In Matthew 2:6-12, we encounter a profound story of faith, discovery, and transformation. The Magi, Gentiles from far away, journeyed to seek a newborn king guided by a star. This narrative reminds us of the resilience of faith, especially when life takes us through uncharted territory, much like the challenges we faced during the global pandemic and its aftermath.

Lessons from 2020

When Pastor Cory mentioned 2020 in his sermon, a wave of memories might have flooded your mind. That year is etched in our collective memory as a time of separation, uncertainty, and adapting to a “new normal.” The pandemic changed how we connected with one another and with God. Churches had to pivot quickly, moving worship services online. Gone were the handshakes, hugs, and shared meals. We were physically apart, yet spiritually connected.

For many, that separation posed a question: Can we still feel the presence of Christ when we’re apart?

Pastor Cory shared his personal struggle as a new pastor during those uncertain days. He spoke of grappling with questions like, “How do I preach to a screen?” and “Will people still feel Christ’s presence through a virtual connection?” These are questions we all asked in some form—how do we adapt to the unknown and still stay connected to what matters most?

Looking Back to Move Forward

Now, five years later, we can look back and see how God was at work, even in those trying times. Online worship wasn’t ideal, but it reminded us that the church isn’t confined to a building. God’s presence isn’t limited to physical spaces; it’s in our homes, our hearts, and our willingness to seek Him in all circumstances.

This idea ties beautifully to the journey of the Magi. These men, foreigners to the Jewish faith, embarked on a long and uncertain journey to find Christ. They didn’t know exactly where the star would lead them. They didn’t know what they would find. Yet, they said yes to the journey, trusting that it would lead them to something greater.

The Magi’s Journey of Faith

The Magi were outsiders—Gentiles, not Jews—traveling hundreds of miles to seek a child they’d only heard about. Guided by a star, they ventured into unfamiliar territory, driven by faith and a sense of purpose. When they found Jesus, their response was immediate and profound. They bowed in worship, offering Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Their story teaches us three powerful lessons about seeking Christ:

1. Faith Requires Movement
   The Magi didn’t sit back and wait for Christ to come to them. They acted. Faith often calls us to step out of our comfort zones, to move forward even when we’re unsure of the path.
2. God Meets Us Where We Are
   The Magi weren’t part of the Jewish faith, yet they were among the first to worship Jesus. This shows us that God’s love transcends boundaries. He reveals Himself to all who seek Him, regardless of their background.
3. Encountering Christ Changes Us
   After meeting Jesus, the Magi didn’t return to Herod as instructed. Instead, they went home by another route, a literal and figurative sign of transformation. An encounter with Christ redirects our lives and reshapes our priorities.

Moving Forward Together

Like the Magi, our journey of faith often takes us into the unknown. We may face challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty. Yet, as Pastor Cory reminded us, the point is to keep moving forward. We’re called to seek Christ in all things, trusting that He is working in our lives even when we don’t have all the answers.

The past five years have been a testament to God’s faithfulness. As a church, we’ve faced change and loss. Yet, we’ve also seen growth, new beginnings, and countless examples of God’s love in action.

This brings us back to the central message of the Magi’s story: faith is about seeking, trusting, and worshiping. It’s about saying yes to God’s call, even when we don’t know what lies ahead. It’s about being open to transformation and allowing Christ to lead us in new directions.

A Challenge for the New Year

As we begin this new year, let’s reflect on our own journey of faith. Where is Christ leading you? What steps can you take to seek Him more fully in your daily life?

The Magi didn’t have all the answers, but they had faith, determination, and a willingness to follow. May their story inspire us to do the same, trusting that when we seek Christ, we’ll find Him—and when we find Him, our lives will never be the same.