Being A Christmas Star

by Terry Laughlin | Apr 1, 2018 | Christmas

Perhaps the best known symbol of this season is the star of Bethlehem. It is common for Christmas trees to be crowned with a star on the top, with lights which shine like stars wonderfully scattered all about.  The star is often an important symbol of the Christmas celebration.  The star God used to lead the seekers to the place were Jesus was in Bethlehem was spoken of by the Magi in Matthew. “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2)  After giving Herod the exact time the star appeared, Herod sent the Magi onto Bethlehem. While on their way, the star they had been following led them to the place where Jesus was.  The Bible says. “When they had seen the star, they were over-joyed.” (Matthew 2:10)

It is imperative that we understand these men were not kings, but a combination of wise men and priests, very likely from Persia.  These men of prominence filled both roles of political and religious, men who would do the hard work of study. If these men were from Persia, the land that was once called the Babylonian Empire, the place were the Jews were held in captivity for seventy years. It is very likely these educated men would have come across some writings from God fearing Hebrews. There is no such thing as coincidences, only God’s full controlling hand.  It is safe to assume, these men may have came across writings like what is found in the Book of Numbers, Balaam’s prophecy, “A star will come out of Jacob, a scepter will rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)

It is interesting, the Bible says the star appeared and led them to the house were Mary and Jesus was. It is as simple as this, A super natural star in the atmospheric heaven leads the wise men to Jesus who was born through a super-natural birth.  Herod took the leading of the star seriously, everyone else should to. Herod responded with fear, someone being born who he thought would take his place as king. People who want to be king and lord over their owns lives, respond to Jesus much like Herod did. Kingdom seekers, respond much like the wise-men did, they worship the Lord. The star of Bethlehem pointed people to were Christ was, through the declaration of the wise men, secular kings, Hebrew priest and all of Jerusalem were well informed.

God used physical matter to draw attention to the Christ, He also used Scripture to point to Jesus. Matthew writes, “King Herod… was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priest and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judah.’ …this is what the prophet wrote, ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler Who will be the shepherd of My people.” (Matthew 2:3-6)         .     .

Scripture declares, “…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. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21) The Book of Revelation has this Scriptural revelation, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) 

Christians who have a heart desire to be a shining star for the Lord must be able to show seekers how the whole of Scripture points to Jesus being the Messiah, the Christ who is the Savior of the world.  God also uses people to point others to Christ. John 1:6-8 says, “There was a man named John. He came as a witness testifying concerning the light [Jesus], so through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” (John 1:6-8)   In John chapter three and four we read of the beloved John testifying that Jesus is God’s Son. In the Book of Acts we read of Stephen pointing the Sanhedrin to Christ. (Acts 7:1-60) The Apostle Paul many times over pointed people to Jesus. Both Stephen and Paul used the Holy Scriptures to teach about the Lord and point people to Jesus Christ. At the baptism of Jesus, God Himself spoke from heaven, “This is My Son, Whom I love, with Him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

All Christians have at some point of their lives have been told by someone who Jesus is. Christians have in some way told others enough about the Bible’s teaching in regard to the Christ who was born to die for the sins of the world. God, through the Holy Spirit enables us to understand the Scriptures so we may believe and have eternal life.  Let the Holy Spirit awaken you to a Devine truth. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. …. let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16) .  We have the Great Commission through Jesus Christ, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father… Son… and the Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)  

God’s Word gives clear direction for us, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (Philippians 2:12-16)

At that first Christmas, the star was successful in bringing attention to Christ. The Scriptures point to Jesus, God wants us to point others to Jesus Christ! The world view holds many in the dark. The star was not shining in a building or only where people who are like minded could see it. It brought attention to Jesus before the eyes of those who live a far off, His enemies, all of Jerusalem, and especially to those who are wise, Kingdom seekers. During a time were Satan and the world view of Christmas is out shining the Christ of Christmas, we are called to get the Scriptures out through radio, the local paper, the internet, all of our modern day media resources.