Light: Star of the East

Jesus is the Light of the world and will be the only light we need in Heaven.  (John 1, 8:12; Revelation 22:5) I have not been very faithful telling you which translation I quote. I forget to do it.  Mainly I use NASB, NIV interchangeable. Occasionally the Complete Jewish Bible or The Message, but I usually remember to note those.

As I started to write this, I about the many special Christmas books I have and enjoy each year.  I am sure there is one for  every day of  December. I do have favorites that  I read at least every other year.  Here 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     

         

 Light:  Star of the East

“In  the beginning GOD…=..v3 God 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. Many who live in cities seldom see the stars.

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 probably  sung ‘Twinkle Twinkle little Star’ and many of us have walked hand in hand with the one we love under the stars, or 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.

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 always 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, 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 and sharing with others.  Amen

PS Here is a verse of the carol that introduces this day’s thoughts; Read all the stanzas on the web.