"Magi 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 we have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2 NIV)
Wise men and women set their faces toward the Savior in the last hours before Christmas.
Commentaries can’t agree on just when the magi showed up. The general consensus is that it could have been anywhere in that two year period after the nativity scene. But I remember Moses and his brother, Aaron, meeting in the wilderness. As Moses was ironing out the details of his ministry contract, God informed him: Aaron was already on his way. (Exodus 4:14) God can get people in motion long before an event requires a response. Divine appointments are His forte.
I’d love to interview the astronomers and ask just what it was they saw in the sky that intrigued them enough to take a two thousand mile journey. I’d like to inquire how they knew a newborn king was involved. Were they supernaturally directed? Academically intrigued? Or simply drawn to the new star as moths to flame?
If I’m being barefaced, it’s been a cold and dreary week for me. The weather outside has set pace with my soul: bitter and blustery. Last Christmas my brother passed away in a stubborn refusal of care. His loss has left a strange hole in my story: sibling, friend, and near-foster-child. The grief has swept in thick and it’s been hard to keep my chin up.
I woke up with this thought about wise people before I even opened my eyes or put feet to the floor. I knew right away it was from the Lord. He was graciously handing me a pack of matches to make my way out of the dark. I laid under the heavy blankets a little longer, repeating the truth so I wouldn’t misplace it. “Wise men and women set their faces toward the Savior in the last hours before Christmas.”
Today I am determined to set my face toward my Savior. I recall, how He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51) Jesus faced that last Friday with startling fortitude. If He could march toward His death date, then I can march toward His birth date, despite the heartache happening around it.
The magi went to great lengths to worship. They painstakingly made their way through mountains and valleys, over rivers and streams, across plains and deserts. I can traipse through my grief to peer over the manger one more time, heart intent on giving glory where glory is due.
"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." (Isaiah 50:7 NIV)
Flint is a hard stone with jutting edges. It was often used for spearheads and knife blades. When we set our face as flint, we determine to do something hard by being harder still. This scripture is a prophecy about our Savior, but also a reminder that we, also, can set our faces toward tough things. And when we do, the Lord comes alongside us, strengthening our resolve.
I will set my face toward the Savior in these last few hours before Christmas. I will receive Him rightly and rejoice in His birth. I will not forget how His life and death has made way for our rebirth. I will revel in His love for all humanity.
Lord, holidays are hard for more than a few folks. This Christmas might be pockmarked with loss for lots of us. Thank You for reminding us in these last few hours of advent to reset our faces toward You. Please meet our recommitment with Your powerful presence. Bind up our broken hearts and hold us close as we make our way toward the manger. We will not allow our sorrow to steal from Your worship. We are so grateful for Your goodness and mercy: at Christmas and always. Amen.