"The Magi set out because of a deep desire that prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star. It was as if the journey had always been a part of their destiny, and was finally about to begin. Dear friends, this is the mystery of God’s call, the mystery of vocation. It is part of the life of every Christian, but it is particularly evident in those whom Christ asks to leave everything in order to follow him more closely.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Christmas and Advent are the perfect time to think about your vocation. Jesus was beginning his earthly vocation, the greatest vocation of all. Mary is finally able to do what she was put on earth to do. The Magi knew that something was calling them to leave behind the world they knew. We all have a vocation. It might be to be a priest. It might be to be a monk. It might be to be something completely different. Christmas reminds us that Jesus, Mary, and the Magi followed God’s call perfectly. And for Mary and the Magi, following this call, even though it would be difficult, made them closer to God than had ever even been possible before. Listen to God this season. Be ready for him to call you just as he did the Magi.