“The Star” leads the Magi and their caravan to the Christ Child, and in transforming wonder lead them back into the world. Likewise “The Star” leads and sends you and me, where we live out our calling to be the “Light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
The Prophet Isaiah describes this “Great Light” that illumines and transforms (Isaiah 9:2-6). It is a prophecy that holds in tension current reality and future deliverance. Twentieth Century Theologian Jurgen Moltmann writes:
“Isaiah lets his vision of the birth of the child and the appearance of the pace of God shine like a light into the conflicts and experiences of real life. It is not easy to keep these dimensions together when one is used to splitting up faith and politics, to celebrate Christmas only in the heart and in the bosom of one’s own family. But the message of the prophet is a realistic vision, and what it talks about is a visionary reality. It is a message for the people, a message sent into the camps of the exiled, and into the slums of the poor. It is a word against the captains of the arms industry and the fanatics of power. If we really understand what it means, it bursts the bonds of Sunday worship. For if this message really lays hold of us, it leads us to Jesus the liberator, and to the people who live in darkness and who are waiting for him – and for us.” (Watch for the Light, p.309-310)
As we celebrate The Epiphany – the day the Magi saw the light, encountered the Christ Child; and transformed returned to offer transformation to the world, let us make the journey as well. As we begin a new year, let us be the liberating Body of Christ to the world; and the “Light of the world” to those who walk in darkness! See you in Church!
Through Christ,
Pastor Doug