Resolved, to live in light of Christmas

Read Matthew 2:1-12 (The journey of the Magi/Wise Men)
Welcome to 2020! A new year and even a new decade! When a new calendar year arrives, people get inspired to make (and try to keep) resolutions: to eat better, exercise more often or give up a vice or bad habit — be a better person in some way.
One of the most influential figures in American church history, Jonathan Edwards, once penned a number of resolutions. He actually came up with more than 70 resolutions in 1722-23. Here are a few examples:
Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God.
Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism.
Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
All of the 70+ statements begin with the word “Resolved.” As I was thinking about resolutions and being resolved, I began to think about the Wise Men in Matthew 2 and the long journey they made to find the Christ child. This past Monday was the day of Epiphany when many Christian churches reflect on those Wise Men from the East.
They provide a great example of being resolved in faith. For one thing, they kept on looking for Jesus. We don’t know for sure where the Magi came from, but it’s certain that it was a long journey for their day. They were struck by a vision that Jesus was of utmost importance. They knew that they needed to draw nearer to him.
When they end up in the wrong city (Jerusalem), they continue to persist until they arrive in Bethlehem. They continue to journey because they were summoned by God to see one greater than themselves; they have a vision of Christ’s universal Lordship. Resolved, to draw nearer to Jesus.
The Wise Men were also resolved to worship. When they enter the house where Jesus is, they don’t conduct an inquiry of Mary and Joseph. They don’t ask to see proof. The only recorded act is that they worship Christ and present gifts. The moment seems to be a quiet, holy one. The Magi are overjoyed! We can take a cue from them. Resolved, to worship Christ with heart, soul, and mind!
Finally, the Wise Men follow a new direction after seeing Jesus. Herod had wanted them to return to him, but a divine dream warned the Wise Men to return home by another way. After Christmas, a return to life is necessary, but hopefully we return different — changed by God’s intervention in our world in Jesus Christ.
Resolved, to live in light of Christmas as people who know Christ has come, and lived, and died and risen.