Over 2,000 years ago on a dark winter night, an amazing event occurred.
A star of incredible brightness appeared over a small town in the area
we now call the "Middle East". This star was a signal that the Savior
had been born.
Its brightness drowned out the light of all the other stars, a bright
shining light in the darkness of man's existence. The light of this
stellar event was to serve as a beacon to all. It was not just visible
to the rich, but also the poor. Kings and paupers both trembled in awe
of this signal from the Almighty. The sight of the angel of the Lord,
appearing to the shepherds in the fields, was to announce the coming of
the Savior.
The wisemen of the time knew that this coming had been foretold, and
journeyed to the town to worship the newly born child. The celestial
body acted as a guide, an ancient day "Bat signal". Calling those from
near and far, to Bethlehem. This infant was the promise of the Messiah,
the Lamb of sacrifice. Born so that the world might know God, and sent
to his death so that the world might have everlasting life. A shining
beacon that both the poor and the prosperous were drawn to. A symbol of
unquestioning love, of forgiveness and of the life we should lead.
In His birth, all eyes turned toward heaven, for this was a miraculous
star. And in His death all eyes again were lifted upward, there hanging
on a cross, beaten and bleeding. Both of these scenes hold the same
promise, Love from the Father and forgiveness for all of our sins.
When you look at your Christmas tree this year, look at the gifts under
it, then allow your eyes to move upward to the star. Remember what it
represents... a new life, announced by a brilliant, sparkling light.
Sent to show the way, to remove our sin, and to bring the love of the
Lord into our hearts. As you look at this decoration, take time to think
of this...you are doing the same thing that peasants and princes did
over 2,000 years ago. Lifting their eyes to a sign from
God, and bending their knees in honor of the gift below.
