better, not bitter

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 (8:11 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Thank You!

This morning I come before You to celebrate the day the three kings “entered the house where the child and His mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before Him and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

The Day of Epiphany. Three Kings Day. A day to celebrate the coming of the wisemen. Three songs in The Celebration Hymnal speak of gifts, adoration and gladness.

Having followed the ♫star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright♫ they arrived. Worshiping. Bowing down before Him. Kneeling. Adoring. Fearing not.

Oh and here is the clutch to my heart. Quoting the song ♫Adoration♫ ~ “Fearing not to enter His presence in poverty, Bearing no gifts to present as your own. Bring truth in its beauty and love in its purity – These are the off'rings to lay at His throne.”

You are teaching me to do that! Last night truth and love were spoken here in an effort to overcome dissonance. It wasn't easy. A resolve to honor Your Word was paramount. We pushed through to the resolution of being better, not bitter.

Father, thank You. Thank You for Your love for each of us. Thank You for Your Word of Truth. Thank You for Your ♫westward leading, still proceeding♫ Guide us to Thy perfect light!

You are the God that none of us can be. You absolutely know what You are doing. Thank You for the JOY that is mentioned in Matthew 2:10. The wisemen experienced it upon seeing the star that led them to Your Son.

“They rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” “...were thrilled with ecstatic joy.” “overjoyed beyond measure.” “an extremely great rejoicing.” “how happy they were, what joy was theirs!”