CHRISTMAS STAR
One of the most popular Christmas tree toppers is a Christmas star, which most people associate with the Star of Bethlehem. It was the star of Bethlehem, the star that the wise men from the east followed in search of the One they called the “King of the Jews.” At first, they ended up in the city of Jerusalem, where they caused quite a stir among the people there, and in particular Herod the King. The star then led them to the exact home where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were living by the time they arrived.
Just like we do not worship the Christmas tree, or a Christmas wreath, or Christmas candles, neither do we worship a Christmas star. In fact, the real star of Christmas is Jesus, and He is the One we worship and He is the One whose birthday we celebrate. At Christmas time we often hear about Christmas pageants and Christmas programs, and Jesus is always the star of both of these.
In Numbers 24, we read about a prophet named Balaam who made a prediction in which he said, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” This star is none other than Jesus, whose genealogy is easily traced back in history to Jacob, who was the grandson of Abraham. Later in Jacob’s life, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, and we refer to his descendants ever since as the people of Israel.
In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John writes about numerous visions that he saw, as well as revelations he heard, about the future. In Revelation 22, John quotes Jesus as saying, “I am the root of David, and the bright and morning star.” In Isaiah 14:12, there is a reference to a morning star, but it a reference to Satan, and the fact that he fell from heaven. But in Revelation 22:16, Jesus very clearly refers to Himself as “the bright and morning star”, a star that greatly outshines all other stars, including Satan.
As the bright and morning star, Jesus is the most holy and powerful “light” in the entire universe. The only light that Satan was ever able to shine only existed to the extent that God created it to shine. He was only a poor imitation of the One and true bright and morning star. In John 9:5, Jesus called Himself the “Light of the World”, and in Matthew 5, Jesus says that He wants His followers to be “the light of the world”. He summons us to let our light so shine so that we might glorify our Father who is in heaven.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. He may be contacted at lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com
