As Christmas draws near, you may dread another holiday separated from LGBT loved ones. Even if they’ve expressed interest in joining you, they may have set conditions and made demands you don’t want to accept. So your heart is heavy, your spirit wounded, and your mind confused. Is there any hope for this to be resolved?
Yes. There is always hope. No one is ever beyond God’s reach. Consider the story of the Magi.
Matthew 2:1–2 says, “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.”
What compelled these Persian astronomers to travel about 500 miles to visit a baby they knew almost nothing about? They saw “his star,” a celestial phenomenon they thought signaled the birth of a king. Even so, why did they care about a royal infant born in a Roman-occupied nation?
There is no logical explanation. But there is a spiritual one: God told them to come.
How were seeds of faith planted in the Magi’s hearts? Centuries earlier, Daniel and at least three of his friends were part of King Nebuchadnezzar’s “wise men” who were given positions of power and influence ( see Daniel 2:18). Possibly, Daniel’s writings and prophecies were preserved for generations and read by the Magi of Matthew 2.
How is that relevant to us? God plants seeds of faith in places and in people we’d never expect. As you pray for your LGBT loved one, ask God to plant seeds of faith in their heart and in the hearts of those who have regular contact with them.
The Magi probably didn’t realize they were seeking the one true God. But God did. And He made sure they found Him by sending a message they couldn’t resist: a star. A star for a group of astronomers. What could be more effective?
Even if you aren’t in close contact with your loved one, God can still send a tailor-made message to them. As you pray for your loved one, ask God to send them messages and messengers that will open their eyes to His goodness and love.
Can you imagine Mary going to the door of her home and seeing a large entourage of wealthy foreigners outside who claimed they’d come to see her baby? Her first instinct may have been to turn them away. Considered unclean, Gentiles were not allowed to enter Jewish homes. Yet she and Joseph welcomed these strangers.
You may not want to welcome your LGBT loved one or their partner into your home this Christmas. Set boundaries if necessary, but God may have some blessing in store for you and your guests that you can’t imagine any more than Mary and Joseph could’ve predicted the Magi’s arrival and desire to worship Jesus.
When the Persian visitors arrived, they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10). You may be so sorrowful over your loved one’s choices you think you’ll never be joyful again, but God’s endless supply of joy is always available to us. Ask Him to infuse you with these joys: His presence, your salvation, and His ability to restore your loved one’s relationship with Him.
Inside Mary and Joseph’s home, the Magi knelt and worshiped Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Follow their example. Kneel before Jesus daily. Acknowledge all He has done for you, and all He has promised to do. Give yourself and your LGBT loved one to Him. With God, nothing is impossible.