Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Siblings may share the same parents and many of the same family experiences but can come away with completely different perceptions and interpretations of the time they shared together.

When Jesus was born, the earth announced His glory. A star was given as a special sign to see Him and worship God who became man. Yet, even with something so clear as a star in the sky, different people had different reactions to this sign of the Messiah. The wise men studied it, pursuing the truth and searching with a desire to worship. Herod and all of Jerusalem were troubled, worrying about what such a sign would mean for them. The chief priests and scribes stood indifferent, even while they faced the inquiries about the Messiah they were waiting for.

God was clearly at work at that time, making His plan clear even in the night sky that this long-awaited prophecy was being fulfilled. Yet, it was the hearts of people that determined their responses. We often search for God at work in our lives, and we may believe it would be easier if He spelled out the next step for us. Yet, as we see with the wise men, God has a purpose in the journey. He is after our hearts in the pursuit. This Christmas, as you hear the nativity story, you will hear over and over how God is with us, but will you truly take it to heart? You could take God’s desire to have a relationship with you as something that threatens how you want to control and live your life. That is what Herod did. You could pass this holiday season, responding indifferently to the messages you hear, never pursuing a deeper relationship with God. That is what the priests and scribes did. Or you could take this opportunity to truly pursue worshiping God as the wise men did, even if it is a long and difficult journey for you too.

• Do you tend toward wanting to control your life or being indifferent in your relationship with God? Why?
• What are some things God has been teaching you during this holiday season?
• Pray and ask God to open your eyes to where you may be trying to control your life or living indifferently to His message. Ask Him to change your heart to one that truly desires Him.