December 21 Martha's Musings

I was contemplating our large nativity scene, thinking about all the characters displayed. There were all three members of the Holy Family, three wisemen, a shepherd, an angel, and a sheep. And oh yes – there was a star. You know the one – you’ve heard the story. This bright star was what led those three wisemen and the shepherd to Bethlehem. And then my new-age English hit me: the star led those people to The Star, the little Baby Jesus. I don’t believe that I have ever paid too much attention to both meanings of the word “star”. The regular one is the kind of star that twinkles in the night sky, the kind you use a telescope to see, the kind that forms into constellations, etc. Then there is the kind of “star” that winds up on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the kind whose name becomes well-known by people who have never met them, the kind whose behavior can cause concern among the masses, the kind who become role models, whether they wanted to or not. So, the Bethlehem Star led the Wise men and Shepherds to the real “Star” of the show – the living, breathing Son of God. He does not have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – He was not selected, as He was not “acting” at all. His behavior did cause concern among the masses, because He was kinder and more understanding than anyone they had ever met. And yes, the locals did indeed meet Jesus, as their faith and lives were His focus. He CHOSE to be the Star of this show – this heavenly birth – and He chose to walk the walk of the beloved Son of God. And He accomplished more in His 33 years of life than anyone else, ever. I do not find that surprising, since He is God and we clearly are not, but some folks do find this unsettling. But do not fear, dear friends, for this Baby Jesus was born
to offer all of us the gift of salvation, which is unattainable without His guidance. We may not yet understand every single bit of Scripture, which, personally, I do not find disturbing. All will be revealed in God’s time. Until that time arrives, remember that “we walk by faith and not by sight”. So, say your prayers, read Scripture, then go to sleep. All will be well.

Blessings,
Martha Arizpe, St. John’s Prayer Team