Following the Star

“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” –Matt. 2:10

Once again, the holiday season has crept up on us. It seems like only yesterday we were taking summer vacations, having cookouts with the neighbors, and cooling off at the pool. Yet, with autumn comes the return of school, activities, and cooler temperatures, and before we know it, we are stuffed with leftover turkey and decorating the house for Christmas.

Life is a journey, and these days it seems we’ve quickened the pace on that journey. Nowhere is the pace quickened, the stress levels heightened, than this season of Advent and Christmas. Added to life’s usual obligations are all of the seasonal tasks: decorate the house, string the lights, make plans with family, bake the cookies, attend (and host!) the parties, buy the gifts, and don’t forget about the tree!

Which star are you following this Christmas? You may be following the star of busyness, turning Christmas into a series of never-ending tasks. Or, you could be following the star of competition, striving to have the brightest lights, the prettiest tree, or the perfect Christmas party. Perhaps you find yourself following the star of consumerism, fine-tuning your Christmas list and searching for the perfect gift.

Yet, there is another star – the one the wise men followed into the presence of the Christ child, where they were overwhelmed with joy. In your journey through this holiday season, I hope and pray that wherever the stars lead you, you will be led also to stop, enter the manger, and upon meeting the Christ child, be overwhelmed with joy.

Remembering My Baptism

Yesterday, I visited the church where I was baptized for the first time since I was 2 years old. Although I spent my first 2 years at Crafton UMC, this was the first time I recall being in the building. As I was there, the words echoed through the sanctuary: Remember your baptism and be thankful.

I've heard those words before, but yesterday, those words had new meaning. Now, when I thankfully remember my baptism, I am able to picture the physical location, whereas previously I could not. It's a significant moment in my spiritual journey that has more life to it than it did 2 days ago.

Now, I think back to the Crafton UMC congregation of 1983, celebrating the baptism of an infant named Erik Andrew, son of Tom and Connie Hoeke, promising to help raise this child in the Christian faith. I doubt back then they thought they were baptizing a future United Methodist pastor, or that they would not see that child grow up beyond age 2. Surely, other churches have had a more memorable role in my spiritual life. But Crafton UMC will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always be thankful of this community of believers and the commitment they made on behalf of the church universal when I remember my baptism.

Election Day Prayer

Under your law we live, great God,
and by your will we govern ourselves.
Help us as good citizens
to respect neighbors whose views differ from ours,
so that without partisan anger,
we may work out issues that divide us,
and elect candidates to serve the common welfare;
through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

From the Book of Common Prayer