Clues that Point to Christ: Have you seen them?

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

—Matthew 2:1-2

My grandchildren enjoy scavenger hunts, especially those on the farm. On Thanksgiving I planned one for them, more difficult than others they had completed. It started with a clue that led them to another and so on until they reached their prize. Each clue was tricky, a riddle of sorts with a fill-in-the-blank challenge. Here’s one. And by the way, all of the clues rhyme—so a clue within a clue.

        It’s a shape nailed on the shed.

        You see these at night up high overhead.

        What are they?

The correct answer is “star.”

This scavenger hunt reminds me of the Magi who came from the east in search of the king of the Jews. They had read the clue, an ancient prophecy of Balaam, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17). 

When they saw the star, they came to worship Him. They followed the star to the place where He was. 

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10:11).

Our lives are like scavenger hunts. God has placed clues along the way that point us to the Savior. Have we been observant? Have we recognized our need for Him? 

Another clue that my grandchildren had to solve was:

        It’s a shape that means “I love you.”

        It’s a shape, but a body part, too.

        What is it?

Of course the answer is “heart.”

The clue was supposed to lead them to my heart-shaped yard ornament. When they were stuck, I asked, “Where is the heart?”

This is a good question for all of us, “Where is your heart?” 

The Bible says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). 

Have you found your treasure, the One who fulfills all the longings of your heart? The wise men did. They bowed down and gave Him their treasures and worshiped Him. 

This Christmas may you be alert to all the clues on your path that point to Jesus and may you find the fulfillment of your heart in Him. 

Dear God, thank You for the all the ways you draw us unto You and for how You demonstrated Your great love for us through Jesus. He is the shape that was nailed to the cross, the shape that means “I love you.”

Three Wise Men on a Search