Letter from the Minister

Matthew 2: 1-12

"... they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy." (v9-10)

Long before telescopes and computers, people named the stars and charted their long
journeys through the skies. Several references in the Old Testament testify to the
extent to which the stars held meaning for the ancient people of God. Job
mentions three constellations (9:9); in the Book of Job stars are said to
‘‘sing together’’ and ‘‘sing for joy’’ and Psalm 147 tells us that God names
all the stars and determines their number.

After Jesus was born, according to Matthew’s account, it is not the local people who first
encounter the presence of God-with-us, but rather Magi from the
East—foreigners, strangers, and outsiders skilled in interpreting dreams and
reading the stars for signs. Many scholars suggest that the Magi were
practitioners of a different religion, such as Zoroastrian priests from Persia
(modern-day Iran). The connection between the rising star and the birth
of a king is not entirely clear, but the star suggests the imagery of light
which is often associated with salvation in the Bible.

Whoever the Magi were, their presence assures us that the light of glory has shone beyond
Jesus’ own country to draw the world to his saving grace. As soon as the
learned stargazers turned toward the city of David, the star they had seen in
their distant homeland led them to Jesus and Mary. The star, (not unlike the
pillar of fire that went before the Israelites through the wilderness – Exodus
13: 21) indicates that the Messiah has arrived. It also symbolises God’s
light shining into a dark world as John 1:9 describes: Jesus, “the true light
that gives light to everyone.”

The Magi’s journey from the East to Bethlehem is known to have taken several months or
even years. With no Google maps, Waze or other GPS system, the Magi relied on
the star leading and them following – a metaphor for divine guidance.
Interestingly, in contrast to the Magi, the local scholars and the scribes and
chief priests, who were also learned and knew the Scriptures, did not recognise
any of the signs from God that appeared around them until Herod inquired. I
wonder what hindered their ability to see the star. What hinders ours?

Like the Magi, we also carry on our journeying through Advent, Christmas and the rest of
2025; and we will continue that journey with the Magi as we cross the threshold
of this year into 2026. Just as the Magi trusted the star, we are also reminded
to continue to trust God’s leading, even when the path is unclear or
challenging and even when the Herods of this world put obstacles in our way. Like
all other New Years, we will not know what 2026 holds. Like the Magi who were
successfully led to the Christ-Child by solely relying on the star, I pray that
our journeys, individual and communal, will be marked by persistence, faith and
readiness to be led by Jesus, our Light and salvation, the Light of the World.

When the star stopped over the place where Jesus was, the Magi were overwhelmed with joy
and worshipped Jesus.

May you be filled to overflowing with the joy, peace and love of the Christ -Child, this
Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Every blessing,
Georgina