By Sami Gelaecha
Site Director, Mosaic South Austin

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 

Matthew 2:9

Growing up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I always relied on Mount Entoto to help me navigate the city. At 3,200 meters above sea level, the mountain was easy to spot, and it became my constant reference point. Whenever I ventured to new areas of town to visit family or friends, I would use the mountain’s position to orient myself. For instance, my parents’ workplaces were north of our house, just before reaching the mountain, while my aunt’s house was to the west, since we would turn left before reaching Entoto.

Over time, I built a mental map of the city, using Mount Entoto as my anchor. Before the days of GPS, it was my personal guide, and I always felt confident finding my way around knowing the mountain would keep me grounded.

But when I moved to Austin, Texas, everything changed. Without Entoto to guide me, I found myself completely disoriented. The familiar landmarks were gone, and I had to adjust to a new way of navigating.

In Matthew 2:9, the Magi also found themselves in an unfamiliar land, but their guide wasn’t a mountain—it was a supernatural star, shining brightly to lead them to Christ. This is a powerful lesson for our own lives. When we feel lost, uncertain, or unsure of our direction, we can ask ourselves: What is my personal guide? Just as the star guided the Magi, we, too, can find direction when we rely on the light that never fades.

What is your personal guide? Is it something temporary, something that will disappear when the landscape changes, or is it a constant, a divine presence that will never leave you in the dark? I can only imagine how overwhelming it must have been for the Magi, traveling through unknown lands, with only the star to trust. Yet, they followed it with faith, knowing it would lead them to the King.

Similarly, as followers of Christ, we have a light that guides us—Jesus, our eternal guide, shining brightly to show us who we are in Him. When the world around us seems uncertain, when we feel lost or confused, we can remember that we are children of the Most High King. Jesus, by His grace, will guide us back to our true identity whenever we stray.

Let us pray: Father, you who see all and know all, I come before you today, asking for your guidance. As I move through my day, help me to walk with the confidence that I am your child. When I feel lost, light the way back to you, so I can find my identity in you. 

Amen.