There
is an object in the Christmas story that we often refer to as the star of the
east. The biblical text says, “After they (the
magi) had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in
the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child
was. When they saw the star, they were
overjoyed” (Matthew 2:9-10). It
might be helpful for us to reflect on what a star does.First, a star brings cheer. The darker the night, the brighter the star shines. The darker our night of sin, the brighter God’s redeeming love is to us. When talking to those whom He forgave, Jesus often encouraged them to be of good cheer or to take heart.
Second, stars are used to provide guidance. Navigators used the stars to find their way - as did the Magi.
Third, stars have a lasting presence. They endure from one generation to another. Who hasn’t seen the big dipper, the little dipper, or the North Star in the sky?
In addition, the words of Scripture tell us that Jesus is: “The Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). He always shines to brighten the way for everyone to not only see their spiritually lost condition but to help them understand their need of surrendering to God for forgiveness, peace, hope and eternal life. Christmas is a special time for us to realize that we can personally receive the precious gift of Jesus Christ. He alone can remove our guilt and the curse of that guilt, which is eternal death. He alone can give us an unending blissful life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Let’s accept this unspeakable gift as our very own and know what it means to have the Bright and Morning Star as our constant guide to cheer our way through the darkness of this world into the light of eternity.
