As Lynn reflects on the journey of the magi, let us ask ourselves what gift we could give our Lord in 2016.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him'” (Matthew 2:1-2).
As I write this, the church year is celebrating the feast of the Epiphany. It is a time to focus thoughts on the Magi who traveled far seeking the infant, Jesus. It is a well known story but reading the Scripture account this year, some inspiration came anew for me.
I am reminded of how God guides me by the stars of my faith in Him.
As one who longs to be observant to follow all the steps that will lead me through the plans He has for my life, I thought of the many steps it may have taken the Magi to reach the most important star in their lives.
They brought gifts in gratitude for having found Him who they sought. What about me?
Perhaps there are gifts I can bring anew to honor God who steps with me onto the paths of this new year.
I want to wrap up my gifts for Him–gifts of trust and acceptance. If I don’t understand what is happening in my life right now, I can be grateful that He is with me and that He understands how I feel. If I recognize joys or answers to prayers, it is with more tangible “feelings” I can rejoice as I recognize His faithfulness.
He has helped me to wait with Him until He saw that the “star” was in the right place. My steps, with Him, led me far enough that He could unveil to me His plan that had been unfolding.
He is my Lord and King all the time. Yet I do rejoice differently in the moments when I can see with new eyes how brightly His kingly crown shines upon me. I give thanks that comes from a heart that is full.
As I give thanks, my heart to opened to searching the skies in anticipation as I await other promises He is preparing to fulfill for me when His appointed time arrives.
Prayer: Lord, I learn from the wise men the importance of persevering in my journey with You. I already have found You, but You always ask me to go deeper to know You in new ways. As I seek, You can lead me to the special stars of your promises and for the journey, I give thanks as I wait. Amen.
What is a major prayer you bring to the Lord for this new year? Has He given you any guidance as to co-working with Him as you walk out the steps to its answer? If not, how are you going about trusting Him completely with your request?
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. Since 1983 she has lived with vestibular dysfunction which manifests as constant dizziness, sessions of vertigo, and related side effects of nausea, balance problems, neck and back pain, visual tracking and eye fatigue. She is a breast cancer survivor having gone through surgery and chemotherapy treatments in 1987-88. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington (near Seattle). Do visit her blog at http://lynn-severance.blogspot.com
Lynn shares about a song she wanted to share with you: “I am sharing the song, ‘Simple Gifts’ as recorded by famed cellist, Yo-Yo Ma and recording artist, Allison Krauss. In lyrics and images, it reflects how much we can gain from slowing down in our journey and see the gifts of God all around us.
We also can choose to seek the gifts that He has for each of us deep within. As we begin the journey of this new year, may we reflect on taking it at God’s pace–trusting Him with the gift of each new day.” Hope it blesses you. -Lisa
So much you’ve shared here for us to think about Lynn 🙂
I was drawn to your comment about “how God guides me by the stars of my faith in Him” – especially considering how long the journey was for those wise men following the star – certainly an encouragement to keep on persevering. As He has guided and directed our lives in the past and present, so He will continue to do in our futures too!
Looking forward to seeing how God guides each of us in this new year.
Blessings,
Fiona
What a beautiful reflection Lynn! Thanks 🙂
You asked “What is a major prayer you bring to the Lord for this new year?” It has me really thinking!! I’m not sure, but I do know that it’s something about restoration, which is the word God keeps giving me for this year. I guess I’m asking that God will help me to restore anything that He wants me to work on! EEEK! I wonder what that will be?! I guess He’s also saying that He wants to restore back to me & my family some things that have been “lost” over recent years.
I guess your prayer sums it up perfectly. I want to persevere with God in the tough times & go deeper with my Lord in my faith. I know that means being more patient & seeing the importance of waiting & NOT running ahead of Him! Easier said than done! 😉 I needed this message tonight! God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Kerryn – thanks for sharing what you feel the Lord is asking of you/what your prayer is for this year – a more intentional focus of prayer, that is.
I understand why “restoration” would come at this time for you and your family with all the changes and challenge that have filled these past two years and these most recent months. I join you in support of that prayer. I know your “star of faith” and deep dependence and trust in the Lord will have Him manifesting Himself in new and very BRIGHT ways. Hang on to Him ( as you always do ) – as we all hope we do well – and let’ see what He does. We know it will be good and yes, require patience while He sets all in place – much as all the stars are set in their place.
Thanks for the effort to stop by and share your thoughts – always encourages me!
xo Lynn
🙂 LOTSoluv Kerryn
Lynn, I really like this message. I honestly never thought about my “gift” as you have helped me “see” through the eyes and hearts of those kings, and all they brought with them.
Recently I heard a sermon concerning the Kings. the pastor spoke about the kings and that many people would’ve been with them. Their servants, warriors for protection , Family. Each granted a once in lifetime opportunity to worship the living Savior. I’d never really thought about who had travelled with them??
Like each of us, perhaps they too had their own gifts to offer
Lynn, Your gifts of trust, joy, obedience.
Are inspiring as well. Thank you for sharing.
I pray my own gifts will be pleasing to Him as well.
Blessings dear friend.
Hugs Di
Thank you, Diane!
I had not thought of this myself – kind of took the story of the Magi for granted but not with new eyes.
Now I am having eyes for what you shared. What a great insight to realize that these men would not have traveled alone, esp. if their journey was long as is often indicated. Many lives were changed that “star filled night” – or whenever the arrival occurred.
May we bring many on the journey we travel and/or be grateful for those who choose to accompany us and make the journey brighter.
Hugs – Lynn