December 31, 2020
Matthew 2:12—Magi
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2:12
After visiting the baby Jesus, the Magi, or wise men, planned to return home through Jerusalem and let King Herod know where to find Jesus so he could also come and pay homage to this
newborn king of the Jews. But God knew the evil that was in Herod’s heart and warned the Magi to change their plans.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Home by Another Way” by James Taylor. It’s a whimsical telling of the story of the wise men. Part of the song goes like this:
Yes, they went home by another way
Home by another way
Maybe me and you can be wise guys too
And go home by another way
After visiting the manger, have you been changed? Is God telling you to go another way?
What is God telling you to do differently in the New Year?
Maybe it’s a relationship that needs to be healed. Maybe it’s a new way to serve Christ through his Church.
What new way does God want Unity Presbyterian Church to take? Maybe it’s building bridges to other communities. Maybe it’s reaching out more to those in need.
Maybe me and you can be wise guys too
And go home by another way
Prayer: Lord God, Make us wise. After meeting Jesus at the manger, may we be more and more like him. Help us see and hear the ways you are calling us to do things differently, ways you are calling us to go a different way.
Larry Terrell