Friday, Jan. 3
Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12
It could be a coincidence, but maybe not.
Before the wise men actually meet Jesus, the source of their guidance is a mysterious star. The star gets them from their home country to Jerusalem. Then, however, they have to stop and ask directions. The scribes and chief priests of Jerusalem direct the wise men to Bethlehem, and sure enough the star goes ahead of them, stopping right over the house where Jesus and his parents are.
The star shines brightly. It even moves. But it doesn’t speak.
After the wise men worship at the cradle of the king, then they begin to hear from God in new ways. That night, presumably, God warns them in a dream not to return to Herod. The wise men now hear from God through dreams, just like Joseph.
Could it be that worshiping the true Lord of heaven and earth opens up new channels of communication between God and the wise men? Previously, they could only infer what the impersonal star meant. Now, they hear from God personally.
Again, it could be a coincidence, but maybe not.
The wise men exit the stage, never to be heard from again. And they leave not under the guidance of a star but a dream.
Prayer: As we worship you, O God, may we also hear a word from you. And may that word guide us onto new paths. Amen.