Following the Star 
Pause
Go outside and look at the sky.
It does not matter if it is day or night.
Look at the sky and enjoy God’s revelation and creativity.
Listen
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:
You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Matthew 2:1-6
Think
Have you ever had the experience of putting on a white shirt that seems perfectly fine until you step out into the sun? You thought it was perfectly clean, but the daylight hits and you see a stain that you cannot hide. You find out about it when there’s nothing you can do and must spend the day with a stain on your shirt.
The magi were following the light of a star to honor a king. Herod hears about this revelation, and he panics. The same star reveals his insecurities, and his fear of losing the power that he believes is his. Following the star leads the magi to Jesus, the son of God. Herod’s quest for power leads to violence. Same star. Same light. The difference is an understanding that true power can come from the humblest of places, in the most unexpected circumstances. The magi see Jesus. Herod sees a stain that all his efforts will not be able to hide or take away, and he will lose the power that he seeks.
Marissa Galván-Valle
Question to Ponder: What do you need God’s light to reveal to you?
Pray
God of the humble and the meek, I give myself unto you, recognizing that when I step into your light, I might see things that need to be changed.
I know that you are the one who can heal me, clean me, and restore me to a right relationship with you and with others.
Reveal your will for my life and lead me away from anything that might distract me from honoring you.
Amen.
Go
Jesus Christ is born for all the world! Step into the light of God and celebrate God’s manifestation in the sunlight, in the kind words of a friend, and in the love that surrounds you.
