I thought, as I
started to write this, about the many special Christmas books I have – a shelf
or 2.-I should have included a title of one, as well as a Christmas Carol
each day. There are two special,
inexpensive ones that you might want to get for yourself or as a gift: The
Wonder of Christmas by Daniel Partner & The Glory of Christmas
by Max Lucado,Charles Swindoll Anne Grahm Lotz, and Henry and Richard Blackaby
1 Light Star of the East, Oh Bethlehem
Star
“In the beginning GOD…..v3 said ‘Be Light’…..v 14 ‘be lights in
the dome of the sky …to give light to the earth.’” (Genesis 1:1-20 Complete
Jewish Bible)
In the
beginning of creation God separated light and darkness. He has continued
doing that in the hearts and lives of people.
Picture yourself walking down a road on
a dark night. The sounds you hear can be frightening. You can't see
the path for sure, only shapes and outlines. Contrast that with walking
when the heavens are filled with the twinkling lights of the stars and
moon. You might stumble because you are looking up and watching.
Think of lights in our world today.
Wow, so many different types, sizes and
shapes. And Christmas lights - so overwhelming, especially for special
needs kids. Yes, growing up we had
lights in the city, but my grandmother did not – only smoky kerosene lamp. Remember
Lincoln read by candle or fireplace light.
From the earliest drawings and then
writings, we learn mankind has been interested in the stars. Maybe because they seemed to be in
predictable order. (Wonder where that
evolved from?) So, men studied the
stars, mapped them, used them as light, navigation, and guidance. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences.
Stars are fascinating
to most of us. I have seen them on the
ceilings of a nursery and other bedrooms; you have sung ‘Twinkle Twinkle little Star’ I am sure, and
many of us have walked under the stars hand in hand with the one we love, or as
our family favorite –sitting around the campfire pointing out the various constellations. What an Awesome God to hang the stars in just
the right place! We used to sing this one….
IT Took a Miracle!
Written by J W Peterson. I have included just the chorus.
CHORUS:
It took a miracle to put the stars in place; It took a miracle to hang the world in space.
But when he saved my soul, Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace.
It took a miracle to put the stars in place; It took a miracle to hang the world in space.
But when he saved my soul, Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace.
Over 2000 years ago God hung a very special moving star in
place – to get the attention of anyone studying the stars. Only the Magi from the East seemed to
recognize it as a sign from heaven that a new king was born. Not only did they recognize it, they chose
to see where it was going – probably they had an idea from the teachings of
Daniel. And we know the ‘rest of the
story’…..
SCRIPTURE: "In Him was life,
and the life was the Light of men. The Light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it...the true Light, which coming
into the world, enlightens every man." John 1:4-9 (Read Matthew 2:2).
.
God gave us Jesus, a Light that does not go out… and we never
have to walk alone. Sometimes we let our unconfessed sins or the darkness
of unforgiveness, self pity, and selfishness come between us and His Light. But just as the stars are
in the sky, whether or not we see them, so Jesus is there. We just have
to get above the clouds of gloom and despair. He is waiting to roll the clouds
away, but He is a gentleman and will not interfere. He openly uses what
we make available to Him.
Even as a Christian we can be defeated
and miserable if we choose not to read His Word or seek His will in
prayer. Christians have every right and opportunity to live victorious
lives in the Light, but we don't have to - the choice is ours. The Magi saw the
star and chose to take a risk and follow it to see the new King. Are you
willing to trust Jesus who cares for you? Will you choose to walk in the
light of God's righteousness and glory?"
“I
Jesus have sent my angels to testify to you these things for the churches. I AM
the root and the descendant of David, the bright and morning star.” Rev
22:16 NASB
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for
Jesus, the Light of the world. Help me to daily walk in your Light,
seek your will in the Word and be obedient to your leading. Amen
PS This is the old carol
that introduces this day’s thoughts; it still carries much meaning.
Star of the East, oh Bethlehem star, Guiding us on to heaven afar
Sorrow and grief and lull'd by the light, Thou hope of each mortal, in death's lonely night
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to Thee, Knowing thou be m'st through eternity
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide Pilgrims of earth so wise
Star of the East, thou hope of the soul While round us here the dark billows roll
Lead us from sin to glory afar Thou star of the East, thou sweet Bethlehem's star
Star of the East, oh Bethlehem's star, What tho' the storms of life gather loud
Faithful and pure thy rays beam to save And bright o'er the grave
Smile of a Saviour are mirror'd in Thee, Glimpses of Heav'n in thy light we see
Guide us still onward to that blessed shore After earth toil is o'er
Star of the East, thou hope of the soul, Oh star that leads to God above
Whose rays are peace and joy and love, Watch o'er us still till life hath ceased
Beam on, bright star, sweet Bethlehem star
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