Thursday, December 24, 2015

Matthew 2:1-2 -- On Coming to Worship Christ

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa 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


It's interesting to me how many things happened because of Christ's birth and how big a deal it was even at the time.  In Luke 2 we read about the shepherds that saw an angel, and were witnesses that the Savior was born.  They told people.  In these verses, we read about people who came from another country seeking Christ.  It wasn't just a local phenomenon.  We know from 3 Nephi 1 that even across the world the announcement was made, and a sign given.  Herod took the wise men so seriously that he felt that his rule was threatened.  These things weren't done in secret... it was big news both where they were, and elsewhere in the world.  The "good tidings of great joy" that the angel brought to the shepherds were for "all people," which includes the whole earth, and I submit all time as well.  All people, everywhere, whether they lived in the past, the present, or the future.  Christ's birth brings joy for everyone, whether we're willing to accept him or not.  Resurrection and immortality are coming to all of us as free gifts just for participating. :)  But the true gift of "eternal life" is more than immortality.  Eternal life has a spiritual component and requires a little more effort.  It basically means eternal life with God, which necessitates that we learn how to be more like him and how to become our best selves.  Which is basically just teaching us how to put extra whipped joy on top of the joy we already get. :)  Today, let's be wise men (and women), and follow the example of our predecessors, following the signs, listening to the message of joy, seeking Christ wherever he is to be found, and coming to worship him.

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