The night sky filled with stars is one of the most breath taking sights in all creation. Can you imagine the starry Christmas night many years ago? What a sight that must have been!

As the psalmist wrote,

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”
-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Pastor Mary Konopka:

Include

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. -Luke 2:2-7

The whole point of a census is to include everyone – as a former translation said, “that all should be counted.” Yet still in our world, so many find themselves excluded. In fact, in these last few years, it has seemed to me that the demons of exclusion, and the ignorance, hate, contempt and lack of experience that fuels it seem to be ‘be-deviling’ us - sowing the seeds of division in many arenas of human life. After Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem in order to be ‘counted,’ Mary gives birth to her son, given as the Savior of the world – not just a part of it or parts of it. Savior of the world – no one person or no group of people were singled out to be excluded from God’s love and salvation in Jesus the Christ.

Dear Jesus, Savior of the world, give us the grace and strength to be heralds and messengers of your divine love and keep us alert to ways to include all who need your presence with them through our words and actions. Amen.