As we begin our series on Advent, anticipating the coming King, we consider what it would feel like to be in a time and place marked by hopelessness and longing. With Matthew 2 as our textual source, we examine the visit of three wise men from the east looking to worship the King of Israel. They first sought Him in Jerusalem and King Herod met with them in secret asking them to return to him when they found the King of Israel so he too could worship Him. Herod was already a king and wanted no competition in ruling so when the wise men did not return, Herod  ordered the slaughter of all male children age 2 and under in the area where the wise men had been sent. There is much more to this story so please do listen. And while listening ask yourself who or what rules you and your life. Is it Jesus or someone or something else? What steps do you take to keep Jesus from being the center of your life, the ruler of your life? 

Jesus has just finished feeding a huge crowd using very little for food. Now He tells His disciples to get into their boat and leave Him as He needs to pray. The disciples put up some resistance but eventually cave. As they are crossing the sea in the middle of the night, Jesus comes stolling along. The disciples are now afraid; they are not sure it is Jesus. Only Simon Peter --when he realizes it is Jesus -- responds and then it is with the word IF. Eventually Peter doubts and begins to sink crying out "Lord save me".

Does this sound familiar? Could it be you? A willing follower of Jesus who sometimes questions His commands? Who sometimes doubts and has little faith? 

Give a listen and see how the disciples handle themselves.