My Paisley Chair

And just like that … POOF … the halls are undecked!

But WAIT! Epiphany is here! The days after Christmas call us to press on and celebrate the continued pursuit of the wise men to find Christ – the revelation of redemption.

When things are boxed up and tucked away again in the attic, The Bright and Morning Star still leads the way! The season of miracles, enlightenment and divine direction is continually available to those who pursue personal relationship with Christ.

I’m learning from the Wise Men – where I look determines what I see, and distractions abound! How quickly I regain focus, establish a plan and path, and start moving forward toward the goal is what is most important.

I am pondering this week: (JAT = just a thought)

• Why did the star “go dark” when the wise men came to Jerusalem and then re-appear as they started for Bethlehem? “Exceeding great joy” Matt 2:10
• Was it a shift in their focus and attention that caused them to lose sight of divine direction?
• Could “the star” of divine guidance dim when we seek counsel from the ungodly?
• Could they have arrived at Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth if they had not taken the detour to get directions? JAT: What guy stops and asks directions anyway?!

The wise men saw the star in the east, but when they entered Jerusalem, it seems the star went dark. Why is that?!

      After Herod found out where the King would be born and told the magi to get going, scripture indicates the star reappeared. (JAT: The scribes and priests had all the information from scripture, yet they were unmoved and didn’t bother to go to see for themselves – things that make you go hmmmmm.)

When the wise men left Jerusalem, the star reappeared and led them all the way to the place where Christ was. When they regained their focus and placed their attention on the star, there was exceeding great joy. JAT: Focus on the direction that God is leading produces great joy.

The wise men heard from God to return home “another way”. I think it was more than just a different route back home, but rather their lives were internally and eternally changed. An encounter with Jesus changes everything!

The Master of the Universe had supernaturally led them to the Savior of the World. The star in the east, IS the Morning Star who dawned upon mankind in the most precious way.

May the day-star arise in your heart (2 Peter 1:19) as you continue to look to the Author and Finisher of your faith (Heb 12:2).