December 18, 2025 - Wondrous Journey

Wondrous Journey

By: Mary Lou Klingensmith

Thursday, December 18, 2025

As I write this, last night was the final rehearsal for this year’s Christmas Cantata, a joyous annual remembrance and service. The choir takes a wondrous journey each September to December. We are reunited with friends and former choir members who join us just for this celebration. There is a bit of rowdiness and a lot of laughter. Always, there is prayer for those in need and a prayer that the Cantata may be a blessing to those who hear it.

Cantata practice starts with energy and attention devoted to notes, words, and dynamics… the technicalities. We learn the basics of the songs that Jordan has chosen. (As a side note, discovering those songs is like getting an early Christmas present!) We work on individual parts, drill sections, and it sounds rough for far longer than we’d like, but it gradually comes together, and we are making music. It sounds good!

But then, prayer is answered. Jordan might point out especially meaningful words; sometimes we intuitively touch on those phrases as the music speaks to us. It doesn’t happen all at once, and we must still pay attention to demanding runs, but gradually, we – the choir – step back, make space, and through the music invite the Holy Spirit to enter and tell of Jesus’ birth and God’s love.

Some members of the choir have beautiful voices; others of us are average (me, for example!), but we all rejoice in this journey, blending those voices to make a joyful noise and sing praises to our Lord! We also have faith that the gift we offer will be a blessing and received in the spirit in which it’s offered. 

The journey of the Magi to Bethlehem was more challenging. It was neither comfortable (politically) nor predictable. Matthew 2:1-12 relates their story:

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 

 

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

 

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

 

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

 

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:1-12 KJV

Expecting the star in the East to lead them to the King of the Jews, the wise men encountered mystery as they were interrogated in Jerusalem and intrigue as they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. They showed persistence in their trust of the import of the star. And they also demonstrated steadfastness in their belief that, where the star came to rest, they would find a King. Discovering that the star had led them to a simple stable where the infant was attended only by Mary, Joseph, and shepherds, they nonetheless fell down and worshipped him. They had faith in the star and their quest.

We are all on journeys, through time, space, mental explorations, or a journey in faith… maybe all at the same time. Whatever our personal journey, there is a lesson for us in the story of the Wise Men. Their tenacity and trust in their guide – the Star – helped them recognize, accept, and fall down to worship the Infant Messiah despite the mundane surroundings. Had their faith been less, the story might have turned out differently. It is easy to be pulled off course when the path becomes unpredictable or hard; however, if we trust in God’s Word and listen for the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding us, the journey becomes easier and the way becomes clear.

Lord, help us follow the light you shine on us wherever it may lead, 

knowing that regardless of the path it takes, 

the journey brings us closer to you. 

Open our hearts to trust and rejoice 

in the changes your plan for us will bring 

and to obey you without hesitation. 

We joyfully offer you our humble gifts 

for your use and to magnify your glory. 

We ask that you make our gifts a blessing to others 

and pray that they see your love shining through us. 

We sing your praises. 

Amen.