Life is a Garden Party

Sunday, December 22, 2024

A NEW WAY

 

A NEW WAY


Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go under the hot sun

the wise men had come a long, long way from afar

being led along a NEW WAY by a bright star, His star.


No map to guide them along the way.

Just a star in heaven making a pathway.

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 asked the priests and teachers of the law if they knew the way.


The wise men learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this NEW WAY, despite being tired.

Day after day, night after night, not giving up

their only direction came from looking up.


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.


Worshiping by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiping through 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 assures 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 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 samples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding out going their own way became a hassle.


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 their struggles.

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 abundantly able.


If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find it will make a difference

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


“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-14



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1 comment:

  1. Seeking, listening, watching, finding ... A New Way! Wonderful to read, my friend! Christmas blessings now and always.

    ReplyDelete