The Wednesday Word 11.30.2022

 Matthew 2:1-10 NLT

“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!”

In Biblical times, we know that the stars were the literal means of navigation. Scholars tell us the compass wasn’t in widespread use until the 12th century, so the position of the stars relative to yours was the only means of finding your way. Of course, it would be a very special star to lead the way to the Christ child.

We all need a guiding light in our lives. For many of us, our parents lit the way. For others, a gifted and caring teacher set a path. In our world today, it may be the light of a screen in our hands that guides our thoughts and attitudes. The world clamors for our attention and there are many bright lights to distract us that can wind up leading us in circles. In John tells us in 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Where will you look to see your star? …something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.

                                                                                                photo by Klemem Vrankar

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