Who is loved by God.

Whenever a new US president is elected, presidents, prime ministers from all aound the world will call to congradulate the US presidents regardless of how they feel of think of him/her or what religion they practice. The will pay their homage, this is the custome today. In those days if were to visit a king you come bearing gifts. We see this clearly 1King10 We see Queen of Sheba to Solomon bringing gifts and spices....

We often tell of the birth of Christ in December to celebrate his birth. Now truth be told I think we should celebrate his birth all year.

So in Matthew 2 we are not suprised when we see Magi when they come they also come with gifts.

Magi were not only Astrologers They were also the advisers to kings in many eastern states, in that part of the world they were very important people. One commentry explains their role this way. “Their insights were derived from sophisticated astronomical observation combined with a sort of “interpretation” which present-day horoscopes provide.

So these Magi concluded that a very important event had occurred and that a state visit was required. This was very normal.

Now Luke does not miss insicnificate details.... Luke makes a point to tell us that Sheperds got a special invitation and they showed up to the King with no gitfs. I have never seen any when foreign dignitaries visit a country and the comentator also mentions Janitors or garbage men. Essentially shepards were known for their loose morals, they handled dead animals so they we ceremonially unclean.... and yet the irony is that they provided the unblemishled lamb for the temple. God who dwelt in the temple was from them. They felt a God who is distant from them.

Are there times you feel that God is also distant from you? at that moment we all take great comfort in your sin....

You see they they knew that they would never be enough… and I would say that deep, deep down we know we are not enough,.. we are a disappointment to God, we do not have enough faith, rightious There is nothing that is worthy to bring to the King. They were not ready for this cosmic event.

Wouldnt it be amazing if it was true that the same god who invites heads of state who the same peron who feels helpless against their sin. I am here to tell you that when you feel forgotten, discarded, u

to be fully loved by God. I might hide it well but I am filled shame guilt, even though we disguise it well. I am not a good enough husband, father, son , neighbor ....we are not rightouse enough for this Kingdom of heaven that he is preaching about. They havent had enough time to repent to turn away from their sins, faithful enough not good enough for heaven. we not what we should be for God. We know that God knows our shame.... we are struggling with changing letting go they were struggling with shame, loely.