The thing that stands out about the journey of the Magi is that following the Lord is not convenient at all. Because they came from the East, many commentators think that their journey may have taken close to two years due to the distance being nearly 900 miles! This trek would have been fraught with danger. The Magi saw the star and had to trust God in following it. They had to “count the cost.”

It stood out to me that following God is not ‘convenient.’ Indeed, for the believer, following Christ is not ‘convenient’ at all. We follow a God that we cannot see and that we submit to as being on the throne of our life. The non-believer can at least live with the “illusion of control.” The believer must release this illusion. Life becomes increasingly complex and very challenging in learning to submit our lives to Christ. Yet, the Magi eventually saw the star land over the place where the child was and they were overjoyed (v. 9-10). Thanks be to God! Their emotion and worship (v. 11), must have been completely overwhelming. The Lord is gracious.

May the wonder and joy of Christmas overwhelm us this season. Following Christ is not convenient. If you want to sign up for the easy road, this is not it. This is tough to receive and process, because I for one want the easy life….and I have a feeling that I may not be alone :). Yet, there is no better place to be…as the Magi we can experience overwhelming joy as we respond to the call of the Lord. It is completely worth it times one million.

Let’s step out in faith and follow the God of the impossible this Christmas season! See you Sunday!

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Andrew