After the chapel service on January 4, the new bleachers in the Boettcher Center were formally dedicated to our Lord’s glory. Since the gym was built in 2005, we have had the goal of adding bleachers. Thanks to the generosity and perseverance of many, the dream has become a reality. When long-term goals are achieved there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that makes the effort well worth it.

I wonder if that is how the wise men felt upon coming to Bethlehem and worshiping the newborn King? January 6 is the Day of Epiphany on which we remember that wondrous event. We’ll have it as the theme of our weekend worship. Estimates are that their journey was some 900 miles, probably taking them four months. How had following a star to worship a Baby in a foreign land become a goal for them? Because the Holy Spirit had put it in their hearts. If they would have resisted that work or had given up, they would have missed the joy of Jesus. As the wise men went together, I’m sure they encouraged each other to keep following that special star, the leading of the Almighty, to the blessings He had in store for them.

The Almighty has blessings in store for us as He would have us experience the joy and peace of Jesus. He has placed in our hearts the goal of drawing closer to Him each day and anticipating the wonder of the Father’s House. But following our Lord Jesus can be hard work requiring passion and dedication as the evil one constantly works to knock us off God’s way through frustrations, hardships, or the enticements of other things. As the writer to the Hebrews puts it: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1–2, NLT)