Star

When They Saw The Star

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy Matthew 2:10

The star shone brighter and brighter as the wise men followed it to Bethlehem. They may have paused just over the horizon from Bethlehem, and given thanks for God’s guidance all through their long journey.

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As our own journey to Christmas draws near its end we need to remember all the many times, on our darkest nights that God sent His star. He sends the star to help us know the Savior was born. He sent the star to guide our path to Him. He sent the star to light our way. He sent His star to come and stand over the place where we can come and present our gifts to Him and worship. Thank God for His amazing gift that leads us to Jesus Christ, the bright and morning star!

Seeing His Star

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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

The wise men began their journey when they saw the star. It was such an amazing sight that they packed their bags and left their homes to discover where this king was to be born. Though tradition holds that they traveled for 12 days, the Bible doesn’t tell us the length of their journey. What we do learn is that along the way they lost sight of the star.

In our everyday lives as Christians somewhere between the hills, deserts and valleys we also lose sight of the star. When the wise men lost their way they did what some of us hate to do, they asked for directions! But when we get spiritually off course we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. God is pleased to offer His guidance. The interesting thing is that the wise men got their new trip route from the same source we have access to today, from the Bible! God’s word pointed them directly towards Bethlehem and then we read these words:KIMG0900

After listening to the king they went on their way and behold the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  Matthew 2:9

 

 

Drawing Close to Bethlehem

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:4-6 KJV

We cannot know from this passage if it was on the night of their arrival that Mary gave birth, but we can imagine her weariness as they plodded through the outskirts of Bethlehem. How much longer would it be till the child’s birth? Where would they stay? Who might welcome them? Who would believe the miraculous story they carried in their hearts?

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This Christmas God is also bringing you and me on a journey. His goal is for us to go where He has prepared for us to be. Like Mary you might have times when you might be wondering: Where do I really belong? But God who has prepared a place for every sparrow’s nest has also planned a place for you. When we wish to be welcomed, He reminds us in those moments that we are always welcome to come to Him. Just as Joseph and Mary could only trust God’s timing on the long road to Judea so also we must be patient as the seconds tick down on the changes that lie ahead for us. You might think that no one can know the story of your heart, but God will send angels stars or shepherds to help you as you draw closer to Bethlehem.