Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2
Light changes everything. It transforms our world every year at Christmas time into a wonderland of thousands of beautiful, twinkling points. It reveals darkness, overcomes darkness, exposes, and brings clarity. In the absence of light men stumble and fall, darkness abides. Every year we sing the songs and tell the story over and over again. We hear or repeat the verse above many times each year. It was a light – in the sky – that led the wise men to Jesus. But when you step back and really think about the star and all it stands for, it means a lot.
What was the star? It was a sign. It was a guide. The star got the wise men’s attention. It appeared at a specific time. It proclaimed the good news – the Messiah had come! It heralded the birth of a King. It told all who saw it and recognized it that something had changed. Something big had happened and they knew they needed to pay attention to it. The star beckoned them and called them out on their journey to find Christ, to worship Him. The wise men obeyed this calling to find the new born King of the Jews. They made a pit stop at the palace of Herod to ask for directions. They left and behold, the star they had seen in the East went before them and led them to the exact spot where Jesus was, with its long shiny tail pointing to exactly where Jesus was.
And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matt. 2:9-11, NASB
The star performed a major part in the first Christmas and it still is a big part of Christmas today, even though people hardly give it a thought. It is a permanent fixture showing up on Christmas cards and most depictions of the Nativity, and in songs we sing. But that star was much more important than a pop of color in a Christmas painting. The star provided the light that guided the wise men to the savior of the world.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” (Isaiah 9:2) Such was the light that came to guide these seekers to Jesus. Some people try to present a logical explanation for the star, making it out to be a comet or planets or some natural, astronomical event. People will believe what they want to believe when they can’t accept the possibility of a miracle of God. Whatever it was, God orchestrated that celestial display for His purpose and plan.
An old gospel song by Hank Williams says, “I Saw the Light” and many have related to it regarding their salvation.
I wandered so aimless life filled with sin
I wouldn't let my dear Savior in.
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord I saw the light.
I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.
We, like the wise men, should pay attention to the Light of the World, obey its calling and strike out on the journey, where we will find the Savior of the World.
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."
John 8:12 NASB
