Listen

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Matthew 2:11-12

Think

When the wise men set out on their camels in search of the king of the Jews, they went first to Jerusalem. It seems they didn’t expect the star to lead them on to the little town of Bethlehem, but still they followed it there. Finally the wise men arrived at the house where Jesus was, and I can imagine their surprise at finding a poor family there: a small child of lowly birth and his mother. And yet, the wise men saw and recognized the Messiah! They knelt down and offered the child precious gifts.

If the story of the wise men is about the light of Jesus shining out for all to follow, it is also about seeing and recognizing the Lord — often in the most unexpected places. Are our eyes open to recognize Christ among us? The light is shining above the vulnerable, the poor, the refugee, the homeless, the outcast. May the light of our faith be our guide as we seek to see Jesus in our midst.

Meredith Forssman

Pray

Lord, give me eyes to see you and to recognize you, wherever you may be present. When I see you, give me the faith to respond with worship and adoration. Amen.

Go

A star is shining. Can you see it? It’s calling you to follow.

Follow the star as it leads you to Christ, who is the Light, the One who leads you, faithfully, all the way.