January 6, 2026 

Matthew 2:9–10 describes the moment when the Magi see the star again after leaving Herod. The light does not merely guide them geographically, it reassures them emotionally. When they see the star, they are filled with joy, confirming that God is still leading them step by step.

Devotional:
There is something deeply human about this moment in Matthew’s Gospel. The Magi have already traveled far. They have already asked dangerous questions. They have already been shaken by fear and uncertainty in Jerusalem. Then, quietly and without explanation, the star appears again. And when they see it, Scripture tells us they are overwhelmed with joy.

That detail matters. The light does more than point the way. It restores confidence. It reassures them that they are still on the right path.

Faith journeys often include moments like this. We follow the light as best we can, but along the way we encounter confusion, resistance, or fear. Sometimes we even lose sight of the light altogether. Questions creep in. Doubt grows louder. We wonder if we misunderstood God or took a wrong turn.

Matthew reminds us that God does not abandon seekers when the road gets complicated. The star reappears. Not louder. Not brighter. Just present again. Enough to draw the Magi forward.

Notice what happens next. The Magi do not hesitate. They do not debate. Joy rises in them, and they keep moving. The light does not remove every risk, but it renews their trust. God’s guidance often works that way in our lives. The reassurance comes not through explanations, but through presence.

We are often tempted to believe that joy comes after arrival. After answers. After resolution. Yet here, joy comes in the middle of the journey. The Magi rejoice simply because God’s leading has become clear again. The light tells them they have not been forgotten.

Many of us carry quiet fears that we have drifted too far, waited too long, or made too many mistakes. This passage pushes back against those fears. God’s light meets us again and again, not because we deserve it, but because God is faithful.

Being drawn by the light does not mean the journey is finished. It means we are still being guided. When joy returns, even briefly, it often signals that God is near, steadying us for the next step.

Action:
Pay attention today to moments of quiet joy or reassurance. When they appear, thank God for them. Let them strengthen your trust as you continue walking forward.

Prayer:
God of faithfulness, thank You for meeting us again when fear or doubt clouds our vision. Restore our joy when we lose sight of Your guidance. Help us trust that Your light still leads us, even when the road feels uncertain. We follow You with grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
 Joy often returns when we recognize God’s light again.

The Magi did not feel joy because the journey was over. They felt joy because the light appeared again. God’s guidance has a way of renewing us right when fear and uncertainty start to creep in.
If you’re feeling weary or unsure, this may be your reminder that God has not stopped leading you. Sometimes joy itself is the sign that the light is still there.