Devotionals by Raul Ries

MONDAY December 29, 2025

A Guiding Star

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2

Wise men, Magi, studied the stars using the natural science of astronomy. They had seen a sign in the night sky––a bright and shining star. This special star revealed to them that the King of the Jews had been born, so they followed its path into Judea. Many people believe there were just three wise men who embarked on the journey, but scholars tell us that they traveled in a large group for security.

Once they arrived in Judea, they began to inquire among the people: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” It must have seemed odd to discover that the Jews did not know about their own King’s birth.

King Herod was not so happy about the news of a rival King born in the region he ruled. A new King was a threat to his authority. Troubled thoughts consumed him. In his agitated state of mind, he sought out the Jewish elders to see if there was any truth to this news. The Pharisees and scribes knew the Scriptures which spoke of the Messiah’s birthplace:

“In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel’ ” (Matthew 2:5-6).

Herod was a sly fox; he decided to speak secretly with the wise men to find out when they had first seen the star. This would reveal to him how old the Child was. Then Herod sent them to Bethlehem with a request, once they found the Child, they were to send word to him of the location so that he could come and worship the Child (Matthew 2:7-8). The star continued to go before the wise men. It stood over the place where the young Child was to be found.

Today, it is God’s Word that is a guiding light that leads you to Christ.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
~Psalm 119:105 NLT~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!