Matthew's gospel tells the well-known story of three magi or wise men from the East who followed the Star of Bethlehem to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. Following a private interview with King Herod of Judea about the birth of Jesus, the wise men excitedly set off to find the baby Jesus for the King. The magi also consulted the priests and elders in Jerusalem about the birth but were disappointed by the indifference of these Jewish leaders. Leaving Jerusalem alone, the wise men were excited to see the star that guided them to a little town in Bethlehem, where they found the newborn baby Jesus. This birth was the culmination or fulfillment of a promise given to humanity from the beginning of the world.

In Genesis 3:15, the Lord God spoke to Satan and said, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." What a marvelous promise! This statement was God's first revelation of the plan for a Redeemer. Jesus Christ was indeed the fulfillment of the promised seed.

Just as the wise men followed the star many years ago, we as disciples of Christ during this Christmas season are asked the question: Who or What are we following? Amidst the uncertainties of the various variants of Covid 19, deaths, and other vicissitudes of life, it is possible that we become distracted by the Crisis rather than focusing on Christ!

Satan is the mastermind of distractions and will use any tactic to prevent Christ's disciples from using opportunities this season to draw others to the reason for His birth. Let us be mindful of our purpose and be guided by the Holy Spirit daily to take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ during this season. A popular song by Edward Pola and George Wyle states that Christmas is "the most wonderful time of the year." Indeed, what a most wonderful time to remind persons of the true reason for the season.

With a heart of gratitude, we thank Almighty God for sparing our lives thus far throughout the pandemic while also remembering our fallen members, whom we hope to meet again someday. Let us continue to represent Christ by being His hands, feet, and voice until that day. Today, we have the golden opportunity to tell someone about Jesus by enrolling them in the Health and Happiness Bible Lessons in preparation for the upcoming "Footprints of Hope, Walking with Jesus" series with Evangelist Glen Samuels.

The Administration of the South Bahamas Conference extends warmest season's greetings to the South Bahamas Conference family. We know that God has blessed us and will remain faithful to us. Let us stay faithful to HIM!!

--Kenny Deveaux, President, South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists