Good News Newsletter

WELS Europe

Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ Throughout Europe

Light! God created light on the very first day. He created special lights to rule the days and nights on the fourth day. And many, many years later he caused a very special light to guide the wisemen to the baby Jesus. Christians celebrate the visit of the wisemen during the season of Epiphany. It is the time we remember that Jesus came not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles.

The Magi from the east came to Judea because they had studied the Scriptures. They knew from Numbers 24 that “A star will come out of Jacob.” And they knew from the prophet Micah where they would be able to find the Savior. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, … out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.

”The star became their guide to the place where Jesus was. The star provided light throughout their journey. The star revealed the Savior of the world to them, the Savior they worshiped and honored with their gifts. They were overjoyed!

The star that guided the wisemen is not the same star that guides us. Our star is God’s holy Word. It guides us to find Jesus. It provides light along our earthly path. It shows us how to worship and honor Jesus with our hearts and with our treasures. God’s Word reveals the reason Jesus came into this world. He himself declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). We are overjoyed!

January 6th marks only the beginning of the Epiphany season. During the following weeks, we witness the ministry and miracles of our Lord. The season ends with the celebration of Jesus’ transfiguration, when “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

May this focus on our Savior and the light that he brings to the entire world guide us as we journey into our New Year!

I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus!
Christian Worship Supplement page 771

 

Save the Date

At this time the Easter retreat in Germany is still planned for April 1-4. Watch for a special newsletter later this month with details.