A True Star

Today we continue with our Christmas series with a special look at the wisemen written by one of the wisest and funniest guys I know. I am so honored to have my friend and Southern Writers Magazine coworker, Gary Fearon here with me today. He makes work seem like play and today you'll get a little glimpse into why Southern Writers Magazine is so incredible. 


by Gary Fearon

Hundreds of years from now, by the 21^st century, astronomy and astrology will be considered totally separate disciplines.  But for me, Balthasar, they are one and the same. I study the stars because I am a man of science, seeking the secrets of life, and my devotion to the God who made me causes me to look to the heavens for those answers.

From sacred scripture we had been told, “There shall come a star out of Jacob,” heralding the arrival of our long-awaited Savior. As an educated stargazer I was one of the fortunate few to notice the appearance of this celestial phenomenon, a star which followed a distinctly different course than its fellow travelers. I consider myself even more fortunate to have understood its importance to mankind.

Had I not been completely convinced that this was indeed the star of prophecy, I would not have undertaken a journey that involved traversing hundreds of miles from my home in Persia. Of course, at the outset, neither I nor my traveling companions Gaspar and Melchior – with whom I had closely conferred regarding all of this – knew exactly where we would end up.  We only knew the star was leading us to the west.

When we reached Jerusalem and spoke of the star we’d been following for months, some rebuked us, having seen nothing unusual in the night sky. Indeed, it was no longer visible to us either.  But our inquiries caught the ear of King Herod, who summoned us to his palace. Hoping he would be the one to point us to the Child, we were surprised when he asked us if we had found Him.

We only knew we were getting close, and when Herod revealed that his priests had identified from prophecy that we needed to go to Bethlehem, only six miles away, we were soon on our way there, with instructions to return to Jerusalem with the Child’s exact location.

We didn’t get a good feeling from Herod, a demanding ruler whose authority would be undermined by the Messiah, and we feared he’d make some very poor choices, so we never went back.  But Herod was right about Bethlehem. Our guiding star reappeared and hovered over a very humble dwelling, no proper place for a child from Heaven. But when we saw Him, we knew we were in the presence of the Son of God.

The love that surrounded Him and the peace that emanated from Him were unmistakable. Gaspar, Melchior and I were so overwhelmed with His majesty that we could only fall to our knees.  We felt our very souls overflowing with praise and thanksgiving at the realization that our Savior had come. I wouldn’t take all the gold, frankincense and myrrh in the world in exchange for that moment.

Meeting my Redeemer face to face was life-changing, and from that point on, I didn’t need to go searching for all the answers. I had found Him.

Hundreds of years from now, I pray that my fellow believers will experience that same sense of purpose, peace and love as they follow Him, to wherever He may guide them.

Star of wonder, star of light,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect light.

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A veteran broadcaster, video and audio producer, Gary Fearon is the Creative Director for Southern Writers Magazine. In that position, his multiple roles include writing, interviewing, editing, graphic design and making sure Shannon Milholland doesn’t drink too much coffee. His additional talents include songwriting, cartooning, and making popcorn almost as good as at the movies.

Gary presents perspectives on creativity every Tuesday on Suite T, the Southern Writers blog.  He wishes you a Christmas full of blessings and a joy-filled 2012.