Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
I recall hearing a story about a family embarking on summer vacation. After driving for many hours, everyone in the car, except for the father, began to wonder if they were indeed lost. It seemed they were traveling in wide circles, noticing some of the same landmarks over and over again. Finally, his wife suggested they stop and ask directions. Of course, the man balked at the idea but noticed a car passing them by at a high rate of speed. “Let’s follow that person,” said the father, “he seems to know where he’s going.” The trouble is, where he was headed might not be a place where the family wanted to be.
How easy it is to be led astray when one simply follows along. When we are lost, it is good to have someone to follow. But unless we know something about the person we are following, we could be led down a path from which there is no good outcome.
As we begin a new year in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we do so as the Holy Spirit and the tradition of our faith inspires us. We look to the account of the Magi visiting the boy Jesus. They came to pay him homage. They came to worship him. They came bearing gifts fitting for a king. Having completed their two-year journey, they reached the place where God would have them go.
There were no road maps, no GPS, no handy cell phone app to guide their way. They simply followed a star. Called by the Holy Spirit, they followed the star faithfully. Nearing the end of their journey, and not being members of the Jewish faith, it became necessary to ask for directions. “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” With clarity and knowledge of the direction they must go, these three wise men finally beheld the glory and wonder of the boy child who would grow to be a man and save humanity from sin, death, and the power of the devil.
Like the wise men, we too, upon our Baptism into Christ, have embarked on a journey of faith. But unlike the Magi, we have directions. This year, the Gospel according to Luke serves as our road map which will lead us to the destination of Christ our Lord. We will learn more of his public ministry, his teaching, and his compassion for those whom Jesus said “are wandering as sheep without a shepherd.”
In the months to come, I invite you to worship regularly, to join in on the several learning opportunities provided here at St. Jacob’s, and to share the Good News of Christ, beginning with those who are nearest to you, and extending outward. Truly, the light of Christ shines in this darkened world and there are many who continue to wander like sheep without a shepherd.
As our Lord calls us to be his disciples and to grow his Church, we can offer clarity and point those who wander in the direction of Christ our Lord. For as sure as someone notices the difference faith in Christ makes in this fallen and broken world, they will begin to follow you along the path of faithfulness. For be certain, where this path leads is surely a place where others will want to be.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
