As the liturgical year tells the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry, with Christmas still fresh in our memory, it may seem too soon to begin talking about the cross, that instrument of death for the rejected Christ. But as the mysterious star drew the Wise Men to the newborn King of the Jews, so a light draws us to the goal of His mission, the glory of salvation found only in the crucified King of the Jews. How strange it must sound to those who have not heard or who do not yet believe when we sing “In the Cross of Christ I Glory.” Only God the Holy Spirit can enlighten a person with the spiritual wisdom of faith. And He does give and strengthen that faith through the preached Word and the Sacraments administered according to Christ’s institution. Today, that faith enlightened by the cross of our Lord produces a life of love and good works in all we say and do.