“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11
December was always my favourite month of the year when I was growing up. I always looked forward to the first day of December. As I skipped home from school, my heart would skip with excitement, for I knew exactly what awaited me – a beautiful paper lantern in the shape of a star. We had bought it at the market, just the Sunday before, and as my father hoisted me onto his shoulders to hang the star, my heart burst with excitement. Since our home was the only Christian house in the neighbourhood, all the neighbours children gathered to gaze and point at the star, as it glistened in all its glory. It cast a million different coloured patterns on the ground, and I turned on the light each night with glee.
I wonder if this joy and excitement was anything like what the Wise men felt when they noticed the star resting above the place where the Messiah lay. They had studied the skies for years, and pondered the prophecies about the One who would come to save Mankind. After an arduous journey, there they were in the humblest of abodes, just inches away from the Christ-child. As they entered the home, they bowed in worship.
A star shining brightly on our porches and balconies is a beautiful sight, but the luminescent testimony of our lives is much more alluring. Jesus said to His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). As our neighbours and friends watch us during this season and at other times, do they see this ‘light’ displayed in our lives? Kindness, love, patience, and forgiveness are some Christ-like character traits that cannot be hidden. When our neighbours see these on display, they will enter our homes, not just for the joys of this season, but to honour and worship the God whose traits we emulate; for He alone deserves all our adoration.
Dear Father, may I lead others to You with the light of my life. May my actions and words demonstrate Your light this season and always. Amen.
– Rebekah Vijayan
