Homilies
Following the Star of Hope
Holy Spirit, take my words and speak to each of us according to our need.
Sermon: Following the Star of Hope Today, is the transferred feast of Epiphany and we gather to reflect on a story that has captured the hearts of believers for centuries—the journey of the wise men who followed a star to find the Christ child.
The reading from Matthew’s Gospel today should speak to us as a reminder of the power of hope, faith, and the promise of new beginnings, no matter where we are in life.
The Wise Men’s Journey Picture, this scene in your mind: wise men, scholars from far-off lands, gazing at the heavens and noticing a star unlike any other. But, they didn’t just admire its beauty; they followed it. They left behind their comforts, their routines, and their familiarity, all because they believed the star would lead them to something extraordinary—the newborn King.
Now, I imagine some of you might feel a bit like those wise men. Perhaps you’ve travelled a long journey in life. You’ve faced challenges, celebrated joys, and seen many changes. I know for me, my star appeared just after Easter last year. I didn’t think it so great at the time but for the goal of being ordained, I had my own star to follow. I was led from my old life to a fresh start bursting with possibilities and new opportunities. For my eyes, well mostly my head, it was my own Epiphany. It was being revealed how I could become the person God was calling me to be. It wasn’t easy and there were hard choices to make but with faith and trust, perseverance and belief – I am here, and God has kept his promises.
You may be wondering, "What star am I following now?" or "What new journey could there possibly be for me?" Do not worry, or in the words of the angels ‘Do not be afraid!’. God’s star still shines for each of us, guiding us to fresh purposes, even if we consider ourselves to be entering our later years.
Lessons from the Wise Men There are three very beautiful and meaningful lessons that we can draw from this story, and sit wonderfully with both those of a religious persuasion but also with the incredibly popular ‘mindfulness’ regime.
- Firstly, It’s Never Too Late to Seek Something New The wise men were not young adventurers; they were seasoned scholars. Yet, they didn’t let their age or status stop them from seeking something new. In the same way, it’s never too late for us to embark on a new journey of faith, to learn something new, or to deepen our relationship with God and others.
Have you heard of Grandma Moses, the famous artist who began painting in her late seventies? She found joy and purpose in her art, reminding us that new beginnings can come at any time. In 2006, one of her earliest painting was sold by auction at Christie’s in New York for $1.36million. So, perhaps you could learn a new skill, mentor someone younger, or simply take time to explore God’s Word in a deeper or different way. I think I’m going to need help with this. I am trying to learn the Lord’s Prayer in Welsh. Hmmm…
Secondly, God Guides Us in Unexpected Ways The wise men followed a star, a unique and unexpected guide. Likewise, God’s guidance in our lives often comes in surprising forms—a kind word from a friend, a nudge to serve in a new way, or even in a quiet moment of prayer that fills us with peace.
I used to live in one of the deeper, darker parts of the Forest of Dean and I had a job working evenings in the local pub. There was a family of 5 brothers who drank in that pub and when they found out I was a teacher, I was held in such high esteem, it was a greater kudos than being a Doctor! The youngest of the brothers, although in his twenties couldn’t read and as such he struggled to get and keep a job.
By spending time with him, he began to see that our differences were not barriers. I could teach him to read, but he also had skills that I had never encountered and he soon began to realise his worth and what positive contributions he could make to those around him. God’s star might be leading you to shine your light in ways you haven’t yet imagined.
Lastly, True Joy Comes from Worship and Giving When the wise men reached Jesus, they were overwhelmed with joy. They knelt, worshiped Him, and gave gifts. Their joy wasn’t necessarily in the journey itself but in the act of worship, their thankfulness and recognition of the new King and in the generosity of their giving.
In our own lives, we can find the great joy when we focus on others and on God. Maybe it’s spending time with a grandchild, calling an old friend, or supporting a cause close to your heart. All these acts of love and giving are gifts to the Christ child Himself. And as he would grow up to say ‘Love others, as I have loved you’.
Finding Our Star Today So, how do we follow our own star today? It starts with being open to God’s leading and a recognition that our star may not be the same as someone elses. Pray for guidance, spend time in conversation with God – ask what God’s plans are for you.
Look for those moments of wonder, even in the ordinary. Many of my friends, last year held themselves accountable to finding joy, by posting a gratitude journal on their social media. It made them look for the good, joy filled things that happen within each day, even when we think the day has been a write-off.
Trust that God is still working through you, for as long as we have breath, we have purpose, value and worth.
In a world that sometimes feels dark, unsafe and uncertain, the story of the wise men reminds us that God’s light is constant. Like the star over Bethlehem, it beckons us to follow, to hope, and to trust. And when we do, we will find joy—not just at the end of the journey, but here and now, in every step along the way. And as we find that joy, our lights will shine a little brighter and become beacons of hope for others, who may still be looking for their star.
Closing Encouragement As we leave this place today, let us remember that the journey of faith is ongoing. Whether we are taking our first steps or our thousandth, God’s star is always there to guide us.
So, let us keep our eyes on the light, our heart ls open to His call, and our spirit ready for the joy that comes from worshiping and giving.
Let us pray: Loving God, thank You for being our guiding light. Help us to trust in Your plan for us, to seek You in all things, and to find joy in the journey. May we follow Your star with faith and courage, bringing our gifts of love and service to honour You. Amen.