The Messiah Has Come

Today in the town of David, a Savior had been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

 Luke 2:11

Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah is alive! No birth in history (not even Prince William’s and Kate’s baby boy) had such a welcome. The long awaited Messiah had come.

After the angels spoke to the shepherds, they “hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:16).

But wait! Not everyone shared their excitement. When King Herod heard that Magi (Wise Men) had come from the East, he was disturbed. He wasn’t going to tolerate a rival, not on his watch. He met with the wise men claiming that he wanted to go and worship him.

The wise men found Jesus with his mother, Mary, and presented Him with many treasures. Who were these wise men? How many were there? Scripture tells us that they came from the East bearing gifts. Picture them in your mind as they travel from afar, and followed a star which seemed to guide them.

Rather than report back to Herod, they went home a different way having been warned in a dream (Matthew 2:12). Joseph also had a dream again from an angel. He responded by taking Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Atta boy, Joseph! As Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father, he did what dads do: protect and care for their children.

What does this story say to us today? Is our heart prepared to respond to God’s leading? When it’s a message that requires major changes, do we hesitate?

Going to Egypt was quite a journey. I’m pretty sure that Mary didn’t protest Joseph’s leadership. Her relationship with God and her relationship with her husband were solid and strong. I’m not sure what I might have said, but I’m sure that Mary said something like, “Joseph, you have been a loving and faithful husband. I see daily the depth of your relationship with God. Let me get our things together.”

How might you have responded when facing such a long trip?

Lynda