From the account in Matthew, we know that a great star, visible from a faraway eastern land, rose and beckoned to those who would see its importance. Like a beacon, it led the wise men from the east to the precise house where young Jesus lived. A star that gives directions – can this be possible? We must remember that God sovereignly directs his creation, including the heavenly bodies that he spoke into existence. The star is only one of many supernatural manipulations of the created world that accompanied Jesus’ time on earth, and it sets a precedent for the miracles that so often accompany the ministry of Jesus. Keep reading and we will see water turn to wine, bread and fish multiply, plants grow and wither, the weather controlled, the thoughts of men known, and even the dead raised. The simple truth is that Christ’s birth was so monumental, so unique, that God announced it with nothing less than a celestial body. He plucked a star from the night sky, holding it out of orbit above the little head of his blessed Son, all so a band of magi could know where to find him. Let that sink in and amaze you today.
Scriptures to consider:
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” Numbers 24:17 (from Balaam’s prophecy)
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country a different way. Matthew 2:7-12
Hymn to enjoy:
We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies.
written by John. H. Hopkins (1857)
The Type B Mom 