The magi, or wise men, observed a star in the East (Matthew 2:1-12). They interpreted it as a fulfilling of prophecy that the King of the Jews had been born. Unfortunately, they went to King Herod, who became frightened by their belief. Yet, Herod encouraged them to follow the star, so that he might learn of his future rival. “When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy” (Matthew 9-10). The star of Bethlehem stopped over the birthplace of Jesus.
The magi followed the light, and found Jesus. We, too, are called to not only follow the light, but shine the light of Christ in the world.
In the northern hemisphere, Advent coincides with shorter days and longer nights. The darkness of the longest night mirrors much of the heaviness we carry. We ask for healing for ourselves, but also for all those who are hurting in our broken world. Because God’s love for us is unconditional, we do not have to earn it. We open our hearts to divine grace and mercy as we pray Psalm 80:7: “Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”
God is faithful. God’s steadfast love endures forever. We may not believe in looking for a new star, or watching the sky for signs as the Magi did. However, we can be inspired by the stars who continue to shine every night through the darkness.
Prayer: O God Who Is Love, thank you for your unconditional love. We want to be as generous with our love to others. May your Love shine brightly through us. Amen.
Activity: Make or give a star. Give your star to someone who may need some encouragement this season. Maybe a busy worker at a store, someone dealing with a health issue, or a person who is grieving could use some cheer. Share that Jesus is the light of the world. May your star be a light of love.
- Give out a gold star sticker, with a note or verbally share why you think the person deserves a gold star. This is especially great for those you encounter being extra kind or helpful this holiday season.
- Yarn and cardboard.
Cardboard Star
Find a piece of cardboard, and cut out a star.
Choose yarn. Tape a piece to the back of the star.
Begin wrapping the yarn in whatever direction you wish. Cover it completely, or leave some of the cardboard showing.
Cut a hole to hang the star, or place it in a place where you will see it.
Advent Wreath Liturgy
Read: John 1:1-9 –In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
Light the fourth candle, the candle of Love.
Reflect: Emmanuel means “God with us.” What a gift of love: Jesus is God with us! Jesus has experienced the aches and pains of being in a human body. Jesus witnessed the desperation and deprivation of humans. He still chose to see the belovedness in each one he met, and he treated them with love and compassion.
For those of us who are Jesus followers, we work at living like Jesus. We can choose to see the belovedness in each person, and choose to act with love and compassion toward every person. Choosing to love may not always be easy, but it is always right.
Pray: O God who is Love, help us to be loving and kind this holiday season. Give us hearts full of patience and generosity. Give us eyes to see those who are hurting around us, and the courage to respond to them. Fill us with your unconditional love, so that we cannot help but share it. In the name of Emmanuel we pray, Amen.
Redheadedrev 