For most Americans, the biblical Christmas story is one that has been told hundreds of times. For some of us it has been told so many times that the wonder and message become watered-down. The story of the birth of Christ, the shepherds, and the wise men has become a routine tradition as part of the Christmas season. But nothing about this story is routine. Nothing about this amazing moment is watered-down. Rather maybe our faith has become watered-down? Maybe our devotion has become so traditional that we do not see how far we have come?
There are many amazing examples of sacrifice mentioned throughout the birth of Christ and many expressions of ultimate love. One example of the sacrifice can be seen in the wise men. We don’t know a lot about the wise men based on biblical records, but what we do know can deeply challenge the status of our faith.
“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
“After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.” Matthew 2:9-12
In today’s terms, these men would have been viewed as “radical.” They sacrificed much just to get a chance to worship Christ.
A. They sacrificed their TIME. These men were not from Bethlehem or Jerusalem, but were from some lands in the east. Most historians believe that they probably traveled about 800-900 miles in order to make the journey to visit Christ. This trip would not have been a quick one. It would have taken days, maybe even months for this trip to come to completion. And then I think of my life. How much time am I willing to sacrifice for Christ? Will I drop everything and follow His leading for my life?
B. They sacrificed their REPUTATION. These were kings. And while many believe that they probably knew the prophecies of Daniel and the foretelling of the Messiah, they were willing to take a step of faith and follow a star to Bethlehem. What? Can you image that you are a magi and you are leaving everything to follow a star? I can only imagine what others said or thought in regards to their decision. Would I be willing to put my reputation on the line in order to follow God’s leading? Am I willing to look radical in the eyes of men to fulfill God’s will?
C. They sacrificed their SAFETY. These magi came to Herod to inquire about the birth of the Messiah. They left his presence with the order to come back to him if they happened to find this child. The wise men disregarded Herod’s orders as they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod. This was a choice that could have put their safety in jeopardy as they were going against Herod’s orders. They were willing to follow God and His plans over Herod’s. Is my safety and physical well being more important to me than following God’s plan for my life?
D. They sacrificed their GIFTS. The wise men came bearing gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. These were costly gifts that they were willing to give to God. They bowed down to worship the child and opened their treasure chests to present Him the gifts. Am I willing to give? Do I ever give until it hurts?
These wise men sought God above all else. They sacrificed their time, reputation, safety, and gifts all for their long-awaited King. Am I willing to still seek Christ with all of my heart? Am I willing to sacrifice anything for the baby who came in a manger, but who died on a cross for my sins? In a world of comfortable Christianity, am I driven to seek God above all else and follow Him?
POINTS TO PONDER:
1. How can I make the Christmas story less about tradition and more about the wonder of His birth?
2. What area(s) is God calling me to make sacrifices for Him?
3. What area am I unwilling to give to God at this time?
