By: Rex Stump
CosMc’s is a new idea from McDonalds featuring a drive-thru specialty beverage-focused spot, so you won’t find any French fries or Big Macs.
During the first week of December, McDonald’s officially opened its first CosMc’s spinoff location in Bolingbrook, Ill. People lined up waiting up to two hours just to order a drink.
One person traveled from London to be there for the opening! I’m not making fun of these people, but it’s a good reflection of what mankind does. We will spend all kinds of money, exhaust our schedules, and travel a long distance for what? A latte?
During the Christmas season, and throughout life, it’s easy to get caught up in seeking things that may or may not have true value.
How about we take a moment and reconsider what we should be seeking during the Christmas season.
Simply look at the story of the wise men and how they made the effort, traveled the distance, and spent their resources to seek a king. Not a latte…but the Lord.
In Matthew 2 we read how Jesus was born in Bethlehem, during the reign of King Herod. Wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
They arrived in Jerusalem, most likely months after the night of Jesus’ birth. They didn’t know for sure how to find Jesus, so they asked around. This caused an uproar in the city!
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said. Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. (Matthew 2:3-4;7)
Imagine going to a king, asking the whereabouts of another king. It’s like asking Elon Musk, do you know anyone rich, smart, and famous.
“Hey Patrick Mahomes, I’m looking for a MVP quarterback, can you send me to one?” Do you think Herod felt disrespected?
Herod was a ruthless ruler, who even murdered his wife and two sons. Do you really think he wants to worship a king of the Jews? No way.
The wise men traveled on and found the house where Jesus was staying. Matthew 2:11, They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These non-Jewish men worshipped the King of the Jews. Better yet, they worshipped the King of Kings!
Here is what I know about these wise men. First, they were bold, as they went before Herod, asking for another king.
Second, not being satisfied with just gazing at a star, they persevered, enduring a long trip. Third, they used their own resources, as there was a cost for their gifts, time, and travel.
Finally, they believed in Jesus being a king, and their actions showed it, as they gave their treasures and worshipped on their knees.
Worship, that is the best part of Christmas. Seek first the true King, before seeking the things of the world! When you find Him, you will truly be changed, just as they wise men were.
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.