A New Way

 A New Way

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go still ahead of them

the wise men had come a long way from afar

being led along the way by a star, His star.

No map to guide them along the way.

Just a star in heaven led the way.

Their goal was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.

Not something they questioned. A fact they just knew.

So by looking up they plodded along

through many days and starry nights long.

Stopping for direction in Jerusalem along the way

they learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this new way.

This special star led them

to a house in Bethlehem

where they bowed down and worshiped this child-King

who came to earth with a new way of life to bring.

Worshiped by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiped by praising and glorifying in word

just as the shepherds had earlier done

when announcing a new way had come.

This new way of life for mankind brought needed salvation

and as Simeon spoke of, "a light for revelation."

This new way of life now ensures us

that Immanuel or God is with us.

After weeks of searching for then finding the Christ-child,

the wise men were ready to return to report to King Herod

except they were warned in a dream not to,

to return home by a new way hereto.

A new way, the opposite direction, both figuratively and literally.

This new way is also available to each one of us personally.

So off these truly wise men, and humbled shepherds, went

though never again the same

for a new way of life was available to them, and to us also,

as God's Word claims.

* * * * *

Do you need to make a U-turn?

It's never too late to return

to seek God's way, His best plan and purpose for us

by living a life of believing faith and trust.

As the Bible is written for our example

the Old Testament records many examples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding going their own way got them into trouble.

Where did they turn to when they repeatedly got themselves into trouble?

It was always the Lord they depended on to get them out of trouble.

God is always ready, willing, and available to help us in our times of trouble.

Do you need to return by going the opposite direction? God is still available.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find your way will be different

as His presence will go with you

as you travel a way that's new.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.

Luke 2:28, 30-32

Come, let us return to the Lord.

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

Hosea 6:1, 3

Even now, declares the Lord,

return to me with all your heart...

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity

and leave behind a blessing.

Joel 2:12-14

Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty,

and I will return to you.

Zechariah 1:3

Here's some verses to contemplate as you go your new way.

Teach me your ways so I may know you.

Exodus 33:13

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to

fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him,

to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees

that I am giving you today for your own good.

Deuteronomy 10:12

Show me your way, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77:13-14

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

This is the way, walk in it.

Isaiah 30:21

I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

I am the way and the truth and the life.

John 14:6

I worship the God of our fathers

as a follower of the Way.

Acts 24:14

And we pray this in order that

you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every way

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to his glorious might

so that you may have great endurance and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:10-14

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