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
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”
He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-2, 8-11
Think
Hopefully you saw the Great Conjunction last December — the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, which hadn’t been observable at night in 800 years. I saw it by chance outside my parents’ home. I remember that evening feeling overwhelmed by all the loss of the world, grateful for incredible blessings of good health and safety for those I loved, but weary for a Christmas ahead that would be different than any our world had known before.
But its brilliance was alarmingly hopeful, heightened by the surprise of a shooting star dancing its way across the sky. For a moment I was full of unexpected Christmas joy, remembering God is with us.
The star the magi had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was.
Whatever great conjunction and intersection you may find yourself in the complexity of your life and in the uncertainty of our world, God has gone before us. Christ the Light of the World stands with us, awaiting until we discover joy anew.
Molly Logan
Pray
Gracious and loving God, you are the God of Ages. You are the great I Am and the humble baby in a manger. You are and have been and will be. You want deep joy for our world. You offered your very self so that I might have that grace and hope.
On this day of Epiphany, illumine for me and guide me to a place of joy in my heart 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.
