Seeing And Being The Light

The Wisemen, the Magi, the Astronomers… whoever they were, traveled a great distance, following a star that they had seen that was an anomaly. It was something new in the night sky. An indication that the heavens were sharing a clue; a sign of something worth investigating. We don’t really know where they were coming from, but they likely were traveling at night because how else would you follow a star, right? Scholars speculate that they probably came from 400 miles away to get to where they could see this infant King that was of such great significance that the heavens announced His birth.

Contrast this with the fact that King Herod, self-absorbed, inward looking, tyrant who was known to kill his own children to keep them from inheriting the throne, was only 5 miles away from where Jesus was born. Yet he didn’t see the star. He didn’t know of the coming King. He was clueless until the Magi arrived at his palace to worship the new King. 

What you experience in life, what you witness, what forms you and directs your path is largely determined by what you are looking for. King Herod was looking for greatness. A legacy of power and authority. A place in the history books as one of great wealth and supremacy. His focus was himself and all that he could gain for himself. In the end, he died at an early age and is primarily known as the one who massacred thousands of baby boys in an attempt to snuff out the infant King, whom the Magi reported to be born right under his nose.

It matters a great deal where your gaze is directed. Looking inward, we often miss the greatness that our Creator and Savior has for us. Looking upward, we find direction. We find light. We find hope for a future that has been planned by an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful God.

This Christmas, perhaps your heart needs to look upward rather than inward. Look to the light that draws all people to their purpose. Find the hope of a bright future as you follow the “star.” Look to Jesus for all the brightness and joy and wonder that a life lived for Him can bring. He will direct you to the place where you find hope. He will shine in the darkest places. He will build a deep abiding joy within you that will change you forever.

When we follow the Star of Christmas, we tend to absorb the light of His presence in our heart and find that others see Him, through us. I have seen that happen and it is a very real thing.

Thank you, Dad, for following the “Star” and for reflecting the light and the love of Jesus for everyone who ever knew you. I will do as you have taught me. I will dedicate myself to being yoked to the Light of the World so that others will somehow see His Light in me. If you want to leave a legacy, follow the Star.