Following the Star

Pause

There are plentiful gifts for the journey;

O God, help us to receive each one with an open heart.

Listen

Let the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute; let the kings of Sheba and Seba present gifts. Let all the kings bow down before him; let all the nations serve him. Let it be so, because he delivers the needy who cry out, the poor, and those who have no helper. He has compassion on the weak and the needy; he saves the lives of those who are in need. He redeems their lives from oppression and violence; their blood is precious in his eyes.

Psalm 72:10-14

Think

Not only are we to offer our gifts for the journey, we are called to ensure that our gifts are given to the ones who need them the most.

Jesus offered his gifts of love, liberation, and life to the needy, the poor, the weak, the oppressed, and victims of violence. These are the people who most needed what Jesus had to give.

Consider the gifts you have been given. Whom do they best serve? Perhaps your gifts are needed by your sibling, best friend, worst enemy, stranger, or neighbor. Giving away our precious gifts can be challenging. Yet, we are called to be generous. May we all follow Jesus in the journey, sharing light, love, and compassion in this world.

Samantha Haycock

Pray

Discerning God, savior of the world: You came to offer love, liberation, and life to all people. Teach me to walk in your ways and follow in your footsteps along the journey as I offer myself as a living gift, through your beloved child Jesus Christ. Amen.

Go

You are a spark.

You are love.

You are a shining star.

You are a gift God has given to the world.