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Christmas is full of familiar scenes: the manger, the shepherds, and yes, the wise men. Have you ever wondered why Matthew tells us about them?

They weren’t Jews. They weren’t even locals. They were men from afar, following a star and an ancient prophecy. Why? Because they believed this child was worth the journey.

Think about it. Herod the king saw this child as a threat. The religious leaders knew the prophecy, yet they stayed home.

But these wise men, though they were strangers, traveled hundreds of miles to see a child. And when they saw him, they bowed down before him and worshiped.

Why? Because in all of their knowledge, they still hadn’t found what their hearts were longing for — until now.

And isn’t that true of us? We chase success, security, even knowledge. But deep down, we’re still searching. Christmas tells us the answer isn’t found in popularity or power, but a person. It’s found in Jesus.

So here’s the question: like Herod, will you push this child away? Or like the religious leaders, will you ignore him? Or like the wise men, will you worship him?

The best gift you can get this Christmas isn’t found under a tree. It’s found in submitting your heart to this King who came to give you joy, to give you light, to set you free — freedom from sin, light in the darkness. Unspeakable Joy.

From First Presbyterian Church of Wellsboro, Merry Christmas!