The Advent Calendar - Pt. 23

 

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.” (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV).

 

One of the best artists in understanding and capturing light is Thomas Kinkade. In fact, he has been known as the “Painter of Light.” Since his death in 2012, his work has become even more prominent, particularly in the common pastoral themes of nature. In the attached picture of “Winter Light Cottage,” the world seems calm and bright under a pristine white blanket of snow. The freshly fallen powder has prompted snowball fights, sledding and the building of snowmen. As the cool winter sun gives way to the brisk night air, you realize you have found your quiet place of peace to enjoy the Christmas season. This is a wonderful expression of the hope we may gain from this year’s appearance of the Bethlehem Star. After all, Jesus is the ultimate Light of the World! Aside from the fact that stars are a delight to view during any season of the year, Christians have a number of great reasons to look forward to witnessing this star during the final month of 2020:

 

§  First, the Christmas Star reminds us of the original 'Christmas Star', who is Jesus. Theologians have speculated if Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn’s alignment formed the first “Christmas star.” Considering we have two of those planets aligning now, something that hasn’t happened in this way for centuries, we get to have a very real and tangible reminder of what the star of David would have looked like during the birth of Jesus. He is the focus of Christmas.

 

§  Second, the Christmas Star reminds us of Jesus’ Second Coming. Astronomical signs point to the second coming of Christ. Although we cannot predict when he will return, when we see natural phenomena occurrences, we remember that such will be the conditions of the Last Days.

 

§  Third, the Christmas Star points others to Jesus. In the same way the Christmas star lit the pathway for the Magi to find our Savior, we can use the star as an illustration for those who don’t yet know Jesus. We can explain to our non-believing friends and family members about the events that took place the night of Jesus’ birth when they talk about the bright “star” in the night sky. 

 

Join me in welcoming the return of hope in this dark and foreboding time. Look to the Star of Bethlehem!