Stars

Who isn’t awestruck by the stars? Last week while visiting our daughter in western Massachusetts I looked up in the night sky to behold the stars. The sky is darker in that part of the country and the stars seem to shine more brightly. My astronomical knowledge is amateur, but I could identify the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor). The stars strangely give us great delight. I am not sure why. Perhaps because the speak of the grandeur of creation. Or things other-worldly. Stars inspire dreams.

Two thousand years ago, a great star guided magi from the east to pay homage to a king. The star stopped over Bethlehem where they found a child. The magi were filled with joy. Kneeling, they offered Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

On the next clear night, I invite you to lift your gaze up to the night sky and look at the stars. Behold the handiwork of God. Behold the stars that guided the magi to the Christ child and ask God to guide you to the places in this world where Jesus shows up. And then go and find Jesus. You will find him in your friends, your neighbors, clerks, colleagues, trash collectors, bus drivers, the hungry, the sick, the poor, and the passersby. Look deeply. Find Jesus and you will be overwhelmed with joy. What gifts do you have to offer?  This Epiphany carol invites us to bear gifts for the future health of the earth.

Tomorrow we host an Epiphany Event for the entire parish at 9 AM. Come eat King Cake, don garb of the magi and take your picture in the photo booth…simply come enjoy the company of friends.