The Wise Men followed a mystical star in the sky in order to find the newborn baby Jesus in the Cave of the Nativity. The star guided their footsteps until it stopped where Jesus, Mary and Joseph were resting.  Let’s reflect on the many ‘stars’ in our lives that bring us to feel and understand the Sacred presence of God in our lives.

Let me tell you of some children I met years ago. I met them in the Church Sacramental preparation program. They was preparing to receive their First Communion. That year I was invited into the local Catholic school to provide some of the preparation in the classroom. I had told the children that we should stop at 3 o’clock to pray because it was the time Jesus died for us. I gave them a little assignment to give little cards to their friends, family and teachers that said “Remember to Pray at 3 o’clock. It’s the time Jesus died for us!” Well like the perfect little disciples they were so enthusiastic. “Miss Sylvia” they said, “I need more cards, because I have lots of friends!” “Wonderful!” I said as I gave them more cards. Like a perfect storm they ran around the school handing out prayer reminder cards.

Then one day I was at the school as the school bell rang at 3 o’clock and a little boy said to me enthusiastically, “It’s 3 o’clock and it’s time to pray!” So I said “would you like to lead the prayer?” And he said, “yes!” I have tears in my eyes as I remember what happened because he so touched my heart. He was so grateful for what he had. His prayer was all about gratitude. He kept saying thank you over and over again to Jesus for everything He had given him and for dying for us. This little boy didn’t have a father in his life, but he had a wonderful mother. I am certain the Good Shepherd, Jesus, was holding him close to His heart. He and his mother came to the evening portion of the preparation program by bus because they didn’t have a car. They made such a huge effort to never miss a class and they were always the first to arrive because they didn’t want to be late! That’s what a ‘star’ looks like! Humble, thankful, enthusiastic to learn about God and to please Him.

Children are like ‘stars’ that remind us of the Sacred Presence of God. This is why Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16  Children are so full of trust; we need to try to emulate them in their simplicity and honesty.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

The Word of God is like a ‘star’ that illumines the path of righteousness and brings us to God. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 The mystical star led the Wise Men to the Cave of the Nativity and the Word of God illumines our minds to understand God’s Holy Will and His Holy Way.

“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10

Right now on my desk there are multiple brochures from many different charities. I wish I had more money to give to all of them. So to all I offer prayers and to some I offer financial donations. One of my neighbours inspired me last year by telling me that instead of giving her teenage grandchildren presents she made donations to various charities in their name and gave them a card to tell them what she had purchased.  For example one year she purchased through a charity a goat for a poor family so they could have milk.  It was her way to open the hearts of her grandchildren to how we can help the poor. So last year I began doing this too for my children and they loved it. One good deed leads to another!

The poor are ‘stars’ that help us to become charitable, compassionate, more grateful and more loving like Jesus. When we see the poor, we should see Jesus. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17

I love nature and when I am outside I see God’s imprints on everything.  I live in the country now surrounded by green pastures and towering trees and the beauty of nature and so many little creatures of God surround me! There are so many chirping birds eating at the bird feeder. The chipmunks managed to come into my house once. I found two of them hiding under my sofa; they were quite annoyed when they were escorted back outsides.  They climbed onto the screen of my open windows and hung on looking at me as though to say: ‘what’s your problem; I live there now!’

I am surrounded by so many deer; I am always fearful of hitting one when I drive.  My next-door neighbour has motion-activated cameras hidden in the trees in the surrounding woods and I have seen photos of some huge bears in the forest that I hope not to see up close. As I pray at night I hear the howl of coyotes and wolves in the surrounding forest. The night sky is  illuminated by so many stars; it’s truly a spectacle of God’s glory.  In the summer we are surrounded by dancing fireflies that sparkle in the darkness like stars twinkling and flying all around you. It’s the enchanting, mesmerizing talent of God visible in His creation!  Perhaps this is why Francis of Assisi so loved nature; it proclaims the awesome presence of God! Let us give thanks to God for the beauty He created and let us protect our environment as we rejoice in all that He has made.

“But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you;
And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you.

Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you;
And let the fish of the sea declare to you.

Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the Lord has done this.”  Job 12: 7-9

God is everywhere and when we begin to see His sacred fingerprints all around us, we realize that God is in everything. This fills me with a sense of AWE and PEACE as I marvel at how God reveals Himself in so many ways, guiding His people gently and persistently.

Consider music, for example. It is a gift from God.  I especially like Christian Rock. It’s the Word of God in a musical genre.  I remember once being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic so I rolled down my car windows and gave the neighbouring cars a little ‘Christian Serenade’. Music can be a ‘star’ guiding us to know and love God; but it grieves me to hear profanity in music – Satan took over those lyrics.

The Church is a ‘star’ that leads us to Jesus when it’s doing its job right. In the Book of Revelation God sends His angels that are referred to as ‘stars’ to speak to the seven churches. When we study the issues in each of the seven churches we discover what God appreciates and what He does not appreciate.

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” Revelation 3: 14 -18

Reflect again on the little children enthusiastic about serving Jesus, running around the school telling people to pray. Jesus loves that! The ‘stars’ that truly guide us to Jesus in our churches are genuinely interested in one thing, loving Jesus and loving neighbour. It’s not about money, power, authority, it’s about LOVE PURE AND SIMPLE!

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” Psalm 107:1-2

All baptized Christians are called to be ‘stars’ guiding people to Jesus through their witness. So let us tell our stories as we give thanks to Jesus for saving us and calling us to be witnesses of His love.

Please remember to stop and pray at 3pm (in your local time zone) and join the Body of Christ all over the world that is stopping (if but for a few moments) to remember the Passion of Christ and to thank Jesus for dying for us as we pray for all souls, that all will come to know and love their Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3