Happy Birthday

The Magi Visit the Messiah Matthew 2:1-12

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 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.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Finally the anticipated moment has arrived and we say “Happy Birthday Jesus!”. Rev. Dan Deaton once described birthdays to a group of kids as our way of saying “We’re so glad you’re here”. What sweeter way to celebrate Jesus than those very words? We’re so glad you’re here Jesus. We’re so glad you came! We’re so glad you decided to save us and stay with us. You are guest of honor at every celebration this day!

The wise men recognized the king when they found him. How about you? Have you found the King of Kings this Christmas? Have you bowed down your busyness and preparations long enough to find the baby in the manger? If we are wise, we will not let this moment pass us by. Take in the wonder of the day; the wonder of the birth, and the wonder of our Savior. Give him the gift of your devotion today and in the year to come. Seek him with all you are and he will reveal himself and bless you on your way. Like the Magi, the journey does not end at the stable. Go and tell the world about this wondrous gift that you have been given, not just today, but always.

Prayer: Beautiful Savior, may we find in you the gift unconditional love and salvation that will sustain us in not only in the days ahead, but for a lifetime. Happy Birthday Jesus! We’re glad you’re here! Amen