The holy star guided the magi on their journey to adore the Christ child: “And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matthew 2:9-11). It must have been a beautiful sight, and a wonder as it led them along their path.
The pillar of cloud and fire guided the Israelites on their journey out of Egypt: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people” (Exodus 13:21-22). The pillar even protected them from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:19;24). The pillar of fire would have provided warmth and light at night while they were sojourning in the desert.
The star and the pillar are the presence of God as He often appears on earth—as light! Christ, the light of the world, guides and protects us today. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and He “will not depart” from us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The more we follow and trust in Him, the more we will feel His warmth and protection. We need not fear the darkness, for His light has come to us.
Jesus is calling each of us to be led by His light of life, to receive it from Him, and let it shine through us. We are to be Christ’s light here and now: “You are the light of the world…Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16). The magi were overjoyed at seeing the bright star. May we be filled with Christ’s light and bring His joy to others.
Click here to read this beautiful poem, “The Pillar of the Cloud,” by St. John Henry Newman. It begins:
“LEAD, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home—
Lead Thou me on!”
Readings for the Feast of the Epiphany: January 2, 2022
- Isaiah 60:1-6
- Psalm 72:1-13
- Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
- Matthew 2:1-12