Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led
Matthew 2:9-10 (The Message)
them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place!
I wonder, what was it like for the Magi following that star in the eastern skies? Were there days when they questioned if it was the right direction? Were their eyes so fixed on the destination that they ignored the joys of the journey, the sights, the people, the cultures they passed along the way? Were they sick with anticipation, ready for the day they would finally arrive?
This story invites us to think about the star or stars in our own lives? Where are they leading us? What does it look like to finally arrive? Is it a place where family can gather safety? Is the star leading us to accept and love ourselves in spite of past mistakes? Are we hoping to find healing that can only come through grieving, or perhaps we are searching for happiness in the simple moments of life?
As we enter the season of Epiphany we celebrate the arrival of the Magi at the manger scene. Considered to be gentiles, meaning not of the Jewish faith, they represent the universal recognition of the Messiah. In Jesus, they witness a particular gift of the Emmanuel that has meaning for their lives. They remind us that Christ is a gift, not only for Christian’s but for the entirety of creation. The season of Epiphany reminds us to share the gift that was given in Jesus. That gift heals those who are sick, forgives those who turn from their mistakes, loves those whom feel forgotten, and grieves with those who are grieving.
They may have had trouble naming what they were going to find, but when the Magi arrived “they could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place!” Know that through the one born in Bethlehem, God knows your every need, hears your deepest prayer, and will guide you to the Christ Child.
-Blessings for the Journey
Pastor Keith McDevitt