"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)
Do you have a loved one living far away? When my daughter lived in another country and returned home for a visit, I would head to the airport well before her plane was due to arrive. Even though I knew it was too early for her to walk through the gates, I would eagerly search for her face. Even though there were hundreds of people around me, I was seeking only one face - my daughter's. When I finally saw her, I would jump with delight and rush to be at her side.
As I reflect on my joy at seeing my daughter, I am reminded this Christmas season of the wise men who traveled to seek the Lord. It reminds me of my own journey of seeking the Lord, and how I apply it to my daily life. Am I regularly seeking Him? Am I eagerly seeking Him?
What does it mean to seek His face? Seeking the Lord means seeking His presence.
"Presence" is commonly translated as "face." We are to "seek His face." We are to focus our attention and our hearts on God. We are to take time during our day to be conscious of Him. Even in our day's busyness and work stresses, we have many opportunities to be in His presence. We must be focused on looking for His face in all situations. We can still concentrate on seeking only His face among the busyness of life and those around us, just like when I was at the airport seeking only my daughter's face.
Seeking His face is so important, and especially poignant, at this time of year. Even though we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we can be so busy "doing things" that we are not truly reflecting on the Lord or seeking His presence. We may be so busy buying gifts, we are not truly reflecting on the gift of salvation He has given us. During this Christmas season, I pray that you will eagerly seek His face in all the joy and busyness of this beautiful season.
Below are some questions to consider as you journey, like the wise men, to seek Him.
1. Do you seek to be in the Lord's presence over your day? Take time to think about what this means and how you can consciously seek His face during your day.
"Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10)
2. Is the Christmas season bringing any concerns? When worry or anxiety appears, seek His presence and comfort.
"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
3. During the joyful and busy Christmas season, are you taking time to be in His presence?
Reading God's Word is one great way to be in His presence as you turn your attention and heart to Him.
"I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands." (Psalm 119:10)
4. Don't you love to be in their presence when you love someone? Seek God's presence with love and in prayer throughout your day. Seek to be with Him in your everyday conversations and activities.
"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." (1 Chronicles 16:11)
5. Do you know that the Lord looks down on you to see if you seek Him?
"The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God." (Psalm 14:2)
Bringing This to God in Prayer:
Lord, thank You for this beautiful season when we are reminded "the wise men still seek Him." Thank You for always being with us, and for helping us to consciously seek Your presence. Guide us to focus our attention and hearts on You. Help us to eagerly and always seek Your face. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I pray God richly blesses you during this joyful Christmas season, as you seek His presence and seek His face with all your heart and soul. May we all focus on Christ as we seek His face during the season which focuses on Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Bonny, Christian Women at Work
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