Guided and Targeted by a Star

December 18                                                                     

Scripture Reading
Read Matthew 2:1-12 and reflect on the passage.

Mother called to me, “you’ve been out there too long, come inside now!” I was a star gazer by age 10, interested in the constellations of stars, and especially radiant Venus. Then and now, I am awed by its brilliance. 

The Star stood in the heavens, almost as brilliant as the sun, its sharp rays beaming steadfastly in the silent night. It had been foretold that it would move and point the way. Now, a great stillness came, and the Star was fixed. He who had been born was with all people, in every place on earth at this hour, and His spiritual presence would never again depart. The Star was seen all over the known world.  It was visible to the Wise Men from afar.

Bethlehem's Star signified birth and kingship. Relative to the Jewish nation, it rose in the East. It appeared at an exact time and endured over time. According to Matthew, the Star guided the Magi as they traveled south from Jerusalem, and came to a stop over Bethlehem.  How amazing and miraculous is this?

QuestionsDo we stand in awe and gratitude of Emmanuel with us?
Is our heart’s compass pointing us toward the radiant Star?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for all the guides You have sent to us: angels, Your Word, people, and even the "Bright Morning Star," Jesus Himself.

                                                                                                                                    Diane Ward