I will never forget reading in the NLT Life Application Bible the commentary note on Matthew 2:3, “Divine guidance comes only to prepared hearts.” How true this is!
Divine guidance filled Joseph’s heart to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt so that Jesus would not be killed by Herod (2:1-9; 13-18).
Divine guidance filled the hearts of the Magi that when the star “came to rest over the place where the Child was…they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (vv. 9-10 ESV). Entering the house and seeing Mary and Jesus the Magi prostrated themselves before Him in worship. Divine guidance also came to the Magi in a dream warning them to return to their home country by another route (v. 12).
Divine guidance prepares us for worship and worship prepares us for divine guidance. May you allow God to prepare your heart for Christmas. May you be filled with love, awe and worship as you sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May the Holy Spirit prepare you to worship Jesus, celebrating His birthday with family and friends. May Divine guidance fill you with peace and assurance as you respond to what He has revealed to you.
Father God, prepare our hearts for Your Divine guidance this Christmas! Prepare us Father to respond to You and Your direction. Prepare our hearts to obey and worship You! Thank You Holy Spirit, for preparing our hearts for Jesus. Thank You Jesus, that Your birth, death, resurrection and ascension are preparing people’s hearts to receive Your salvation. It is not about us Lord but about You. Lord, prepare this reader’s heart for Your Divine guidance. Prepare them to respond to whatever it is that You have for them. The worst thing any believer can be is unprepared. Lord God, may we prepare room in our hearts for You and Your guidance so that we may glorify You not just at Christmas, but daily. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.
Blue Collar Theologian 