and going out to shine that light to others?  

• This light is shining in the darkness, and “…the darkness has not overcome it.”  (John 1:5).   

  May you draw close to Him this Christmas season and find peace and comfort in His light.  

Today's devotional was written by Corinna Stubbs.