The Advent Calendar - Pt. 21

 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:1-6 ESV).

 

In Provence, France, there is usually a life-size crèche displayed (see picture). Unfortunately, the spike in the pandemic has precipitated a cancelling of that display to discourage crowds of people from gathering to visit it. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons God decided to display His power and reveal the Christmas Star again this year. The news of this celestial event has sparked hope and excitement for believers around the globe.

 

We’ve seen a star used in about every nativity scene we’ve watched through the years. I remember well the first Christmas I was the pastor of Santa Fe Baptist Church, in Santa Fe, Tennessee. It was decided that we would have a walk through nativity on our grounds. It took lots of participation from the members, but we managed to get it done just in time for the last week before Christmas. People from the community attended and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies while they waited their turn to walk through. Christmas carol were sung and the story was told as we walked the display through the path of placed cedar trees ending at the live nativity scene. It was a great joy to see young and old react with joy and happiness.  

 

Our reading today mentions the Christmas Star as the guide for the Magi. As I wrote yesterday, the Christmas Star of 2020 will occur in late December when Saturn and Jupiter align. The two planets, together, will look like a “double planet” and will produce a significant amount of light. You can observe the “star” on any position on Earth, clear skies dependent. The real miracle of this alignment is not in the “light” in the night sky. Rather it is what the light can reveal. Like the first Magi to visit Jesus, we should look for this new King, who will “shepherd his people” (v. 6). I don’t know for sure about you, but I know I need a shepherd.  I need someone who will show me where to find calm waters and green pastures (cf. Psalm 23); I need someone who will redeem me from my sin (cf. John 3:16); and, I need someone who will forever secure my life in heaven (Romans 8:31-36). Let the light of this great event remind you we have that One in JesusChrist, our Savior!