As I write, I am sitting in New York City, here to visit family for a few days. We have looked at Mary and the shepherds this holiday season. Let's wrap up by looking at one of my favorite aspects of the Christmas story -- the Magi.
WHO WERE THOSE MEN?
Who were those wise guys known as Magi who came from the east to visit Jesus and bring him gifts? (You can read this brief story by at Matthew 2:1-12.) We aren't really sure. Nor do we know what they were looking for as they studied the heavens and what kind of star they saw that caused them to follow it hundreds of miles to find an infant king.
There were probably more than three men who came to see Jesus, but we have numbered them as three since they brought three gifts of myrrh, incense and gold. They rode on camels for days, weeks even, not sure of what they would find when they arrived. Now that's faith!
When they did arrive, they checked with King Herod, convinced that he would know where the royal infant was. It is interesting that the wise men knew more of what was going on spiritually in Herod's kingdom than Herod did.
By the time the Magi arrived, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were living in a house, not in a stable, so they came some time after the night the shepherds went to see Jesus in the manger. Since Herod carefully ascertained when the star had first appeared and then had all the male babies two years of age and under killed in Bethlehem, the Magi could have arrived as much as two years after Jesus birth. That's a long time to watch and follow a star.
FOLLOW YOUR OWN STAR
You will need God's help if you are to find and fulfill your purpose. That's not a problem, however, for God is in the business of helping people like you clarify purpose. When Jesus was born, His star appeared and led those who were interested directly to his home. The same thing can happen today for you. God can lead and guide you right where you need to be at exactly when you need to be there. Oftentimes when you can't see your purpose, you aren't quite ready to find it. Yet if you keep searching and following just like the Magi did, your star will appear and suddenly your PurposeQuest will all make sense.
As we prepare to celebrate a new year, I urge you to follow in the footsteps of the Magi. Wise men and women still seek Jesus and, as they do, they find purpose. I pray that 2009 will be a year of purpose and productivity the likes of which you have never seen, imagined or enjoyed. I also pray that when you find the star and follow it, you will end up as the Magi did--worshiping the King and giving Him gifts. There is no greater gift than devoting and dedicating the fulfillment of your purpose to Christ and His kingdom. That is what I plan on doing in the year ahead.
From all the Stanko household, we wish you a very happy, prosperous and purposeful New Year!
Feel free to post your comment to this Memo on the site where it is located.
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INVEST IN YOUR PURPOSEQUEST: As you start 2009, why not invest some time and money in your PurposeQuest. I am offering my Seven Steps of a PurposeQuest coaching program at the special rate of $499 (a $200 savings) from now through January 13. You can read more about it here. Write and let me know you are interested and we can work out how to make payment.
PURPOSE READING: I have a lot of good articles about purpose on my website. Why not check them out and start 2009 by reading one or all of them?
As for the origins of the Magi, it's likely they came from what was Babylon -- thanks to the prophet Daniel, part of the Israelite diaspora but who had become a highly respected person in the government. Because of what he taught about the coming Messiah, they knew who Christ was -- even while Israel didn't.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 29, 2008 at 04:45 AM
John you are a wise guy who has lead me to the feet of the king many times. I am forever grateful..MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS..MAY THIS BE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER
Posted by: Jim | December 29, 2008 at 07:02 PM
A very happy, prospersous and blessed year ahead in the Lord to you and all at home!
Posted by: Sharon | December 31, 2008 at 01:18 AM
A very happy, prosperous and blessed year ahead in the Lord to you and all at home, Dr Stanko!
Posted by: Sharon | December 31, 2008 at 01:19 AM
This is to sincerely thank you for the insights and teachings I have received through Monday Memo. I acknowledge I have been enriched. I am encouraged to continue serving God despite the challenges. It is my prayer that God's anointing will continue to flow and increase as you continue to labour in his vineyard. May God's favour and blessings be upon you and your family 2009. Happy New Year,
Posted by: Hellen | January 05, 2009 at 06:29 AM
I hope that this email meet you at the best of your health. We are doing well in the Lord at this season of Christmas. Pastor Samuel, my wife Beth and our son Francis have deposited prayers,love, joy, prosperity, peace, laughter, and all God's blessing in your bank account. Use without limit. Pin # is Merry Christmas and a fabulous New year 2009.
Posted by: Samuel | January 05, 2009 at 06:33 AM
Dr John,
Thank you so much Dr John for all yr Monday memos over the years, they've always encouraged, edified and inspired me! Please keep up the good work.
My wife and l (Celebration Church London) have been given a mandate by Pst Tom to plant a church in our area of London West in a town called Maidenhead. Our first Sunday service is this Sunday (28th of December).
We just want to thank you for the teaching and training material which you deposited into our lives. May God continue to refresh your spirit and body!
Thanks, Dr John.
Posted by: Norman | January 05, 2009 at 06:34 AM
I read your today's Memo 382 with alot of insight.I had never thought about it!
Posted by: festus r.k | January 12, 2009 at 06:11 AM