Over 2000 years ago, a group of Magi from somewhere in the East, followed a star that had appeared in the heavens. That star led them to the Christ. Now, contrary to popular opinion, the wise men didn’t find the baby Jesus in a manger. They actually found him closer to 2 years later, when he was just a toddler. We know that they brought him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but do you know the significance of those gifts? Gold represents his kingship, frankincense was a symbol of his priestly role, as our high priest, and myrrh was for his burial. Jesus was only born, so that he may die for our sins. Jesus came to this earth to usher in hope and to provide a way for everyone who believes in him to have eternal salvation and everlasting life with God the Father, in paradise.

I think it is rather remarkable that after the year we have had, all the disruption, turmoil, and pain, that God would bring to us again, the Christmas Star. In two nights, Jupiter and Saturn will align in a “great conjunction”, an event that last happened 400 years ago! Is this God showing us that he is still in control? This year, it has seemed that everything has been out of my control! Everything changed and I can remember saying in April, “I can’t do this another month!” Wow! If I had only known!! We have had so many challenges to face, and we have overcome many of them. Now, think about the obstacles that Mary and Joseph faced 2000 years ago. Mary, pregnant outside of wedlock, would have been scorned by all she knew. Then, they were given a decree from Caesar, to travel to the birthplace of Joseph’s ancestors, to be counted and taxed! Not only did they have to walk 90 miles (one way), but they also had to have money to pay the taxes that Rome was leveling on them once they arrived. Now, let’s add to this, that Mary was VERY pregnant. I can’t imagine how grueling this trip must have been for them. The bible doesn’t tell us much else about their journey, but instead focuses on what happened once they reached their destination. Doesn’t that sound like us in some way? Here we are, all of us, together in this journey through 2020—a what a grueling journey this has been! Can you see how this will end? Do you even know where your destination will be?

I don’t know when my journey will end, but I CAN say, that my destination will be with Jesus! Just like the Magi, who traveled from afar, to search out the King that would be born; they followed his star, that led the way. I too follow his star, and my final destination will find me at his feet, praising his kingship, his priesthood and his ultimate death and resurrection. And in two days, I will search the sky for his star, and praise him for being with me on this journey. He is lighting the way into 2021. Won’t you too search for his star of hope and light?