On this Holy Night

When you follow a star and you find a stable

What if you follow a star and find a stable? What would you do?

Story of the Wise men following the star

Matthew 2:1–12 ESV

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, 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.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “ ‘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.’ ” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 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.” 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

What do you think the wise men expected when they were following the Star?

What did the wise men do when they found a stable?

When they found a stable they looked for God

When they found a stable they offered their very best to God

Look for God in the Good and the Bad

When the wise men came to the stable, they didn’t withhold anything. They didn’t look at one another and say, “You know, if we didn’t leave anything here, we’d have this gold and frankincense for Herod. Maybe we should give it to him and his family. This is just a kid in a backyard stable. Certainly we don’t need to give Him all of this expensive stuff.” The difference between the average and above average person lies in just three words: And Then Some. Great men of God, and great men of society, give their very best, and then some. They forgive people, and then some. They’re always walking the extra mile. They’re always taking the extra step. It’s an effort.