Following the Star

Every year there seems to be a new insight from the Christmas story that captures my thoughts. Lately I have thought much about the journey of the Magi; the Wise men following the star. They were intelligent men who had discovered an anomaly in the heavens. As they studied this new sighting they began to seek information on what it could mean. Were there predictions made in bygone years about such a thing? Digging deep into the annals of history, they discovered the writings of an ancient prophet named Isaiah who spoke of a LIGHT that would come. This LIGHT was to signify the birth of a Savior, a Messiah, the King of the Jews. They were not likely Jews and hadn’t been awaiting a Messiah. They hadn’t grown up hearing of the Redeemer that would end their bondage. They simply saw a light that intrigued them and determined that they must follow the light of the star to learn if this was, in fact, that light about which Isaiah had prophesied.

The question that this brings to my mind is- if our kids are not truly looking for Jesus... and kids typically are not... can they find Him through me? Is the LIGHT that points to Jesus shining from me in such a way that attracts them to the joy and abiding peace that His presence brings? 

When our kids were young we spent some time in the caves of Kentucky and learned a little bit about darkness and light. When they got too far from us, we didn’t point the light at them to help them find security and hope. We had to point it at ourselves so that they could find their way back. Often, when we are trying to direct our children we do so by pointing light at them… exposing their failures and short-comings. That is a blinding glare that prevents them from seeing the way they should go.

This Christmas, consider giving your children the gift of light that will direct them to Jesus, just as the star directed the Magi. Be the light that will attract, not create a glare that prevents them from the warm light of God’s undying love, so that, along with the Wise men of 2,000 years ago they will find Him and fall down and worship Him, Emanuel, God with us.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:1-2