For the Wise Men, who were more than likely astronomers or astrologers, men who studied the skies, the star was a sign, an indication that a new king had been born somewhere in the world.
We know the significance of the star. Some of us put them on top of our Christmas trees. “Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright…guide us to thy perfect light.”
These Wise Men wanted to meet this new king and pay him homage. They never took their eyes off of that star. When they got hungry, they ate. When they got tired, they slept. When it was cloudy, they took a break. But, they hitched their wagon to the star and it led them to the Christ child.
Why were they the only ones to notice the star? Was it just for them alone? I believe the same star was there for all to see. These wise men just paid attention.
I have never been one to ask God for a sign. Maybe once or twice, begrudgingly at that. On the other hand, my wife Kim continually asks God for signs.
What we have learned is that God provides signs all the time, whether we ask for them or not. We just don’t always have eyes to see them. It’s so easy to get distracted on our journeys, is it not? I mean, there is so much going on around us that commands our attention.
But, there are signs of God’s presence and God’s activity all around if we will only pay attention. Like the Wise Men, we will be blessed for “paying attention.”