What is striking me the most about this verse, and the larger passage of Matthew 2:1-12, is the Magi’s faithfulness and trust. They were Gentiles unfamiliar with the Torah’s teachings and the God of Israel, and yet they still followed this star to the birthplace of the Messiah. They still went out though they knew not where the star would lead them. What a beautiful image of trust in our Lord!

This leads me to then consider – where do you feel this guiding star in your life? Where do you feel God beckoning you and asking you to go?

Life has a way of overwhelming us and making the future seem complicated and impossible. Many of us long for a divine revelation regarding schooling or employment, while others hope for God’s gentle presence and support during personal struggles. Whatever is on your heart, take comfort in knowing that God’s Spirit is at work in your life, knitting together a future more wonderful than you could ever imagine. May you have the courage to follow God’s call amid uncertainty and confusion, trusting in the goodness and deliverance of our Lord.

Loving God, we pray that we feel Your guiding presence in our lives always. May we learn to trust in You and find hope and reassurance in Your promises. Amen.

Halle Siebert, 2016, Seminarian

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:9