In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the timeless message of the Christmas star and what it means to follow God's guidance in our lives. Just as the wise men were led to Jesus by the star, we too are called to follow the light of Christ in our daily walk of faith. Together, we’ll explore how Scripture invites us to seek Christ with intentionality, trust His direction, and let His light guide our hearts through every season.

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Full Transcript Below:

Follow the Star

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10

My husband and I strolled in and out of the booths at a recent community fair in our town. There were homemade crafts, food and drinks. Local churches also gave out cards and invites to the church. But we were surprised to see the amount of New Age and occultic-derived materials there were as well. They were interwoven in between the other booths like it was normal. Many people visited both the New Age booths and the church booths as if they were equal in value. But we were careful not to purchase or interact with anything that might have been derived from an occultic source. 

Those who did not have a religion would have interacted with any of these booths with ease. But Christians like us could discern the spiritual ramifications of interacting with those goods. 

Everyone is looking for direction in life. But the Bible warns against consulting mediums, astrologers, and other practices that get their information from demonic sources. People go to these sources in a desperate attempt to get closure on their losses or see if there is hope for their future. Believers and nonbelievers need to ask God for their direction rather than a spiritual posing as someone with pertinent information about the future. 

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day knew Jesus would be born, but they didn't know who he truly was or his ultimate role in the world. Born from an unwed young mother, the religious leaders believed Jesus was nothing more than the offspring of a lowly shepherd. They didn’t think a king would come as a baby or in that manner. The Magi were on a journey to worship a king who, although he didn't look anything like what they would expect, believed he was king of the Jews.

But they needed direction. Without the star of Bethlehem, they never would have been able to find him, much less worship him. The Magi knew they needed to consult the one true star. The star guided them to the miraculous birth and allowed them to be the first to worship him. 

In a culture not much different from today's, astrologers use the stars to tell a person's future or direction for their life. Astrologers abounded during that time. Many people would consult an astrologer for information about the future. The star of Bethlehem also led people, except this one prompted the Magi to an ordinary child who, when grown, would provide salvation to the world. 

Some people today need clarification about who Jesus is. They think astrologers or psychics are phony or not real. But that’s not true. While some pose as psychics, others consult Satan and receive his prophetic words that they then give to customers for money. But those who trust in the Lord will receive his direction because he is the only one who truly knows the future. 

Even when we are confused about what God is doing, who he is, or his presence in our lives, God always directs those who want to find him. Whoever seeks him will always find him, even in times of great confusion. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to lean on our understanding but on God’s voice. He will always direct and guide us in our steps: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Take a moment to reflect on how you have taken Jesus for granted or been confused about who he is or his role in your life. Let God reveal how he guides and directs you toward his perfect purpose and plan. 

Father, be faithful in finding us if we seek you. Please make yourself known to us in new ways, not only in the season of Advent, when we expect you to come, but even in times of confusion. Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Where do you go for direction? Do you go to the Bible for its wisdom?

Further Reading

Romans 8:28