Pastoral Devotion for January

Light for the World

Isaiah 60:1-9, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

It wasn’t through loud trumpet blasts, nor were messengers dispatched from far off lands. The magi received the good news through simple means; by the light of a star. They followed the light in order to worship the newborn King of kings.
Each year we hear this story and quickly focus on the wise men and their gifts, perhaps missing the central part of the story. Jesus was born that man no longer should die. Through Christ, salvation has come into the world. As the angel told the shepherds, this is good news for all people.
The Magi were foreigners, Gentiles, yet God got their attention in a simple way, by the light of a star, and led them to the savior of the world. Who are the outsiders today? What signs will God use in order to speak to them? It’s probably fair to say that wise men bearing gifts of gold won’t be passing through their town, and it’s not likely that a star will lead people to any particular church building.
The truth is, God calls his people to be light for the world revealing that which was made known so long ago. Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, is the Messiah, the Lord. Through him, God has brought salvation to our fallen world. People of God, arise, share the good news. Light has scattered our darkness forever.
Prayer: Shine your light upon me, O Lord, that I may share the good news of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.