Daily Light: Reflections for Holy Times - Joy Fulfilled

Joy Fulfilled

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

- Matthew 2:9-10

I am reminded the Magi were trained to await the light of the Bethlehem Star. It was an oral prophecy that had been passed down for hundreds of years. As wise, spiritual believers, they were ready to respond to this light when the signs pointed to it's arrival.

Being prepared, anticipating the coming of the light, is a stance of waiting and listening that Christians practice in Advent. This account of the Magi post Advent and Chrismas called Epiphany helps us understand next steps of the spiritual journey which is to go to the light. The light beckons one to the wonder and peace the light holds.

The star stops.

The star stops, and hovers over one place to focus on this one event, a pause in the natural rhythm of the earth to linger with birth of the Christ Child. Because this new birth changed the rhythm and path of creation.

With the experience of joy fulfilled, comes the invitation to linger and name the gifts that are present. Often, this invitation is rushed. Sometimes even overlooked, moving on too quickly, and missing the fullness of overjoyed.

I invite you to take a few moments today to linger with the light that overcomes the darkness. Linger with this joy and God's deeper invitation to become overjoyed with shalom, peace, wholeness, God's greatest desire for us.

What gifts do you bring to share with the Light? Name the gifts and notice how these gifts point to a shift in focus to new creation.

Linger here and be with the light of joy.

Lil Smith

RH Co-founder
Spiritual Director and Supervisor

Joy Fulfilled

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

- Matthew 2:9-10

I am reminded the Magi were trained to await the light of the Bethlehem Star. It was an oral prophecy that had been passed down for hundreds of years. As wise, spiritual believers, they were ready to respond to this light when the signs pointed to it's arrival.

Being prepared, anticipating the coming of the light, is a stance of waiting and listening that Christians practice in Advent. This account of the Magi post Advent and Chrismas called Epiphany helps us understand next steps of the spiritual journey which is to go to the light. The light beckons one to the wonder and peace the light holds.

The star stops.

The star stops, and hovers over one place to focus on this one event, a pause in the natural rhythm of the earth to linger with birth of the Christ Child. Because this new birth changed the rhythm and path of creation.

With the experience of joy fulfilled, comes the invitation to linger and name the gifts that are present. Often, this invitation is rushed. Sometimes even overlooked, moving on too quickly, and missing the fullness of overjoyed.

I invite you to take a few moments today to linger with the light that overcomes the darkness. Linger with this joy and God's deeper invitation to become overjoyed with shalom, peace, wholeness, God's greatest desire for us.

What gifts do you bring to share with the Light? Name the gifts and notice how these gifts point to a shift in focus to new creation.

Linger here and be with the light of joy.

Lil Smith

RH Co-founder
Spiritual Director and Supervisor