Were they scanning the night sky in search of an expected sign or did they search their charts after observing an unusual star?  Whatever the circumstances, what they saw in the heavens was big enough to change their lives.

Preparations began immediately, a long journey was at hand.  Comfortable portable shelters, clothes, bedding, astronomical instruments, food, water and provender for the animals all needed to be packed.  Knowing that they would meet a king, the men choose suitable gifts to present: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The event designated by the star was of such importance that the decision was made to travel.  There was no question of distance, comfort or ability.  The journey must be made.  They would let nothing keep them from worshipping the Lord.

How different we are today.  Many Christians settle for a mediocre message in a nearby church in order to avoid driving more than a few minutes.  Others seek a

place where the worship experience never challenges the status quo of their lives but rather provides another layer of entertainment.  Comfort has replaced the cross.

I believe that we should all expect spiritual food when we attend a church service.  (At Real Life we tend to serve the finest filet mignon rather than sloppy Joes.)  However, we still encourage folks to attend with an expectation to give.  The wise men traveled to give both gifts and sincere worship.

The journey to Bethlehem would change the lives of those men from the East.  Scripture indicates that an angel warned them in a dream and they returned “another way”.  I see great symbolism in this small detail.  When we have come face to face with the Messiah, we cannot return to our old ways.  Everything is new, the entire direction of our lives is altered.

Today, our churches have the greatest tools for world evangelism available if we choose to use them for the Gospel.  This concept, so foreign to introverted Christianity, requires us to embark on a journey of faith.  No distance is too great, no discomfort too trying.  Our goal is to worship the King and present gifts: The gold of new believers, the frankincense of their prayers, and the myrrh of our sacrifice.

Remember, Bethlehem lay only five miles from Jerusalem, yet no one saw or responded to the star.  In fact even after the wise men brought news of the birth of Messiah, no one went to see for themselves.  Religion has a way of insulating us from the presence and power of God.

The light is shining, will you respond?

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