Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2
The wise men from my nativity have been on a journey this Christmas Season. They have made it as far as the cabinet in our dining room – not quite to the stable yet – Jerusalem perhaps? And of course, they are coming from the east. I have four wise men because scripture never tells us how many were in that caravan. There could have been two, or ten, or twenty. We simply don’t know. We do know that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gifts for a king.
God has given us a gift in the Book of Proverbs. Wise words to teach us.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou sleekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:1-6
Will you join me on a journey this year. A journey to deepen our relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let us seek His wisdom. Ask God to lead you on your journey. Make it a priority to study His Word that you will know His voice when he speaks to you. I have gotten away from the habit of reading through the Bible each year and I find that I miss it. But we must read with the right motive. Don’t simply read to check off the required number of verses for the day. Instead read prayerfully, asking God what lessons He has for you in the reading. Chew on the words. Digest the words. Then will you be fed.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever. Psalm 111:10
Let me end today’s blog with the words from a hymn I discovered in an old hymnal.
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 to Thee.
As with joyous steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
Wo may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger 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 heavenly king.
Holy Jesus, every 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.
William C. Dix, 1837-1898
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