​17th Day of Advent, December 18, 2018

GOD’S PROVISION
Mathew 2:1, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews: For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Advent! It’s always a special time to experience the excitement and preparation as we anticipate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Emmanuel, God with us.  God in the flesh, in the form of a new born babe, precious, innocent, vulnerable and fragile. The wise men of old were following His star in great anticipation of worshiping this new King. Though the wise men came after the birth of Jesus, we traditionally include their journey in our holiday theme. Growing up, I thought God’s provision was the star to announce and guide men to the place of Jesus’ birth but later when I heard the story of King Herod, I also learned about God’s provision of safety for baby Jesus. Who knew there would be those who would not want a baby, any baby, to be born, especially this baby? But I learned God knew. God knew His son would be King of Kings and Lord of Lords but there was another king, King Herod, who wanted Jesus dead.
The wise men had visited Herod in Jerusalem and asked where they might find the child born King of the Jews and when the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. So, the king called all his wisest priests and they met and decided that the three wise men should go to Bethlehem and find out about Jesus and when they came back on their way home, they should tell Herod so he could go worship the new King too. Well, we know Herod was lying and as we read, we find out that God knew and told the three wise men, in a dream, to go home another way. Soon afterward, God sent His angel to tell Joseph to take Mary and the baby Jesus and flee to Egypt. When Herod found out the three wise men had betrayed him, he sent his army into Bethlehem to kill every male child two years old and under in hopes Jesus would not escape.  But He did.  God knows the hearts of mankind.  God provides.   Only in God’s timing did Jesus give up His life, willingly.  No one could take it from Him.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes on Him shall not parish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 
My prayer:  Dear Lord God almighty, we are so grateful for all the children in our lives and please care for all the babies who will not see any life this Christmas.  Please draw their parents to you, Lord, that they may feel your love and mercy and grace. Amen
Dianne Irvin - 2018