December 20, 2025

SHINE SO THAT PEOPLE ARE DRAWN

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:9-11 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

The star in the sky had a single purpose—to guide people to where God was actively at work on the earth.

The wise men traveled hundreds of miles in search of a child born to be King. They didn’t arrive by chance; they arrived by following the light God placed before them. The star didn’t entertain them or impress them—it led them directly to Jesus.

In the same way, our lives are meant to function like that star. God is always working—bringing light into darkness, hope into despair, healing into sickness, and freedom into bondage. He invites us to reflect His light so others can find Him.

Jesus came to create a meeting place between heaven and earth. Humanity couldn’t reach God, so God came to us. And when He did, He chose a star to point the way.

Interestingly, this revelation wasn’t given to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to wise men in a distant land. Many scholars believe these men were descendants of a group influenced by the prophet Daniel during the Babylonian exile. Daniel taught the Scriptures and the prophecies of a coming King—one whose birth would be announced by a star.

Generation after generation held onto that promise. Then one night, they saw the star—and they acted. They prepared for the journey and followed the light until it led them to Jesus.

Jesus later said that His followers are “the light of the world.” Our calling is the same: to shine in such a way that people are drawn to the presence and work of God. Our lives should point clearly—not to ourselves—but to Christ.

We are meant to be stars, leading people to Jesus.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me today and every day to point others to You. Let there be nothing in my life that distracts from Your light and Your love. Amen.

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