By Guideposts

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” —Matthew 2:1–2

Last night my husband and I stood outside, bundled in our jackets. He slipped an arm around my shoulders as we took in the sky show, our breath forming tiny “puff clouds.” Stars above twinkled and glistened like a blanket of crystal. Could I be gazing at the very star that portended Jesus’s arrival? Conversation fell silent as we contemplated the sight.

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, I Need Jesus with Me]

Far away and long ago, a new star appeared in the sky that marked the birth of the King of kings. The wise men had heard the prophecies surrounding his birth, as told in Numbers 24:17 and Isaiah 60:3, and they heeded those words. They set out on a two-year mission, traveling only at night. It couldn’t have been easy. Their hope for the future fueled the journey.

As the heavens dazzled my eyes, I reflected on the dreams caught up in that particular star and all it represented. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus tells us he is “the bright Morning Star” (NIV).

I am blessed. I don’t need to cross deserts, craning my neck as I seek direction. I have Jesus guiding me all day, every day. His glory fills the celestial skies, even as his divine hope fills my heart.

Faith Step: Spend a few minutes tonight to enjoy the stars above and thank Jesus for the blessing of his special star.
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Taken from Mornings with Jesus 2022: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul by Guideposts. Click here to learn more about this annual devotional.

Spend the year following Jesus, reflecting on daily devotions that show us His unchanging love and faithfulness.

Mornings with Jesus 2022, an annual 365-day devotional, has been delighting devotional readers with daily entries that include a Scripture verse, a reflection on Jesus’s words, and a faith step that inspires and challenges, all in just five minutes a day.

Mornings with Jesus 2022 centers on the theme “Courage,” based on Psalm 31:24, and provides you with one all-new devotion each day that will encourage you to embrace Jesus’s love, to lay down your worries and find hope, and to focus on Him as Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One.

Lifting up their voices in heartfelt gratitude, 14 writers consider the character and teachings of Jesus and share how He enriches and empowers them daily and how He wants to do the same for you. Learn more about this and other Guideposts devotionals published by Zondervan.

Guideposts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the world to believe that anything is possible with hope, faith, and prayer.

This is accomplished through many outreach programs that allow Guideposts to connect with people and help sustain them in times of spiritual need.

Guideposts’ work is a calling to make humanity more hopeful and caring. They seek to build and support communities that lift up individuals at their most vulnerable moments and sustain them during their daily struggles. Learn more at Guideposts.org.