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7 DECEMBER BY THE LIGHT And by the light of that same star Three wise men came from country far. To seek for a King was their intent And to follow the star Wherever it went. Noel Noel Noel Noel! Born is the King of Israel! James 4:8-10 As human beings, we are fascinated by light. We seek out light to eliminate feelings of fear and discomfor t when surrounded by darkness. We are drawn to it for functional reasons such as cooking food and producing warmth. Anthropologists note that fire is one of the oldest human technologies. Light-producing inventions like candles find their origins in ancient Egypt and Crete around 3000 B.C. Later inventions include light bulbs, flashlights, and fireworks to illuminate dark spaces for safety and for pleasure. Matthew 2 reveals to us the impor tance of the unabated night sky. It was in the darkness that light of the Star guided three wise men to our Savior. What would it take for us to turn off some of the most distracting light-producing devices in the 21st centur y? Cell phones, televisions, video games, and the like distract us from the Light of the World, Jesus. These sources of light can, if left unmanaged, draw us away from His presence. The wise men followed the light and were privileged to worship the King of Israel. Though we do not know the outcome of their lives after this life-changing experience, we are informed that the wise men continued to know the voice of God and obey Him. Interestingly, Scripture also tells us that if we draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us (James 4:8) and that He will lift us up in our sadness, discomfor t, and fear (James 4:9-10). During this holiday season and throughout the year, take time in the natural light of the sun, the moon, and the stars "and in those moments" know and feel the presence of the Light of the World in your life. Michell L. Temple, PhD, Assistant Professor of Counseling The First Noel Published by Davies Gilbert (1823), composer unknown