“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” — Luke 2:30-32 NIV

I’m not especially fascinated by Middle School drama. But when our first-born child, Audrey, tells me all about who said what to so and so I try to show interest because I love her. The same goes for our son, Jimmy, and his enchantment with trains. Or our 2 year-old, Hayley, and her passion for untying my shoes.

In the same way, God seemed to venture into atypical territory when placing a mysterious star in the sky, capturing the attention of wise men in the East. God saw fit to meet these magi where they were, to speak their language, because the king who had been born in Bethlehem would grow up to save not only the Jews, but people from every nation on earth.

Today God recruits bright people like you and me to illuminate the path to Jesus. We are called to be Christ’s witnesses to the end of the earth. A high calling to be sure, one that can be overwhelming, but it may help to remember that we aren’t expected to generate the light ourselves. Our job is to let God’s love shine through us.

Dear God, thank you for sending your son into the world to counter the darkness of sin with perfect light. Help us greet this new year with hope and determination to embrace our calling as Christ’s witnesses. Amen.