Scripture:
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:2
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” – Isaiah 9:2
Devotional:
The world was dark the night Jesus was born. Silent hills, quiet skies, waiting hearts. But then — God split the darkness with a star. Not just any star, but one so bright it grabbed the attention of men hundreds of miles away. They had been searching, and now the heavens were pointing the way: “Here is the One you’ve been waiting for. Follow this light, and you’ll find Him.”
The wise men didn’t stay home and admire it from a distance. They moved. They packed their treasures, left behind what was comfortable, and followed that star across deserts and mountains until it led them to the feet of Jesus. And when they saw Him, they bowed down and worshiped.
The star tells us something incredible about God’s heart: He doesn’t leave us wandering. He doesn’t hide Himself. He shines His light so clearly that even people far away can find Him. That light isn’t just a star in the sky. That light is Jesus Himself. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.”
Sometimes our lives feel dark too — confusing, lonely, or scary. But Christmas reminds us that God’s light always breaks through. He gives us enough light for the next step. And if we seek Him, just like the wise men, the seeking will always lead us to Jesus.
The question for us is simple: will we just look at the light, or will we follow it?
Application:
The wise men saw the star and followed it. What does it mean for you to follow Jesus instead of just knowing about Him?
Where do you need God’s light in your life right now?
Prayer:
“Jesus, You are the Light that never goes out. Just like the star led the wise men, lead me closer to You. I don’t just want to see the light — I want to follow it. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Fingerprint Star Ornament (Quiet Craft)
Cut out a star. Stamp fingerprints with gold/yellow paint around the edges.
Write “Jesus is my Light” in the middle.
Hang it where you can see it each day.
2. Star Walk Path (Active Play)
Cut out paper stars and tape them across the floor.
Children must step only on the stars until they reach the last one, where you place a nativity figure or cross.
When they arrive, say together: “We followed the star and found Jesus!”
Recipe Options:
1. Star Toast
Cut bread with a star-shaped cookie cutter. Toast it, spread with butter and honey or cinnamon sugar.
2. Guiding Star Cookies
Frost sugar cookies white and decorate with gold sprinkles in a star shape.
3. Royal Fruit Cups
Layer colorful fruit (red strawberries, yellow pineapple, green grapes, blueberries) in clear cups to look like jewels in a treasure chest.
Tie-in: “Jesus is our greatest treasure — more valuable than any crown or jewels.”
