Following the Star

Pause

Once the decorations come down, where do you notice the Christmas lights still shining?

Today, take a few moments to notice and remember the people, places, and experiences where you are continuing to see Christmas light.

Listen

Lift up your eyes and look all around: they are all gathered; they have come to you. Your sons will come from far away, and your daughters on caregivers’ hips. Then you will see and be radiant; your heart will tremble and open wide, because the sea’s abundance will be turned over to you; the nations’ wealth will come to you. Countless camels will cover your land, young camels from Midian and Ephah. They will all come from Sheba, carrying gold and incense, proclaiming the Lord’s praises.

Isaiah 60:4-6

Think

We recently ended a time known as Advent. In Advent, along with the wise men, we journey to the star under which Jesus was born. We take time to sit with Mary and Joseph and gaze at that precious newborn’s bright, beautiful face.

Many churches are entering a new time called Epiphany. In Epiphany, a realization takes place. This Jesus, whom we call the Prince of Peace, the Son of God, our Savior, will live in our world with flesh and bone, body and blood. Jesus was one of us, living and breathing.

When Jesus lived and walked on the earth, he brought love and light into the world. That love and light rubbed off on people. And they began to radiate with that same love and light. The world became so much better and brighter.

We are told that we are the Body of Christ. Our churches and each of us are today’s embodiment of Jesus Christ in the world. Epiphany is a reminder to embody love and light.

Patrick Kangrga

Pray

God, thank you for the arms and legs that are a part of my body. Thank you for the people who are a part of my church body. Be with me as I embody your love and light to all those I meet and in all that I do. Amen.

Go

Is the Christmas light still shining bright in you?

Take that light out into the world.

Live brightly so that others may take notice and be reminded of God's love and light.