A Star Shall Arise
The first reading is from Numbers. Not an easy book of the Bible to just sit and read, unless you like reading numbers. But as in all books of the Bible there is wisdom and prophecy to those who search. We struggle to get to chapter 24 before we find this morsel: a star shall arise. Immediately, do not our thoughts turn to the star of Bethlehem? A star will guide them. In our imaginations we picture a bright shining star shining brightly over a humble manger scene. A baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, Joseph and Mary kneeling close by. We can see the breath of the animals. We can feel the cold of the night. And then we see the golden glow of the Christ-child lying in the manger. A sense of peace and tranquility rises in our hearts. We know what ever happens in this world God is in control.
The gospel asks by what authority do you do these things? You know the answer. God is Authority! How audacious that you would even dare to ask. But we are human and so we do. It is so close to His Birth. We can hardly wait. Imagine that star rising in your heart. Let it lead you to where Jesus waits for you.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fr Ed Anderson
Email: fatheredanderson[at]gmail.com
Phone: 715.817.3736
St. Joseph Church – Rice Lake
Holy Trinity – Haugen
St. John the Evangelist – Birchwood
Our Lady of Lourdes – Dobie
