“…they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was,” (Matthew 2:9 NIV). 

This Christmas, as you reflect on the past year, I encourage you to remember the great amount of faith the Wise Men who visited the manger 2000 years ago must have had. To follow one small light in the sky, which shone even the slightest bit brighter than the millions of others, must have created some moments of questioning. What if they had taken their eyes off of the star for even a moment? Would they be able to find it again when they looked back up into the heavens? And what were they to do during the day when surely the sun's brightness hid the star's directive beams? These must have been persistent men who continued their journey, despite any obstacles that may have arisen. But what drove them to continue on in such a manner?   

The days of their traveling must have gotten long and weary. Perhaps there were even times during the journey when, in total fatigue and frustration, they contemplated turning back and going home. That star, which in reality was millions of miles away, somewhere in space, couldn't have seemed to be getting much closer with each passing day of their travels. So what was it that motivated them to continue? 

The answer is hopefully the same for us today. While the Wise Men were certainly curious about the possibility of the Messiah's coming to Earth in such an unusual manner, they must have been driven by the promise of God:  

In the desert, prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV).  

The Wise Men were certainly not disappointed by God. He was faithful to keep His promise, and they knew this as they saw God's glory shown to them in the form of that baby...helpless, yet all-powerful…humble, yet full of glory. 

Despite what the past year may have held—good or bad—be encouraged that God’s promise to you today is the very same promise that delivered those Wise Men to the glory found in that most extraordinary manger—and continue on confidently in your journey!   

—Emily A. Vermilya

This Christmas, may our God who gave the Wise Men that beacon in the sky, give you and your family an even brighter hope through Jesus.