Reference

Matthew 1:1-15
The Nearness of God's Star

God is a near God. He continually reveals himself to us in surprising ways – both through his creation and in his word. It may be in a newly formed star in the night sky, a baby born in a manger, or three strangers showing up at your front door bearing gifts. The key for us is how do we respond to these moments in time? Do we have receptive hearts that are buoyed up with faith? Or do our hearts become calloused by the blows of life so that there is no longer a spark of receptivity? In our present narrative the Magi demonstrate responsive hearts of faith while Herod’s heart is as hard as stone. As we close out this year and begin a new one may we have pliable hearts that are responsive to the Spirit’s touch.