Following the Star 
Pause
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.
A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:2, 6
However your day has begun,
enter into these moments
seeking the hope and promise
of the light of God’s love.
Listen
The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light.
The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him.
But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.
The Word became flesh and made his home among us.
We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:10-14
Think
Too often, how our world celebrates glory is quite different from how God defines glory in this passage from John. It’s neither the glory of earning an A+ nor a high salary nor a championship trophy nor attracting the most likes and re-posts nor receiving the best gift nor even giving the best gift… as attractive and celebratory those realities might be in moments of our living.
Christ the Light of the World has come. God offers us the true glory of a piercing illumination of being fully known by God and yet fully loved by God. A glory that is full of grace and truth. Through the Christmas gift we receive afresh each season, God chose to be incarnate, living among humankind. And God continues to choose to be ever-present alongside of us in all the inglorious mess and chaos and wonder and goodness of the reality of human life.
May we recognize that light today and likewise seek true glory, being a welcoming presence, full of grace and truth alongside others.
Molly Logan
Pray
Gracious and loving God, help me to recognize you and make my home in your glory and light today.
Lead me to welcome others into that embrace by my offering of grace and truth through the choices I make today.
Amen.
Go
Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Christ, the Light of the World, is walking with you,
amidst the darkness and the light
and all the nuances
of your heart and your living today.
