The star is really an Epiphany symbol. The star is important because it led wise men to see the Savior of nations. On Epiphany, we rejoice in God’s grace to all his people.
More often than not, big New Year’s promises are broken. Big plans become big flops. In our Gospel reading, we meet two individuals who had big hopes—but not in themselves.
Tonight we celebrate a light shining in the darkness—the love of God’s heart taking on human flesh and being revealed to us for the very first time.
With the pressure to be perfectly obedient taken away from us, we rejoice, pray, and give thanks because God has given us everlasting and adaptable joy. Rejoice in the Lord!
As we make our preparations for Christ’s second coming, the message of John the Baptist lifts our eyes to the coming Christ.
Advent, as a whole, is a season of anticipation, contemplation, and preparation. We must first contemplate our trespasses and failings and then prepare to meet Christ our Savior.