Join the Dots

Do you watch that quiz programme, Only Connect? The one with the outrageous Victoria Coren (now married, and with an extra pat to her name!)

I guess you recall those children's puzzles, in which the dots are numbered, so that when the dots are joined up, in the right order, a picture emerges, of Father Christmas, a snowman, or whatever.

Making the right connection with the dots (the incomplete picture) is what determines whether the child (of whatever age) will discover what lies hidden or at least partially unknown. If the dots get joined up with little concern for the numbering system, nothing sensible will emerge. Try it and see for yourself. 

The Wise Men, who saw the bright star in the night sky, and who followed it faithfully, are good examples of people who joined the dots well. 'About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”  (Matthew 2.1-2)

In their own field, they were well equipped to take action. But more than that, they perceived the significance of this star, within their own culture and background, and were prepared to step outside their past experiences, to worship the new king.

As we know, their trip to Herod's Jerusalem was both enlightening (they were told to go to Bethlehem) and challenging (Herod made yet another dreadful decision).

But my prayer is that in our own lives, we will join the dots that the Lord presents us with in our daily lives, so that we follow His way into this New Year. But beyond that, I pray that the Lord will use us to be part of the join the dots challenges in the lives of others, so that too may join us in worshipping the King who is King of all.

Best wishes,

Richard