The Star of Bethlehem!

There is a beautiful story tucked in the pages of Matthew's gospel about the Star that appeared to the wise men.  The Bible says in Matthew Chapter 2 that a Star appeared to the wise men from the East in the days of Herod, the king.  That Star was the sign that announced the birth of the King of the Jews to the wise men.  The wise men followed the Star till they reached Judea, and there instead of following that same Star, they thought that a king could be born only in a palace and went to Herod's palace.  There they came to know that Jesus was there.  When they heard that the King of the Jews was not in the palace they were perplexed.  Then they saw the Star again.   The Star they had seen in the East went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was.   The wise men rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.  When they entered the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell and worshiped Him!

The Lord God had given that Star one task: to lead the Wise men to the place where Jesus lay.  That little Star perfectly completed that task!  Even when the wise men changed track and walked into the palace, the Star did not abandon them.  The Star went before them, leading them to where Jesus was!  Jesus said we are the light of the world (Mt 5:14).  The God-ordained purpose for our life is, "To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79).  Leading people to Christ by our life and example is the purpose of every believer's life.  God has given us another opportunity to introspect and see if we have been like that Star leading people to Christ this past year.  

My friend, can you and I be that Star?  The Bible says in Daniel 12:3 that those who turn many to righteousness shall shine like the stars forever and ever.  The question we have to answer today is, when people follow us, will they meet Jesus or be led astray?  May the peace and love of God fill our hearts and homes this Christmas season and in the New year!

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