The Miracle of Wonder

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10 NKJV)

No matter where I am in the world, I never miss an opportunity to live in the wonder of Christmas.

One Christmas, I took a group of ministry partners to Bethlehem. It was quite something to preach in Manger Square on Christmas Eve. We were on the Palestinian side, and I needed a miracle to really connect with the people there. At first, I was told I could not speak at all. Thankfully, I had prayed for favor according to Psalm 5:12, and God was faithful to open the door. Not only did He make a way for me to speak, He also gave me the right words to touch people’s hearts. I have never forgotten that miracles are birthed in prayer!

Growing up, my family did not have much. There were few presents, but when we made Christmas about the presence of Jesus, we never felt like we were lacking. When my kids were young, I tried to make sure they never missed the wonder of Christmas because of hectic church schedules. Years later, my husband, Wally, used to read a story to all the children at our Christmas Eve service. My grandchildren would sit in my lap, and I would remember being their age, knowing that Jesus became a child for all our sakes. I would think, Jesus came for us? That’s amazing!

The Christmas story is full of wonder:

• Elizabeth enjoyed a season of wonder when she finally became pregnant (Luke 1:24-25). Later, when the pregnant Mary joined her, Elizabeth marveled when the baby in her womb leapt at the presence of Jesus (Luke 1:39-42).
• The shepherds who heard the heavenly host experienced great wonder, which spread to others. “All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18 NKJV).
• The wise men had a joyous moment of wonder when the Bethlehem star stopped over the house where Jesus was (Matthew 2:9-10).

God is inviting you to respond with wonder and amazement at what He is doing in your life. Do not miss these moments with God—they are His invitation to experience greater miracles!

Reflection

Meditate on Matthew 2:10. The wise men rejoiced because they saw a sign of what was about to happen. What "sign" is God giving you that you can rejoice in now?