Read Matthew 2:11-12. TEXT: And going into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. ... (Matthew 2:11a).
The long journey of the wise men is complete. They enter the house and see the young Child with His mother. They fall down before Him in joyous humility and present Him with their costly gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Undoubtedly, Joseph will use these gifts to fund their unexpected escape to Egypt when Herod sends his soldiers to kill Jesus.
Our Advent journey is now complete, but our life journey is not. Today in the Christian church the Christmas season gives way to the Epiphany season. This new season stretches until Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, when we turn our attention to the reason our Savior was born, the reason He walked among us, the reason He bore the name "Jesus." We will watch Him take our sin, guilt and punishment upon Himself and suffer and die in our place on the cross.
But today we anticipate the day our life's journey will come to its end. Then with exceeding joy and gladness we, like the wise men and the shepherds, will enter into the presence of our Lord, our Savior, our Creator, and our Brother. We will bow in sweet adoration, and rejoice in His glorious presence forever. We will hear the angels' adoration and rejoice with Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Mary.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for journeying through this life for us, and for journeying with us through our lives. Guide us safely home and keep us in joyful anticipation of entering Your presence forever. We pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 16-17 Matthew 5:27-48
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