We saw his star as it rose

For many years now I have been captivated and inspired by the Gospel narrative of the Magi following the star to the Christ Child. It evokes a desire deep within to embark on a journey to far away places following God’s call, a pilgrimage filled with adventure.

The thought of these Magi leaving all behind in response to their astronomical calculations, packing camels and venturing off into the unknown across deserts and facing wild beasts stimulates a wanderlust. I believe this is so for many of us. Probably it’s a universal archetype.

While a physical pilgrimage would be the most adventurous, it is also figuratively the same for embarking on any new venture in a response to God’s calling. Each new venture, whether physical or spiritual, requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God’s guidance, just as the Magi did.

It might mean leaving behind the familiar, facing uncertainties, and overcoming challenges along the way. Yet, like the Magi, we are drawn forward by the promise of encountering something greater—a deeper relationship with God and the fulfillment of His purpose in our lives.

This journey, though daunting at times, fills us with hope and anticipation, reminding us that when we follow God’s call, we are never truly alone. The same star that guided the Magi continues to light our paths, leading us to Christ in every step we take.

Ten years ago, I tentatively embarked on such a pilgrimage to become an evangelist. I had no idea what it would entail, but I saw a faint star rising so I set about persuading Sandee and packing our camels. It has been an amazing and at times frightening journey, and the journey continues.

As we start 2025, a new leg of the journey, there are a lot of uncertainty and risks, but the desert beckons. We plan new initiatives, face new challenges, but we follow the star.

Probably you also are being called by a star —perhaps faint and distant, or maybe bright and undeniable—inviting you to embark on your own pilgrimage. Like the Magi, you might not know exactly where it will lead or what obstacles lie ahead. But as I have learned over the past decade, the act of stepping out in faith transforms us, revealing God’s purpose in ways we could never imagine.

As 2025 unfolds, I encourage you to look for the star in your life, to trust in God’s guidance, and to embrace the adventure He is calling you to. Together, let us journey forward, trusting that the same God who led the Magi will also guide and sustain us on our paths.

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