Devotional for December 9

"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” —Matthew 2:9-10

This wooden sculpture was found during a mission to Kenya. It is a rough tree that can be easily obtained in Kenya, but the joy of the birth of Jesus was hidden inside of it. On a dark night, a shining star announced the birth of Jesus, but most people did not know it and fell into their deep sleep as usual. The only people to find this birth were the three wise men and the shepherds, who found it and were overjoyed. As I prepare for Christmas, I take out this sculpture to feel the pleasure of joy of the birth of Jesus again. Today, I hope that you too will awaken spiritually and discover that joy.

—Rev. Dawoon Jung, Boulder Beautiful Korean Church