Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture

Read Matthew 2:9-11.

And going into the house they saw the child
with Mary His mother, and they fell down and
worshiped Him... (Matthew 2:11a)

Reflection

Few people enjoy Christmas more than children.
Simply recall their unbridled enthusiasm and the
wonder and jubilation beaming from their faces
as they rush down the stairs on Christmas
morning. The joy of the wise men might have
actually topped theirs. Matthew says, "When
they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly
with great joy."

The Magi travelled a long way to see Jesus.
They heard God's Word telling them where His
Son would be born. They saw the star go ahead
of them until it stood over the house, and they
saw the King of Israel-probably only a toddler at
the time. They fell before Him and presented Him
their precious gifts.

What an amazing picture! These weren't children
running down the hall to see the presents waiting
for them under the tree. These were grown men-
important, dignified, well-educated men. Yet they
were gripped by an incredible joy impossible for
them to contain.

We know so many things they didn't know. We
know this was God's eternal Son. We know He
came to live the perfect life we can't. We know He
grew up to heal the blind, deaf and lame, to drive
out demons and raise the dead. We know He died
on the cross and rose again to give us eternal life.
But with all of that, do we share their overwhelming
joy at our Savior's birth, life, death and resurrection
for us?

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, fill me with joy at Your first coming to
save us from our sins. Then on the Day You return
to judge the living and the dead fill me with
overwhelming joy to worship and praise You forever.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture:

Read Matthew 2:1-2.

... behold, wise men from the east came to
Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1b)

Reflection:

During these last days of the Christmas season
we turn to the wise men. We mentioned briefly
last week that these men were counselors and
advisors to their king. They were considered
experts in nature, astrology and medicine. While
studying the heavens, they spotted a special light
that announced the birth of a great king. God had
placed it in the sky to guide them to His Son.

There are many mysterious things about the wise
men. We aren't sure what country they came from;
though they certainly didn't come from the Far East-
the Orient. We don't know how many there were;
we only know they presented three gifts to Jesus.
We don't even have enough information to know the
nature of this "star." The Greek word can refer to a
comet, a conjunction of planets or a special
miraculous light God placed in the heavens. But
one thing is clear: the star convinced them the great
King had been born.

As they arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel,
one great mystery remains for them. They ask King
Herod "Where is He who has been born king of the
Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have
come to worship Him."

Throughout this Christmas season God has shown
you the certain fact that He sent His Son Jesus into
our world to save you from your sins. Will you be
like the wise men, leaving everything behind to
worship your Savior and learn more about Him?

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, give me the certainty You gave
the wise men, that Your Son was born King of the
Jews and my King. Move me to worship Him and
want to know more about Him. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation
has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Reflection:

Today is the first day of 2012.  You have an
opportunity to make this the first day of the
rest of your life.  I would like to make a
suggestion, BELIEVE IN CHRIST! not simply
of Christ, or about Christ, but IN CHRIST!.
Bring Him into your life, make Him a psrt of
your life. I guarantee your life will change.
When you give your life to Christ, the old
passes away and the new begins. 
Remember God Loves You, believe in that
love, give that love to others. believe in
Jesus Christ.

BE HAPPY IN JESUS!  HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

New Year's Prayer

Lord, this year I want to change,
and I've said that in the past.
but now my prayer is different
'cause I understand at last.

I wanted my own way before,
I ignored your loving plans.
But now I'm putting everything
into your nail-scarred hands.

I promise to obey you
out of gratitude and love.
I won't be giving orders
to my Father up above.

I finally realize the truth
and so I've changed my prayer.
The safest place for me to be
is in your gentle care.

(by Jack Zavada)