Monday, January 6, 2025 - Day 6 (LAST OF DAILY BLOG)
NOTE: After eleven years of providing this daily blog, it is time for this retired pastor to also retire from this daily responsibility.
Suggested alternative...Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Today we celebrate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the birth of Christ and the coming of the wise men. According to the Bible, the magi (wise men) arrived in Bethlehem when Jesus was somewhere between 41 days and 2 years old. That’s why Matthew tells us that they went into the house and worshiped the baby Jesus. For some, this is surprising. As interesting as the facts of the coming of the wise men are, the main point is that Jesus came for a world covered in the darkness of sin.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be se en upon you. (Isaiah 60:2 ESV)
The birth of Jesus ushered in the saving light of the Gospel. Jesus put it this way:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)
The wise men followed Jesus and were blessed with the light of the world. Are you following Him too?
1. As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led by Thee.
2. As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to Thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before
Thee, whom heav'n and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
3. As they offered gifts most rare
At Thy cradle, rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heav'nly King.
4. Holy Jesus, ev'ry day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
5. In the heav'nly country bright
Need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown,
Thou its sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.
(Lutheran Service Book #397)
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the light of the world who came to enlighten all people with Your love and forgiveness. In response to Your mercy and grace in my life, may I walk in You light today and every day. Amen.
May you and your loved ones remain BLESSED BY THE LORD in every way!
Pastor David Paape
