Sent to Shine

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

-Matthew 2:9-10

 

            A luminous jewel, set high in the velvet black of night.

            Smiling, shining its inviting gaze upon three men seeking what lay at its end. Mesmerized, they watched the cosmos create a trail across the sky, beckoning their curiosity across a thousand lands, each step piquing their predestined enchantment.

            As the clear crystal days rose and fell, the wonder of the awaited child dug into the hearts of men, helpless to explain the earth’s rotation to the town of Bethlehem, where, at last, that pearl held its gleam all the brighter. It grew bold and brimmed with a diamond fulfillment, joyful at where it led the Magi.

Underneath its shimmering arms, a child glistened with the touch of God. And when the men encircled his crib, bowing their heads at the humbly bright baby, the star twinkled above, blinking upon a world where glory gave hope to a hurting human race. It pointed toward the true point that gave light to a darkened town, its warming hue inviting and intriguing to an empty earth to see the joy before it.

And as it appeared so suddenly among the night, so it slipped into the shadows, its treasured task released by the One who sent it to shine.

Prayer:

A star to guide the magi to a manger. Hanging in the sky, leading them to the Christ Child. How I look up at my own night and wish to see a sign that points to You! Thank You for the gift of guidance that lit the sky and brought the wisemen to their Savior. Thank You for sending Your Son, so we can follow Him on all our own heavenly trails. Amen.