I have always loved looking at the stars at night. On a clear cool night, they seem to pop right out of the dark sky. In parts of the world where there is very little artificial light outside they are much brighter. The amount of stars is enumerable, yet God picked one to lead the magi to the manger. The star of Christmas was used to guide, to signify a particular location, and to illuminate. On a clear cold night, a star shines its brightest. It can provide light especially when there are millions in the sky. In Genesis 1:16-17, God gives us the creation of the stars. He set them in the heavens to give light. At the birth of Christ, he chose to use a star as the light to lead to the Messiah!
Genesis 1:16-17 “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,”
The very first sign to the Magi or Wise Men, as they are commonly called, was the star. These men were believed to be astrologers and any change in the constellation would have piqued their interest. This bright star was in the east. It first led them to Jerusalem to King Herod where they asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”
The next question Herod asked was “What time did the star appear?” He knew the star leading them was an important sign from God. This would give him the time of the Messiah’s birth. Historians estimate the time it took the Magi to get from where they were in the east to the city of Jerusalem would have taken months. Now the star had not only provided a guide but also a timeline.
Matthew 2:2 “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:7 “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.”
From this point, the star continued to move in front of them until it came to the place where Jesus was staying. The star leading them was a sign that Jesus’ birth was an event of great importance, so important that it needed divine intervention. It was also a sign to us that God will guide those who are earnestly seeking him.
Matthew 2:9-10 “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
It did not stop guiding them until they reached God’s appointed destination. As long as we are seeking he will guide. First, our destination is to find Jesus. John 14:6 tells us “he is the way, the truth, and the life, and no man cometh to the Father but by him.” We must seek to find him, and just as the star led the Wise Men to Jesus, Jesus will lead us to the Father. Our final destination is Heaven, and the only way to Heaven is to keep following Jesus.
Let’s suppose the Wise Men would have stopped following the star. Not only would they not have found Jesus, but they would also have missed the joy God had in store for them. The star stopped at the exact house where Jesus lived. There was no mistake, because of the star, that this child was the long-awaited Messiah!
We are to follow our “Bright Morning Star.” He will lead us all the way to Heaven if we will continue to follow. We find great joy in him not only in the finding, not only in the following but most of all in the destination. Being led by this star should bring us great joy with no comparison on this earth. We are on a journey, but we are not alone. Each step of this journey is laid out for us with great purpose by God the Father. Keep your eyes focused don’t allow yourself to be distracted by anyone or anything. The closer you get to the Star the brighter it will be and the easier it will be to follow. The joy the Bright Morning Star gives you will be greater than any emotion this world can bring. My Bright Morning Star has led me through some dark valleys, but it has never left me, nor led me wrong. As long as He is leading, no matter how treacherous the travel, I am confident of the final destination.
Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Are you following closely, or are you looking from a distance? If you are stumbling and falling move up closer. Let the illumination consume you and the darkness will flee!
