The Journey Toward the Star

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25^th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

STRENGTH

Scripture: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10).
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Quote of the Day:

The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star. It was as if the journey had always been a part of their destiny, and was finally about to begin. Dear friends, this is the mystery of God’s call, the mystery of vocation (Pope Benedict XVI).

Song Suggestions:
“I Wonder as I Wander,” by Audrey Assad
“People, Look East,” by Alfred Deller and the Deller Consort

Questions: Are there any signs or wonders in my life? Do I feel like God isn’t working any signs or wonders in my life?

MIND

Joseph and Mary have set off for Bethlehem. It is a dusty journey of several days through the desert.

On the second day of their journey, early in the morning, Joseph walks while leading the donkey that Mary sits upon.

Joseph looks back at his wife and smiles. “We will reach Bethlehem in three days!” He exclaims.

Mary smiles at him. “You are in a pleasant mood,” she observes.

“We know what awaits us there!” Joseph explains with a joyful laugh, “The Son of God!”

At the same time, hundreds of miles away to the east, a group of magi are riding on their camels toward Bethlehem as well. Traditionally, there are three magi, and also traditionally, their names are Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar. Let’s stick with the traditions today.

These are wise astrologers and they know a monumental moment is at hand!

“Do you really think Bethlehem is the city?” Casper asks his companions in anticipation. He pats the neck of his camel, Esta.

“I was certain it would be a city in Palestine,” Melchior explains, gazing up at the sky to see the faint star. He sighs as his head jostles with the bumpy movement of his camel. His neck is starting to ache from constantly looking upward. “But I wonder if the star will actually lead us as far as Egypt.”

“Egypt!” Balthazar belts, displeased with the idea of an even longer journey.

“Do you want to see this new king or not?” Melchior snaps, looking at his friends. “Besides, we know the prophecy of the Jewish scriptures. He will be a Judean from the line of David!”

“I do not care where the star leads us,” Casper decides in his typical enthusiasm, petting Esta. “A great king will be there and I am not going to miss him.”

“He’s said that every day for the past two months,” Balthazar says to Melchior in a perturbed murmur.

(Scriptural Inspiration and Reference: Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 2:1-5)

HEART

Let’s pull apart these two different perspectives. First, we have Joseph and Mary who do not realize that a new star is rising. They are not aware of the great sign and wonder in the sky, but they do know where they are going. They are going to Bethlehem, and there, they expect Jesus to be born.

On the other hand, we have three magi who do see the sign in the sky. They are following the star though they aren’t certain what they will find. They have the sign and wonder, but they don’t know Who Jesus is and what His purpose is.

Let us think of our own journey of waiting. As we journey, we may know exactly what we are doing and what we are supposed to do. However, we might not know what the fruits and wonders of it are. For example, if you are called to pray, you know that you are interceding for others, but you don’t necessarily see the signs and wonders that come from it. Another example is that you are loving your child who has fallen from the faith. You are an example for them, but you have not yet seen the fruit of your example, your child’s conversion.

Oppositely, let’s think of when we don’t know what we are doing or where we are going, but we see the sign. For example, you just had an awesome experience with God, where he blessed you and filled you with joy. It’s wonderful, but you’re not sure what you are supposed to do with that yet or where exactly He is leading you. Another example is having a baby. You are pregnant and you know God has given you a beautiful child—what a wonderful sign! But you don’t even know yet if the child will be a boy or girl, what he/she will look like, or what God has destined him/her to be and do.

Whether we know where we are going or we just see the star in the sky, it’s okay. Let’s step forward on our journey, even if we are missing a piece. Let us remember that just because we don’t see God at work doesn’t t mean He isn’t working. Likewise, just because we don’t know where we are going, does not mean God isn’t leading us.

SOUL

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come here to die.
For poor ornery people like you and like I…
I wonder as I wander out under the sky (“I Wonder as I Wander,” lyrics)

“O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” (December 21st Vespers Antiphon)