I was at Church last week, and the Holy Spirit was doing major work speaking to me through the sermon. The message was so pure, so clear, and so simple- truthfully how this beautiful season should be. Once we strip away the excess gift-giving, santa-obssessing, and altogether misdirected focus during the Christmas season, what remains is the most beautiful message of all- the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The message focused on men who prefer camels as transportation, and stars as navigation- otherwise known as the Wise Men. These Magi were told to leave, follow a star, and find the new King of the Jews. They left without hesitation, following a star, trusting that they would find what they set out in search of. Many joke that they may not have been too wise, considering it took them months to find Jesus after His birth. But truthfully, camels aren’t the quickest mode of transportation, and the length of their trip, along with their patience, shows they fully trusted in God that they would find the Messiah.
When we look at this story that happened so long ago, we realize that it is not too different from our story today. We have a choice- to wake up daily and follow our own path, or to search for the star, the light of the world, Jesus Christ. The journey is not promised to be easy, or a quick trip. It is a lifelong journey, and it begins with making the choice to choose light. We live in a dark world, but God gave us light to guide us- all we have to do is seek Him.
When we continually seek light, we may not be led to a manger or the Christ child as the Wise Men were. The light will lead us to the foot of the cross. Here we have a choice- to continue living a life without light, or to put down our pride and humble ourselves to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. At the cross, we must die to self to gain life through Christ.
My prayer this Christmas season is that the truth behind this special day outshines the worldly things that we have given center stage.
Merry CHRISTmas, and cheers to a New Year filled with seeking the ever-shining star.
