Following the Star

Pause

The light keeps shining in the dark, and the darkness has never put it out.

John 1:5 (CEV)

Listen

While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

Luke 2:6-14

Think

It’s Christmas Eve and my favorite night of the year. As a kid I was oblivious to the world around me, especially on this night. As I’ve gotten older and more aware of the world, it’s not as easy to ignore. We’ve just come through a contentious political season, and we still see violence and mass shootings in the news every week.

It’s easy to wonder: how can we join the chorus of angels in singing of peace and good news when the world seems so dark? But that’s when we need to sing it the most. That’s when we need to sing it the loudest.

Jesus didn’t enter the world during a time of peace. There was plenty of discord and unrest then, as there is now. No matter how dark it seems in the world or in our lives, there is always the light of the Christ child breaking through. Don’t be afraid! Look! The light of Christ surrounds us. Glory to God in heaven!

Kris “Bubba” Brammer

Pray

On this day I pray to you, O Lord, with an expectant heart. I wait for the arrival of the Christ child again. Renew in me the sense of wonder and awe that comes on this night, and give me the strength to sing boldly the good news. Amen.

Go

The Light has come.

The Light is within us.

Go and let the Light shine.