“The Star of Bethlehem” by Frederic Leighton (c. 1860), Dahesh Museum of Art (Accession No. 2013.8), NY, Source/Photographer Sotheby’s Auction House (PD-Art, Old-100)

With the last leaf fallen and fields bare, we are confronted by the Christmas season.  In truth, we can hardly avoid it.  Carols blare an invitation to spending orgies.  The Hallelujah Chorus trumpets sales.

There is arguably some precedent for this extended extravagance.  The Wise Men may have traveled as long as two years before reaching their destination.  Throughout, they followed the star.  All to bring birthday gifts.

As Christians, we know, of course, that Jesus was the gift.  The challenge for us, also, is to follow that star; to keep it in sight despite trials and distractions.  It burns brightly still, if we will only choose to see.  He is, after all, the Light of the world.