“Give Us Eyes to See”

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  (Matthew 2:1-2)

Have you ever heard someone tell a truly amazing story? As everyone listens attentively–waiting on pins and needles to hear the terrifying, thrilling, or unbelievable details–the storyteller often concludes with these words: “You had to see it to believe it!”

Often it is easier for us toe imagine and believe something spectacular or extraordinary than to recognize the hidden miracles all around us. The people of Israel had been waiting for generations to finally have a king who would rise up and lead them. For as long as anyone could remember, they had been waiting for the Messiah, the one who would deliver their people. Surely such a person would be born in a castle or palace and be heralded with great fanfare and recognition. Yet he was born to a poor Jewish couple in a lowly stable.

It was an unlikely beginning for a king; the tiny, helpless baby lying in the manger was easy to overlook. But God doesn’t always use the obvious. Scripture says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27). A baby of humble birth was quietly welcomed into the world by seemingly ordinary parents, yet this was no ordinary baby. He was the promised Messiah, the king of the Jews. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that wise men from the east had the eyes to see the sign–to recognize the wonder of a star. Do we?The gift of wonder is what allows us to see more where other people see less; to be surprised again and again by beauty and mystery; to be thankful for the wonderful gifts we have received. By believing in the miracle of Christmas and God’s plan to redeem a dying world, we are able to see how God is also waiting in this season–waiting to show us the amazing riches of God’s love. Waiting for us to stop and wonder and ask for eyes to see his goodness and grace.

       Lord, give us eyes to see.

Prayer Focus:
How is god nudging you to have eyes to see the plans for you? In what ways might God be waiting in order to reveal heavenly things to you during this season?