“Hey Siri, find directions to the Messiah.”

If the wise men began their journey in 2025, I’m convinced that’s exactly how it would start. They’d pull out their iPhones, tap the screen, and immediately gawk at the estimated travel time. And if they were brave enough to actually set off, I imagine that somewhere along the way, Siri would inevitably chime in with, “Recalculating… make a U-turn.”

But thankfully, the wise nen were far more patient than I am. Because of course — God didn’t give them turn-by-turn directions, a map, or a five-year plan. He gave them… a star. A tiny light in a massive sky.

Their journey stretched over two years and roughly 1,400 kilometres — dusty roads, awkward camel rides, and probably a few “Are we there yet?” moments.

And all of it… guided slowly.

I was reminded recently that even when God is working, it may take a while. We expect Him to move instantly — like a push notification: clear, neat, and immediate. But nothing in Scripture promises that His timing matches ours. And the star tells a very different story about how God leads His people.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11

The wise men’s journey shows us that God’s timing is not rushed. His direction is rarely delivered all at once. He tends to guide us the same way the star guided them: step by step, season by season, moment by moment.

When we look back on our year, we often realise that the slow, uncertain, or confusing moments were actually the times God was guiding us the most — preparing us, stretching us, and keeping us on the path, even when progress felt tiny.

Maybe you’ve been praying for clarity about next year. Maybe you’re waiting for an answer, hoping for change, or wishing God would just hand over “the full map.”

But the Christmas story whispers something different:

God’s timing is perfect — even when it’s slow.
God’s guidance is faithful — even when it’s gradual.
And God’s light is enough — even when it’s only the next small step.

As we head into a new year, may we be people who don’t demand Siri-style directions, but instead follow the quiet, steady light God gives us — trusting He will lead us exactly where we need to be, exactly when we need to be there.

Jacqueline Newell, Primary College Pastor