The Bible speaks of a group of Magi – foreigners from the East who saw a star arise. They navigated their way to Jerusalem, escorted by its’ splendor. This group of men were the first worshipers of the Messiah – filled with joy, bearing gifts, and attentive to the divine guidance that guaranteed their safety after encountering the Christ. “Having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:12)
King Herod and the rest of Jerusalem, were disturbed at the news of Messiah’s star. That is the reaction of the world system: “Don’t get too serious about Jesus.” Once you bring him the gift of your life and worship at His feet, you become a target of the enemy. Like the wise men, you must find another route to travel.
Christmas is the season of splendor and brightness. Decorations are pleasing to the eye; gift giving a way to express our love; and parties that gather family and friends reminding us of the blessing of community. Being raised in a church culture as a child, the manger scene was also included in the focus of Christmas. I never dreamed the day would come decades later, when such an expression in public places would be challenged in a court of law. You would almost think that Herod was still alive, or that “someone” was threatened by the impact of the incarnation!
There are many “stars” to follow in our day. What you see rising before you and decide to follow, is your star. Your “star” is what you diligently pursue in life; it’s your focus.
Money, fame, power, and relationships top the list of glitter, luring us along the way with false promises, and leaving us mostly empty when our destination is reached. God’s provision will manifest in these forms but they are never to be primary or sought after as an end in themselves.
The baby in the manger became the Lamb – the Star of greatest splendor and the giver of eternal light. “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” (Rev.21:23)
He is the “bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22:16)
The journey to find Him, in every season of life, is worth the follow.