January 2004
The Magi

"Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage." --Matthew 2:2

Seeking Light

It was their willingness to ponder the expanse of the heavens that made them wise. Under the panorama of the night, they contemplated dark and light, movement and mystery. It all meant something; they were sure of it. But what message did the dark heavens hide?

The first step in the journey of leadership is to know that we are beginning in darkness. We have more questions than answers, more hopes than certainties. We can say, "I don't know" and "I'm sorry" with ease and truthfulness. We confess the reality of our limitations and humanity. In such darkness, the arrival of light will be truly illuminating and welcome. It will ease our discomforts and embolden our actions.

Discipleship and leadership are rooted in this kind of watchfulness, truthfulness, and openness. Time spent in prayer and in the Word helps us be honest about the complexity of our questions and circumstances. It helps us define our mission. Do we really understand who we are in God's eyes-and in this time and place? Do we know those around us-in the pew and in the neighborhood-and can we say with certainty what God is asking us to do as we reach toward them?

Scripture can bring light to our darkness as it speaks about the insight and courage that others have had in the face of such questions. Prayer can make us receptive to hearing how we must answer in our own time. Light will appear in our darkness. The star will rise for us too, pointing us toward the place where Christ is engaging the world that he loves.

Where is the darkness, and what are the questions for you?

Prayer: Bless us in our seeking and our searching, O Lord, that we might learn in our darkness to love the Light. Use our prayer and reflection as an opportunity to encounter your movement and message for the sake of Jesus, our Light. Amen.