Morning by Morning, December 4 - The Journey to Bethlehem in Our Hearts Good morning, Lord Jesus. I’m listening for Your leading to begin my day pursuing Your Presence. ... “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:1-2). Long before Christmas Day, the wise men from the East began their journey to Bethlehem. With their eyes, they saw a sign. With their hearts, they yearned to come find and worship the One who would be born King of the Jews. And not only King of the Jews, this One would also be revealed as King of Kings and Lord of Lords of all the heavens and all the earth (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 19:16). In this season of the year we call “advent” -- named after the adventure of the journey to Bethlehem in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, who comes to rule and reign as King and Lord of our hearts -- I want to prepare my heart for Your coming. I’m well aware of the history lessons and theological discussions of why “Christmas” is not really the time of the real birth of Jesus and just the co-opting of a pagan holiday with its imagery and mythology of trees and wreaths and angels, etc., etc., etc. I acknowledge the validity of the arguments. But I’m also well away of Your power to redeem all things--"redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5), redeeming the curse (Galatians 3:13), redeeming us (Ephesians 1:7) -- and causing all things to work together for good according to Your plans and purposes (Romans 8:28). Dubious origins or not, there’s no doubting this is a season when people are speaking of Jesus, looking to Jesus, celebrating Jesus, all around the world. So I join in the redemption of this time, this season of anticipation of Your coming, in the adventure of advent. Prepare my heart as I prepare You room, here in my life -- this day and every day, this season and every season. As they say, “Wise men still seek Him.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you be making room for Jesus in your heart during this adventure of advent season on our journey to Bethlehem, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries Mailing Address: 412 S. Adams Street #148 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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“Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be --Free to Be Like Jesus-- secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny" | 
