READING: Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Matthew 2:10
Goodness, am I ever glad to be at this point in my devotions! I love the Old Testament, and I’ve grown increasingly interested in it over the past several years. I admit, though, that I’ve been ready to get to Bethlehem by this point in the year. The prophets have reminded us of the failures of the people, and the people’s continual rebellions have both convicted and exhausted me. However, the prophets have also reminded us of the faithfulness of God to His promises. In today’s reading, the promise of Genesis 3:15 has come to fruition. In one of God’s amazing twists in the story, the One who would crush the head of the serpent is a baby born in a borrowed stable six miles south of Jerusalem, where one would assume kings would be born.
The shepherds couldn’t help but rejoice: “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20). The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). Later, the wise men “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” when they saw the star that directed them to the Christ child (Matt. 2:10). Not all reacted this way to Jesus, but these encounters with Him led to glorifying God, singing praises, and rejoicing greatly.
That’s why I’m glad we’re here in my devotional reading. The King had come. Amen.
ACTION STEPS:
- I know it’s September, but think about and sing one of your favorite Christmas hymn today. Here’s mine.
- Thank the Lord not only for coming to us, but for coming particularly to you.
PRAYER: “Glory to God in the highest!”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3; John 1:15-34