Follow The Star (1/5-1/7)

Our chapel this week is our celebration of Epiphany. We'll begin in the classrooms where I'll tell the children how royalty and wise men followed the star to Bethlehem to present the newborn king with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, giving each child will have the opportunity to examine Jesus's first birthday gifts. We all then put on crowns and follow the stars to the Narthex to find Baby Jesus so we can present Him with our own gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Next, we'll decorate the candles with star stickers that you'll find in your child's backpack. Thinking of the excursion taken by so many over 2,000 years ago to find the long-awaited King made me realize that even today we embark on our own journeys to find Jesus. Although the special star that hung in the sky above Baby Jesus is no longer there to guide us, God makes no secret of where we can find Him. He doesn't sit high upon a throne in a palace so that only dignitaries can approach him. He's not tucked away in a sacred temple so that only people who are secure in their faith feel brave enough to seek Him. Rather, Jesus is outside in the open air, He's in our homes and neighborhoods where anyone --- all men, all women, all children no matter their dress or circumstances can come to Him. Wherever the starting point, each person's journey is as unique as he is. But, the end result is always the same. With the arrival of each new person standing before Jesus, there is abundant joy and celebration among the angels in Heaven because one more precious member of God's kingdom is added to His family. It is my hope that each of you enjoyed overflowing peace and laughter over the Christmas break and you all are facing the new year with the anticipation of fun, loving, memory-filled days. You know that your children are a tremendous blessing to me and I get such joy from teaching them about Jesus and helping them find their own star. Blessings to you as you navigate through your week. Melinda