There may be some who are reading these Advent reflections who, though not yet believers, would like to be – those who currently feel far from God, but would like to be drawn closer.
Well if that is you, let me encourage you. Because there are in the Christmas story some who, despite starting off a long way away from God, ended up standing in His immediate presence.
And I’m thinking here of the Magi, those wise men who travelled from ‘the East’ – a journey of around a thousand miles that must have taken them several months to complete. [Matthew 2:1]
So what was it that prompted them to make their extraordinary trek?
Well, given that the Old Testament prophet Daniel had once been made ‘chief of the magicians’ by the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar [Daniel 5:11], it seems more than likely that the Magi would have been familiar with other prophetic writings of that era – including those of Micah who, hundreds of years previously, had foretold that a ruler would one day arise from Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, and lead the people of God. [Micah 5:2]
And so it was through the reading of God’s Word – guided, no doubt, by the Holy Spirit – that the Magi were brought near to Jesus.
Just as we are today.
That Word is near us, accessible to all who hear it. [Romans 10:8] And the faith by which we draw near to God is the faith that comes by hearing His Word – whenever or wherever it is preached. [Romans 10:17] All of which means that, if we are longing to draw near to God, then we would do well to open our Bibles and read His Word – breathed out by Him and sufficient for all our needs. [2 Timothy 3:16-17]
But it’s good to remember that, as we draw near to God, so He draws near to us – His Holy Spirit opening our eyes to the truth His word contains, and enabling us to see Him for who He really is. [Psalm 119:18]
For even when we are far off, God sees us and moves in our direction. And in so doing He shows His love for us [Luke 15:20] – a love so great that it caused Him to send His only Son, all the way from heaven, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. [John 3:16]
And it is this – His coming to earth – that we particularly remember at Christmas – when God Himself became a man and dwelt among us. So it isn’t any wonder that Jesus was given the name ‘Emmanuel’ – because it’s a name that reminds us that God is with us – both now and for all eternity. [Matthew 1:23]
So if you have ears to hear, hear His voice today. Please don’t harden your heart to what He says. Instead draw near to Him, the God of hope, who fills you with all joy and peace as He draws near to you. [Romans 15:13]
Until the day when you stand in His immediate presence too.
To read Day 15 from 2023, click here
To read Day 15 from 2024, click here
Some musings 