Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:2, 9–10; Numbers 24:17
Reflection
I’ve often wondered—many times from a deer stand or sightseeing on a vacation—how people can honestly look at and experience the world that God has created and not come to the conclusion that there is a God. Creation’s witness to me is astounding! And yet, on the night that Christ was born, there was a bright star signaling the birth of the “King of the Jews,” and many missed it. Even King Herod, who should have been very familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, didn’t notice the star or know that a new King had been born until the wise men told him!
For the wise men, though, creation’s witness through the star was astounding. Scripture indicates that they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy when they saw the star a second time—not because of its beauty, but because of who it led them to. You see, creation’s beauty and power aren’t meant to lead us into worship of nature or the universe; rather, God uses it to lead us back to Himself by bringing Himself glory.
God has always used creation to accomplish His purposes. From the very beginning, the Garden—lush and plentiful—symbolically and physically represented a life lived in the presence of God. Then, as sin entered the world through the fall, it wasn’t just mankind that suffered the effects, but the ground—creation—was cursed as a reminder that this life lived apart from God isn’t the life we were created for. God would continue to use creation as a witness of His power and to accomplish His will throughout the Bible, and the life of Christ was no different. From the beginning of His life (the star), throughout His ministry (storms calmed, water into wine, walking on water, the fig tree, etc.), in His death (darkness, earth shakes, rocks break), and even in His resurrection (ascends into the clouds), creation’s witness of Christ was—and is—astounding!
Creation still speaks loud and clear if we’ll just stop long enough to notice. Just like the star led the wise men to Jesus, the beauty and wonder around us are meant to point our hearts back to Him. My prayer is that we don’t miss what God is showing us, but that we see Him in it all and let it lead us to worship.
Reflection Questions
- What keeps you from seeing the ways God is working around you?
- How has God used ordinary things or moments to draw your heart closer to Him?
- How can you cultivate awe and gratitude for God’s creation in your daily rhythms?
Application
- Pause and notice. This week, take five minutes each day to step outside no phone, no music and simply take in what God has made. Let it remind you of His power and presence.
- Worship through wonder. The next time something in nature catches your attention (a sunrise, a starry sky, a bird singing), stop and thank God for revealing Himself through it.
- Point it out. When you see something beautiful in creation, share it with someone else. A simple “Look what God made!” can help redirect hearts toward Him.
- Read and reflect. As you read Scripture, note how often creation shows up as part of God’s story. It’s one of His favorite ways to remind us that He is near.
- Pray with open eyes. Try praying outdoors this week, letting creation help shape your gratitude and awe toward the Creator.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- Revelation 22:16
- Psalm 19:1–4
- Mark 4:35–41
- Matthew 27:45–54
Family Activity
If weather allows, take your family outside on a clear night. Lay on blankets, look up, and marvel at the stars. Discuss how God’s creation points us to Jesus—just as the star led the Wise Men to Him.
If indoors, make star ornaments and talk about ways creation reveals God’s power and creativity.