“We saw his star in the east[a] and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2b CEB).

     Sometimes, I watch a New Mexico sundown and feel transfixed by the fantastic colors. One of my favorite moments is watching as the day gives way to night, and the heavens open to the majesty of darkness. Part of me is sad to see the light go, but I know that I will see God’s paintbrush tomorrow. When facing personal trials, I remind myself that God’s beauty can be seen even in moments of loss or uncertainty, helping us find hope amid hardship.

     For now, I embrace the night and redirect my thoughts to the lesser light, because there is much beauty discovered in the darkness. The stars shine as if inviting me to sit back and observe the beauty of God. While I miss the brightness, I welcome the wonder of the unknown and the opportunity to discover the gifts found only in the absence of light.

     From Matthew’s version surrounding the birth narrative of Jesus, we encounter many events in the darkest of times. Jesus’s entrance into the world came at night. The shepherds witnessed a miraculous sight in the middle of the night, and the wise men came led by a star. God did not depend on the Sun to shine; instead, the Divine focused on the beauty and power of the moon as it hovered in the sky, reminding us that divine guidance is available in all shades of light.

     I often think of how much I avoided the darkness and eagerly awaited the bright sky of day to show me the way. The text reminded me to give thanks for the mysteries revealed when the Sun fades, and the moon reclaims its place in the night sky. I realize that hope shares freely both in and out of the glare of the Sun.

     Sometimes stars guide us on our paths, while darkness forces us to make use of our senses in a different way. We learn things we never knew before our encounter with the dimly lit world. Hope does not always need to be bright and obnoxious; sometimes it finds traction in the dim light, encouraging patience and resilience in difficult times.

     So, let us remember to find joy in the night and never give up, whether morning, noon, or night. God makes His presence known in any shade of light. We are called to actively seek out the Great One’s presence and find comfort. Let Him guide our footsteps and lead us to the path of wholeness.