February 16, 2005	Read Matthew 2: 1-6
“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (v. 2)
BE A STAR Dawn and dusk have always been favorite times of the day for me. When I was a child, the long days of summer ended with gradual darkening and cooling of the warm air. Stars came out, and often the Milky Way could be seen overhead in small-town Kansas. Sometimes the setting of the sun seems scary, because darkness will soon overtake us. But the sun must set so it can rise again, and the stars are there to provide light and guidance. Just as the stars can be used for navigation, the Magi knew that a special star could guide them to the King of the Jews. No one understood exactly what kind of king was coming, but nonetheless, they knew his star was to be followed. Did many others anxiously follow the star? The Bible doesn’t indicate that they did. Herod was scared that someone was going to take his place on the throne! Today, do we look for a sign that God is guiding us? Maybe it starts as a small faint star, but eventually we will see the Light if we follow. We can be stars for others, whether they are believers or non-believers. We may be called upon to strengthen others through our “light” or to be the “first light” that helps guide people to Jesus for the first time. The next time you step outside at dusk, look up at the stars and think of those who brought you to the Light and how you can be a star to those around you. Your star will lead to the Light of the world.   Light of the world, help us to follow you in times of light and especially in times of seeming darkness. Give us guidance and strength to be stars for those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Marsha Meili

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