Send a Star

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod, 
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”

Matthew 2:1-12

To wherever we have wandered,
forged a way and set down roots,
send a star for us to ponder:
Show us how we long for you.

In the pathways of our seeking
where our end is all unknown,
send a star in silence speaking
words that lead us back to home.

Not to fear it at its rising,
though the road it marks is long:
Send a star of hope still bright'ning,
giving strength to travel on.

Not to turn from it in anger
at the labor it demands:
Send a star to give us bravery
as we take our gifts in hand.

Give us wonder for the journey
though the days are hard and grim.
Send a star that shows your mercy
when at last we come to him.

Give us love for Christ the Savior
who, like us, your image bears.
Send a star; illuminate us.
Let us see the face we share.

The Three Magi, Byzantine mosaic c.  565, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy (restored during the 19th century). As here Byzantine art usually depicts the Magi in Persian clothing which includes breeches, capes and Phrygian caps. By Nina-no – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2176501