Following_the_star

Jeff Green | Dec 15, 2005

ChristmasEdition

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Following the Starby Reverend Will Keller, Senior Pastor of the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church

“...the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great, joy” MATTHEW 2:9-10 (NKJV).

With the approach of Christmas I was reminded of these verses of scripture as I was driving home the other night. It was one of those clear nights where stars filled the sky.

Have you ever gazed at the stars in the sky and wondered what Christ's star-the star of Bethlehem - looked like that first Christmas? What a magnificent star it must have been for the wise men to pack up and take off after it. They left everything to follow that star.

Many people have speculated about the exact physical nature of that star, but in the end, all speculations are merely guesses. We do know that this star heralded Jesus Christ's coming. It communicated His nature to us. The star of Bethlehem was a star of hope that led the wise men to the fulfillment of their expectations, the success of their expedition. Nothing in this world is more fundamental for success in life than hope, and this star pointed to our only source for true hope: Jesus Christ.

The star of Bethlehem was a star of joy. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." All true joy comes from Him. Deep within the well of our souls, Christ's joy bubbles up and overflows. Those who know Jesus the best, rejoice the most.

The star of Bethlehem was also a star of witness. It witnessed about the one true King and Messiah who came to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. This includes all of mankind.

But most of all, the star of Bethlehem was a star of guidance. The star guided the wise men through the desert and across great distances. It guided them to the Lord Jesus Christ. We also can be guided by “our Star” - God's Word- “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). God's Word guides us to Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Take opportunity this Christmas season to thank God for the love, hope, joy, witness, and guidance we gained when Jesus Christ was born under that star. Also, to allow the light of His star guide you this day and every day until together we bow down and worship Jesus with the wise men in Heaven.

It has been said that wise men and women still seek Him and perhaps this is what you are looking for this Christmas. I encourage you, like the wise men of old, to be open this year to the thought that what the Bible reveals to us about the birth of Christ is true and to investigate what impact this has for you!