Pulpit & P
ew
Where the star stopped
By the time this is published, Christmas Day will be over. For some, that will be a relief. The holiday season is too rushed and busy. The excitement has passed and there is a kind of letdown for some. For others, it is a time of mourning loved ones who are no longer here to share time with.
We are invited to remember, though, that in the traditional church, Christmas is a season of the year. Its message and importance is not limited to a single day. So how do we cherish its importance as we throw away the wrapping paper?
The story of the three Wise Men in the second chapter of Matthew gives us some guidance. Matthew reports these men were following an unusually bright star to find the baby Jesus, the king. This journey occurred after the birth. It was after Christmas. Yet the fascination with the star that shined did not stop.
Upon arrival in Jerusalem, they sought advice. They received counsel from those who studied scripture. Then they found the savior. They brought him expensive gifts even though he was a baby and not from their land. They had completed a long journey to get there. Finding him, worshipping him, was important. Evidently, there were needs in their lives that had not been met in any other way.
We are called to remember that the glorious star was still shining after Christmas Day and that the experience of Jesus was touching needy lives and satisfying spiritual needs. The Gospel of John describes Jesus as the light of all people. He shines in the darkness and darkness will never overcome him.
The ministry Jesus brought to us calls us to be in community with one another. Just as the wise men sought direction from those familiar with scripture, we are encouraged to be in community with others who are seeking answers to life’s issue from God’s word and God’s presence. The name Emmanuel for Jesus means God with us. That is at the heart of the Christian message, God with us in whatever we are going through.
After meeting Jesus, the wise men went home a different way. Maybe we can do that too. Can we accept the wonder of God’s love, appearing as a helpless, vulnerable baby in human hands? The power and assurance of that love and acceptance will open us to possibilities of change. Christmas is never over.
— Rev. Dr. Stan Basler Galesburg United Methodist Church
