By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

They Worshiped Him!

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“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
Matthew 2:10 New International Version

The “Christmas Star” appeared just a couple of weeks ago, a unique conjoining of Jupiter and Saturn, an occurrence that is very rare.  It reminded me of the Star that the magi followed over 2000 years ago, seeking the “King of the Jews”.

Tomorrow is the annual celebration of the coming of these wise men from the East, the day known as Epiphany, or “Appearing”.  What is important about those magi is not that they were interested in a star, but that they were coming to worship a newborn King.  The star was amazing, but the child they found was the Savior of the world!

In the midst of all the Christmas glitter and lights, it is easy to miss the Light of the World, God’s Son sent to earth to save you and me.  What do the unbelievers in this world see?  A folk tale?  A commercial hook through which they can make money?   Or like King Herod, a threat to their throne and control?

But those who seek the Truth, see God’s answer to the darkness and sin in this world.  The believer sees in the Child of Bethlehem the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father.  For to those who would receive Him He gives the right to become the children of God.

And so we gather with the wise men and forsaking all other temptations we worship Jesus.  We are not ashamed of His humble beginnings, for we see in them God’s embrace of a world that can only come to Him through the humble gate, the place of repentance and need for forgiveness.

“Oh, come, let us adore Him!  Oh, come, let us adore Him!  Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado