Christmas ViewpointSample

The Magi Re-Routed

'After they (the Magi) had heard the king (Herod), they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.'

The Magi were men of purpose; they had studied, calculated, estimated, and strategized to arrive at the doorstep of the King of the Jews. Their careful preparation came to fruition. They knelt before the Child and gave the King their gifts in worship. All went according to plan.

Just before the judiciously arranged trek home took place, all was interrupted by a dream cautioning them to re-route their journey. What may have seemed a last-minute detour was the provision and protection of the Lord.

Viewpoint Reflection

Think back to when your plans seemed to be interrupted, and later, you realized it was the hand of the Lord for your provision and protection. Spend some time giving thanks to the Lord.