Following the Star

Pause

If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire. If you want to be wet you must get into the water.

If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.

C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

 

Listen

A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light.

John 1:6-8

Think

God made a promise with God’s people a very long time ago. God would love and care for the people no matter what, and the people would worship God and follow God’s commandments to love God and care for the marginalized. At various times throughout history, the people of God have forgotten their side of the agreement and have worshiped other gods or broken God’s commandments. Every time the people have done this, God has sent prophets to remind the people of their promise and tell them that God loves them enough to forgive them.

John the Baptist is one of these prophets. God sends John to remind people that God loves them and wants to be in relationship with them. John is really bringing a message of joy. His way of telling people that God loves them is by telling them that God is going to take on flesh and enter into their lives in the person of Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Cody Maynus

Question to Ponder:

How are you loving God in your life? How are you letting God love you?

Pray

God, I love you so much.

Thank you for sending the prophets to remind me of your love when I forget.

Help me not to forget your love, and give me strength to keep your commandments.

Amen.

Go

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13