Following the Star

Although the Kings came from afar to arrive at the stable, I cannot really say how far away that 'nearby' field was from which the shepherds came to the manger. I mean, they were familiar with the terrain, did that make it a little more difficult to think that something miraculous was happening so near?

Let a little light from that Star illuminate my surroundings, and let my curiosity about what lays in that stable lure me to join the others. Let that light assure me that the rich, the poor, and those who seem very foreign, all will gather together to witness a new birth.

Little lights this Advent as of this writing?

---My husband and I stopped to eat at a local buffet after Christmas shopping. Returning to my booth with my plate, I saw three twenty-somethings quietly bowed in the adjacent booth. I could not help looking on with awe that they were so reverently thanking God for their meal in such a public place. "Good For Them!" I thought. "Truly the Reason for the Season!" Then I realized that they were reverently bowed over their cell phones, texting! I grinned, not at them, but at me for misinterpreting. I have kept my eye out for the times this Advent when I am more intent on what I am interested in rather than enjoying the company of those near me.

---I decorated the house last week in accordance with the Season. Ironically, the fact that I replaced our mantle clock with our manger scene has made me aware how much time I spend checking the time. Every time I glance up to see what time it is, I am reminded that maybe the manger should guide me more than the expectations of time? My husband has more than once made the comment, "I miss that clock." But, so far, neither one of us has moved the mantle clock back to its prominent position.

---My daughter is very pregnant right now and is due around the first of January. The excitement with which she and her husband are preparing for their son's arrival is a constant reminder of that Holy Night. The birth they are awaiting will certainly change their lives. I watch them prepare and am reminded that birth brings with it awesome responsibility. Be prepared for change when approaching that stable. But what great joy lies within!

Keep following that Star..............