Great Plains Daily Devotional for 1/6/2021

 Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:

You, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
        by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah,
            because from you will come one who governs,
            who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

Today is the end of Christmas – what a downer. Only 12 days in the Christmas season, one would think that our time of celebrating the birth of Christ would be longer than that! May as well accept it – the season is over. Time to take down the decorations and store them for several months. But … before we do ...

Today is Epiphany. It is today that we ponder the Magi’s story as they followed the star to bring gifts to the Christ-child. The star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. (v.9) Wonder what they felt as they arrived and set their eyes on Jesus, the Christ-child? We know they fell to their knees and honored the baby, yet what was stirring in their souls? What changed for the three kings at that very moment at the revelation before their eyes?

On this gift-giving day, I encourage you to celebrate the Christ-child by answering these questions.

1. What actual gift do I bring to Jesus today?
2. How am I noticing and living into the revelation to God?
3. During the 12 days of Christmas, where did the star lead you?
4. In what new ways are you being invited to grow in your discipleship and faith?

This is a wow day! It’s a party day! Let’s celebrate the revelation of God as a human being in Jesus Christ. Now that is an Epiphany!!

Prayer for Reflection

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12