“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).
As we approach another Christmas, may we remember that night over 2,000 years ago when Mary and Joseph took the long, dusty journey to Bethlehem to give birth to baby Jesus. May we remember the bright, shining star that lit up the night sky leading the wise men to the place of the Savior.
What glorious, miraculous events! As we prepare to celebrate all these past events that hold such special meaning in the hearts of believers, I wanted to share something joyful that’s happening this Christmas season. Those writing about this special event are calling it Bethlehem’s Star, or the Christmas Star. It is amazing how God sends reminders our way, little miracles and blessings, to remind us how much he loves each one of us. So, as you gather with loved ones and friends this holiday, may you look to the skies and catch a glimpse of the beautiful site and think of the Magi who followed a beautiful, bright, magnificent star over 2,000 years ago.
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh“ (Matthew 2:9-11).
I’ve marked my calendar and am looking forward to this very special moment in time! You can read about this very unique event here:
https://www.westernjournal.com/first-time-800-years-christmas-star-will-visible/
I pray this Christmas that you’ll focus on the events of that night in Bethlehem. I hope that you’ll truly put Christ at the forefront of your celebrations and thoughts. I pray you’ll contemplate the many miracles of that night over 2,000 years ago.
Just think for a moment…
Imagine the scene: a quiet, starry night in a little town called Bethlehem. To most, if not all who lived there, the day was just another ordinary day on the calendar. A day of walking dusty streets, buying and selling, working and learning, loving and fellowshipping. Little did those in that small town know that when they woke up that day, it would be different from all past days. Little did they know that when they went out to conduct their ordinary business that something extraordinary was about to take place… something so extraordinary it would change the course of history forever. A miracle was about to spring forth. In one glorious moment, a moment God ordained from the beginning, the greatest gift would be delivered to all mankind.
To some, Bethlehem may be a speck on the map of the world, but to God it was a special place specifically selected for His Son, the world’s Savior, to make His entrance.
And suddenly, out of nowhere, in an instant, that little town would be witness to the greatest gift ever bestowed upon the entire world.
Can you even begin to imagine how wonderful and miraculous for those who witnessed that night?
Although afraid, the shepherds looked on in awe, trying to comprehend what they had seen and heard. Luke 2:9-14: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.‘”
The heavenly angels sang in glorious praise that day, proclaiming the birth of the very One Who came to save the world… a gift for all.
Later, the wise men would journey from afar to come worship… following a star so bright that it lit up the sky, leading them to the very place where Jesus resided. They would have the awesome privilege of worshipping and presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the King of Kings and Lord of all!
Many miracles surrounded the birth of the Savior. Heaven came down that one holy night. Angels rejoiced. It was a moment in time that would forever change the whole world for all time.
It’s all so incredibly amazing, isn’t it?
I pray this Christmas that you will both reflect and rejoice. I pray you’ll hold close to your heart the miracle sent from the Creator of the world, His one and only Son… the Savior! The One who would humbly give His life so all could have life. The One who would heal the sick, speak truth into hearts, and lead the way. The One who would come as a shining light piercing through all darkness, breathing fresh hope into hearts. The very One sent to be the bridge for all mankind, the Christ child, sent to bring the gift of eternal salvation to all who accept and believe. The One providing true hope and an eternal future with the Creator of all for all time.
God still performs miracles today. He still refreshes hearts. He still gives of Himself and calls all into a relationship with Him so all can be saved and have a bright, eternal future.
Christmas should usher in every believer’s heart a rush of peace, hope, love, and joy because God loved His creation with such an everlasting love that He sent a life-changing everlasting gift… the greatest gift ever given to all mankind.
This Christmas, look to the skies and be thankful for all we have because of all He gave.
God bless you and yours, and a very Merry CHRISTmas to you all!