Dear Friends,
Year after year, we Christians unpack and retell the Christmas stories. They are full of darkness and full of stars. This year I am attracted to the Magi’s journey tale. This year, 2025, the shadows and threats in the story remind me of our own world’s shadows and threats. The travelers’ discovery of grace in an unexpected place? That, too, is part of my personal journey. The gospel travelers needed to plot a new route and that resonates with me as 2026 progresses.
The Magi spent time in darkness, studying stars. As the northern hemisphere moves through the dark season, I am drawn to the hours of dusk and dawn. Those are the times I can pause and pray, let go of the day or greet the new day. I can review the day and remember God’s presence. I can welcome a new day and pray to be wise and faithful. I can plot new routes and accompany others on the road. I can hope, morning and evening, that the stars seen in darkness will guide all of us travelers.
In hope,
Susan Schantz SSJ
