Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew 2:1-2

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “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.”

For many years I led a confirmation retreat at a camp in rural Wisconsin. We filled a long weekend in January with lessons, games, and other group activities. One tradition that was always a favorite part of the retreat was walking together as a group out onto the frozen lake at night. We would listen to the sounds of the woods at night and the ice shifting beneath us. Most of all, when the sky was clear, we would simply look up at the stars. It was a simple activity that required no planning, and yet it is often described as one of the highlights of the retreat. There’s something amazing about gazing up at the stars, especially away from the lights of the city, and especially with people you care about.

Neurobiologists have found that widening our vision is naturally relaxing. Gazing at the sky or out across a lake has a way of calming the body’s natural response to stress. It’s the opposite experience of the narrow tunnel vision we get in a stressful moment. Observing the dazzling stars of the night sky is like taking a deep breath; it changes how we feel.

Perhaps the magi can teach us today about keeping a broad and open perspective. God may be doing something new in your life. Take a deep breath, widen your vision, and remember that Christ is with you.

O God of light and peace, dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, and open our hearts and minds to receive your gifts of grace. Amen.