“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” #Matthew‬2‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭

God orchestrates every detail of our life for His glory and our good. He displaced (exiled) His people with His prophets to a far away land (cf Daniel 9-12). Those people trusted God’s promises of a coming Redeemer. Then, God orchestrated creation to announce the arrival of the Redeemer with a bright shining star. All of these led magi from the east to bring important gifts to bless Jesus and his earthly family. Our worship and generosity aids others to grow in faith, hope, and love.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” #Philippians‬ 2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬

Lord, help me to trust your redeeming circumstances in my life. And through it all – praise, problem, or pain – strengthen me as a star to point people to Jesus.