Matthew 2:8-9
8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
When we read the stories of our faith, it’s important to place ourselves in the shoes of the characters in the story. For today, consider what the three traveling Magi experienced and felt as they were sent to find the King born to us all.
After realizing that the child they expected to pay homage to was not at the seat of power, the Magi continued their journey with the star still guiding them. They took a great step of faith to continue their journey, trusting that they were being guided to their destination. Until there, far away from the house of Herod, deep in the humble region of Benjamin, the star stopped.
In the English language, “faith” is synonymous with “trust.” Our faith in Jesus the Christ calls us to trust the process and submit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Like the Magi, we will sometimes make assumptions as to where we may encounter God. But ultimately, we must trust the journey the Holy Spirit sets us on so our faith can be refreshed and renewed. Today, on this Christmas Eve, our journey is almost to a close this Advent. The star has guided us to a moment where we remember what the great gift of Emmanuel means to all people.
Prayer: God of our faith, help us to trust you each day. As we celebrate your birth as Emmanuel, we thank you for your great gift of love. Amen.
