Following the Star

Pause

When we choose to love we choose to move against fear – against alienation and separation. The choice to love is the choice to connect – to find ourselves in the other.

bell hooks in All About Love (2001)

Listen

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I won’t ask; I won’t test the Lord.” Then Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. He will eat butter and honey, and learn to reject evil and choose good. Before the boy learns to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned.”

Isaiah 7:10-16

Think

You may not put much thought into signs. Some people may think they’re just superstitious or some sort of new-age, mystical thinking. Actually, signs are a part of our biblical tradition. It may be a burning bush, a pillar of salt, a star in the sky, or a rush of wind – signs are spoken of often, and we are instructed to pay attention to them.

With all that is going on in our world – from wars, to the climate crisis, and so much pain from violence and hate speech – we may discount signs or miss them all together.

Advent can be a time for all of us to pause and think about how we might be limiting the power of God to speak to us through signs. A star in the sky led the shepherds to a lowly manger where they would find the Prince of Peace. What are you seeking? Have you considered asking God for a sign? … Not something specific as a test, but something that will encourage you and give you hope in the midst of it all? Give it a try.

Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks

Pray

God of signs and wonders, may I open my whole self to the signs you have for me.

Help me to recognize the many ways you make your presence known, in wind, in flame, in common things, and in stars.

May I never stop seeking your guidance.

Amen.

Go

Take a breath, keep showing up with your whole self – this will allow others to do the same.

May we all live into our holy whole selves!