Matthew 2:1-2

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.”

Following the Star

Three wise revered people walk for miles and miles across borders to give gifts to another countries’ King to be. They take their best gifts, and they follow a star that got their attention in a way that could not be ignored.

They follow protocol at first, checking in with the current King and listening to his request to let him know what they find. But when the magi meet Mary and Joseph and Jesus, something happens that changes their well thought out plans. They notice something that says this baby, in the middle of what looks like a regular family in a regular world, this baby the star led us to, we see that this is the One. They kneel, they give him their gifts, and they go home by another way, against the wishes of the King.

I wonder what we might see, if we made room for the Spirit of God to show us a new way? The magi followed a star. What if as we start this new year, we make more space for noticing the ways that God shows up in our world? What if we choose some gifts to share to help illuminate the world?

Prayer: Dear God, We pray that you might open our eyes to see the light of your love leading us forward into the world this day. In Jesus Name, Amen

Reflection Questions:

1. What does the story of the magi bring to your understanding of Christmas?
2. What three gifts would you like to bring on your journey to follow the star?
3. Where do you notice the light of God breaking into the world today?