Jesus and the Star of Bethlehem
The star that is commonly placed on top of a
Christmas tree is known as the “Star of Bethlehem”. In the Bible, it was a star that guided “wise
men” (commonly referred to as magi or μάγοι in Gk.) to Bethlehem to worship the
Christ Child. You can read how these miraculous turns of events unfolded in
Matthew 2:1-12. The star not only served
as a guide for the wise men, but also was a fulfilment of an Old Testament prophesy that pointed to a future messianic King who would bring hope and
deliverance to His people:
“A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter
shall rise out of Israel.” – Numbers 24:17
Why is this relevant for you and for me?
Whenever you see a depiction of the Star of Bethlehem – ponder – and consider
the One whom it points to. Consider Jesus who had to become one of us, in order
to die for us.
Whenever you see that star depicted in a
Nativity scene, see how its light shines ever so bright on the Light of the
World – the One who died on the cross as our representative and substitute and
is the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. The Star of Bethlehem
not only points to a Child in swaddling cloths, but to Jesus who loves you and
gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20).
So, with a heart of gratitude for who
Jesus is and what He has done, put your faith and trust in Him this Christmas.
In so doing, may you sing with joy:
“Silent night,
holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at
thy birth.”
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