The Christmas story is full of wonderful and powerful messages. Bro. Hughes notes that it is unfortunate that the Christmas message is only talked about during the Christmas season. The Christmas story is full of what Bro. Hughes calls Stars of Hope. Mary’s entire life was forever transformed by a word from God. The bible is full of stories where a situation or a life was changed by a word from God. A word from God, even from an unlikely source, can transform everything. In another part of the Christmas story is that God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary and Elizabeth. There are times in life when God will send a messenger with a word. The wise men from our text said that a star led them. The sign given by God led them and the entire world to a specific place. God didn’t give general directions, but provided a direct route to the presence of Jesus. God gives specific directions if we will simply follow them. The wise men came from far away. Many who were close did not even know He had come. Often it is that we miss what is closest. We do not realize the gift that is with us always. Bro. Hughes reminds us to not miss what is closest to us during this season.