God Speaking

“….Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)

I have always been fascinated with stars. In Australia, my birth place, the evening sky fills one with awe and the Southern Hemisphere can boast of some of the most dramatic star constellations seen; the famous Southern Cross was chosen to adorn our flag. The Milky Way has two very large bright stars that can be seen with the naked eye and these point to the Southern Cross and because of the smaller population of Australia, pollution has not hidden the beauty of these sparkling evening gems. Sailors for centuries were able to navigate by using the stars. Astronomers loved to track stars. The actual design of the star lends itself to the creation of beautiful adornments. At this time of the year we see countless Christmas trees proudly displaying a star in place of honour on the top branch, but the significance of that star is often lost. The foretelling of that one all important star is fascinating reading and as we read in scripture that God placed each star in place and knows each one by name, so the calling of the Christmas star was ordained by him.

“Lift up your eyes and look into the heavens; who created all these? He who brings out the starry host, one by one and calls them each by name…” (Isaiah 40:26)

This one star stands out vividly in all of history. The star that led the Magi (the wise men) to find and worship the new born King. Charles Spurgeon, a preacher known for his powerful sermons, spoke about this famous star in a Christmas message in 1882;

“A star is deputed on behalf of all the stars as if He were the envoy and plenipotentiary of all worlds to represent them before their king.”

There was no doubt in the Magi’s minds that this was the most awe inspiring star they had ever come across; a herald to lead and guide them, commissioned by the king of kings, a star they had already named “His star” (Matthew 2:2). They were prepared to leave their own country and travel miles to come and fall down and worship before this little one whose name was on this star.

Jesus himself, to describe who He is, uses this expression, “the bright Morning Star”.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16)

Peter urges his readers to allow this beautiful Morning Star to rise in their hearts.

“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19)

Many of us, this Christmas, will sing the carol which tells the story of the wise men and the star of wonder.

O, Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light.

These beautiful words remind us of the bright Morning Star and spur us on to allow his love to shine in our hearts so others may be guided to his perfect light and may we fulfill the prophesy found in the book of Daniel.

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)

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• Mangers, Magi and Walmart (pamelafosterspeakerwriter.wordpress.com)
• Do You Believe in Magi? (salvationhistory.com)
• The Path of the Wise Men (theknapsackspirit.wordpress.com)
• Following the Wise Men…? (aliciareagan.wordpress.com)
• Star of Bethlehem (seashoremary.wordpress.com)