WEEK ONE | DAY SEVEN
“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.” —1 Peter 1:13
Long before a star appeared over Bethlehem the first Christmas night, ancient prophecies foretold the coming of a Messiah-King who would save people from their sins and gather them into God’s reconciled family: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14 ESV); “O Bethlehem…from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2 ESV). Throughout history, Israel searched and yearned for signs of this Savior.
Centuries later, the people of Israel weren’t the only ones watching the sky. Wise men from the East, likely Persian intellectuals, noticed a new, unusual star. Recognizing the significance of this sign, they followed the star on a monthslong journey to find and pay homage to Israel’s newborn King.
The inclusion of the Magi in this story offers another sign: God’s promised redemption isn’t just for the Israelites, but for all peoples of the earth who seek Him. As we grow in faith, we learn to notice signs of hope and grace—glimpses of the Kingdom dawning around us. We learn to live in anticipation and readiness, and our eyes and ears focus more clearly on recognizing the Good News in the midst of a distracted world.
God continues to draw all who seek Him into His story (Acts 17:27). Ask Him today to open your eyes and ears to see and hear signs of His Kingdom, come and coming. Are you prepared for action, grounded in His grace and living in hope? Where do you see and hear God’s promise? How might you share this Good News with others?