How do you find Jesus? Set your intellect on hold for a while, and don't attempt to figure out the mystery of the Christmas Miracle. Let your mind rest from the thoughts generated by the Christmas story and allow your heart and soul to approach a recognition of Jesus. What can we learn from the characters we experience in the scripture this week?
The three magi didn't have a GPS or a Mapquest printout. They had a story of promise and a celestial orb which they believed had guiding capabilities. They had a deep curiosity ....a desire to discover. They bowed before Jesus and rested in His holy infant presence. Then they went on to do what they needed to do -- transformed by their experience of Jesus. (Matthew 2: 7-23)
Please realize: this isn't the same as the self-determined resolutions of self improvement that society invites at this time of year. Transformation and redirection in Christ emanates from deep within our beings, often in surprising ways that may seem unrelated (or even in contrast) to our previous goals or aspirations.
How about John the Baptist? He was busy at work, trusting in the approach of the Lord of All. (John 1: 29-34) He recognized the reality of Jesus by trusting in a divine confirmation (the descent of the Holy Spirit) ... again...not a rational process. No interrogation... John's heart knew Christ...it was as simple as that.
Wherever you are experiencing a curiosity about what God is doing, you are approaching Jesus.
Whenever you "knew" a warm glow of compassion or tenderness during the last week, you have gazed into the manger and seen the baby.
However you are feeling a nudge to go and be in a different way (even slightly)may actually be the effect of the guiding beacon of Christ shining upon your heart, drawing you on a path with divine magnetic force.
Don't think about any of this! It is a mystery.
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