Family Radio’s Christmas theme this year is “The Christmas Star: Guiding Us Back to the True Meaning of Christmas.” Matthew 2 tells the tale of this special star.
One night, a star appeared in the east. The wise men who saw it followed the star to Jerusalem, where they enquired of Herod where they might find the King of the Jews. After consulting the chief priests and scribes, Herod pointed them to Bethlehem. The star went before them until it stood straight above Jesus. The wise men fell to their knees before Him and worshipped, presenting Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Even though the wise men arrived in Bethlehem after Christ had already been born, the star led them to the true meaning of Christmas: the advent of God incarnate. Jesus came as a baby to be the hope of salvation for the world. Just like the guiding light of the Christmas star, Jesus shines as a light in a dark and hopeless world guiding us to everlasting life with God the Father.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
God spent thousands of years preparing the world for the coming of His Son. This “journey to the manger” began in the Garden of Eden when God promised that “Eve’s seed” would bruise the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites never ceased hoping and praying for the Messiah. Then, in God’s perfect timing, Jesus was born.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
After Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to the law. An older man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was filled with the Holy Spirit, who had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon into the temple. When Joseph and Mary entered, Simeon held Jesus in his arms and blessed God, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).
As we navigate the busyness of the Christmas season, let’s let the light of the Christmas star guide us back to the reason we celebrate: “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff