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.