So here it is, Christmas day; full of wondrous times with family. Gifts, meals, laughter, and, for some, tears.

A fun little devotional was published this year, titled It’s a Wonderful Life. Sub-titled A 31-Day Devotional Based on Favorite Christmas Classics and by written David McLaughlin. He has complied some wonderful, memorable stories, each chapter concluding with a prayer-like statement and a scripture quote.

This Christmas day’s chapter summarizes a fictional tale written by Henry Van Dyke in 1896. Titled: The Other Wise Man.

Wonderful Life author, Laughlan draws a parallel between the life’s pursuit of Artaban, the fourth Magi, trying to find the King of heaven, and his sense of failing to find Him.

While we encounter countless people in need of God’s love, we don’t seem to encounter Him. Laughlan takes us to a focus point:

Matthew 25:40

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

To the Gift Giver

The Wise Men had a unique opportunity, and they took it. Their journey might have been a long one; it might have been expensive, dangerous even; but they took it. Thanks to Your sacrifice, Lord, we have a better opportunity. You walk with us and You place Yourself in front of us day by day. May we be wise enough to see You.

From the Gift Giver

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2: 1-2

Merry Christmas all, and to all, a good night!

Joe Mileham