Pastor's Corner
A message from Pastor Andy Ross...

Past Devotionals

Special Visitors! - December 30, 2005

Read Matthew 2:1-12.

Dear friends,

When I was a kid I was a nerd. No, it's true. I proudly wore my Texas Instruments calculator on my belt, in its handy vinyl case. I was a member of the chess club. I got good grades. I wore glasses.

Of course, now, all that has changed and I am utterly cool.

Anyway - I love the story of the magi visiting the Christ child - because they were scientific nerds. They were the resident astronomers of their day. You can read about their story in Matthew 2:1-12.

The story of the magi is a Christmas story for outsiders. It's a story about those who have to "work to get there" to figure out Christmas. They were not a part of the usual Jewish culture of Bethlehem.

But they got it! In fact they experienced Jesus Christ so well - they even followed God's leading by going home another way.

Their story should become our story. With Jesus - there no longer are outsiders. We can discover him, allow him to visit us, and see how he changes our direction.

Noel for nerds! God's peace and joy to all! Allow his love and Spirit to come to you this day!

Discussion questions relating to Matthew 2:1-12:

• What group were you a part of in high school? How were you classified?
• Why do you think these pagan astronomers were so bent on finding Jesus?
• Why does Herod become so concerned?
• In your journey to Jesus - how are you like or unlike these magi?

God's blessings to you this day!

Andy Ross
Pastor