Daily Inspiration

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star.” (Matthew 2:1-10)

When I was a child, I often wondered how the wise men could have followed a star to the nativity of Jesus. I would go outside, and look up at the stars, and pick one that was over my house. I would notice that it was over my neighbor’s house as well. It was over every house on my little country road, and I wondered how they knew which house to enter.

Many years later, I would find myself looking upon the Holy Spirit, in all His power and glory, and I finally knew the answer to that question from my youth. I knew that the Christmas Star of the magi and the shepherds was the same Holy Light I was gazing upon. I could see how it happened. Each of the kings would have seen the Star, just over a hill, or just beyond the city, and each was drawn to walk toward the Star. Not all could see the Light, but those that could see would have a knowledge given to them, that they knew as Truth. Eventually, these men would meet and were elated that they found others who could see this beautiful light, always just beyond the horizon.

As I look back at previous posts, I can see a reoccurring theme, of us walking on the path to God, and I guess this one is no different. During this Advent, I’m going to spend some time looking for that Star, just over my neighbor’s house, my church, or maybe even the stranger I meet along the way. I will try to open my heart to those along this journey and encourage them to come with me. If they can not see the Light of the Star, then I will try to let them see it through me.

While there was no room at the inn, there is room for all at the Nativity of our Lord. We yet have miles to travel until we meet the newborn King, and thankfully the Star is still proceeding us. Let us be overjoyed to follow, and bring others along who can’t see the Star, but may see His light, shining through us.

“Jesus spoke to them again saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I wish you the peace and light of Christ this advent season!

Ed