In the evenings after dinner, I walk our dog in the long expanse of grass behind our house along the edge of the Little Econ preserve. This time of year, it’s quite dark and I typically use a flashlight to navigate. But lately it’s been a little easier – when I round the pond and head home, I can see the lights from our Christmas tree in the window to help guide me. There’s something comforting about the lights shining on that tree pointing the way home.
I’ve been thinking about those lights in the context of our theme for this school year “See the Light…Be the Light” based on John 8:12. In this Christmas season I’m reminded of the three Magi (or wise men) from Matthew 2:9-10: “And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Those men were far from their native land, but the light of that special star led them to their true home – at the feet of the baby Jesus, savior of the world. Christmas can be a time of great wonder and joy; but for some it may be a difficult reminder of loss or what’s missing in their lives. If that’s you, I want to assure you that you’re not alone in the darkness this Christmas. Come to worship, read His Word, and embrace the saving message of the birth of Jesus. Follow the starlight and God will show you the way home.