Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sixth Christmas Day
Numbers 24:17 A Star shall come out of Jacob.
HE SHALL BE CALLED: A STAR
Do you ever take time to look at the stars? Can you pick out any of the constellations as you gaze up at God's heavenly wonder? Did you know that some stars are nearly as big as our entire solar system? Did you know that the nearest star, Alpha Centauri, is over four light years from earth? (That means if you could travel in a space ship at an average speed of 186,000 miles per second it would take you more than four years to reach this nearest star!)
In the Bible we hear of that miracle star which led the Magi hundreds of miles right to the house where baby Jesus was living shortly after his birth. But that star of wonder was nothing compared to the Star the Magi knelt before in Bethlehem. The book of Numbers refers to Jesus Himself as a Star -- the Star that shall come out of Jacob. Jesus is the Star that outshines them all, whether we are talking about those in the sky, or those of the human variety.
He's the one Star every human soul needs to pick out and be able to clearly identify. For Jesus is the only Star that can give light to our sin-darkened hearts. The Star out of Jacob beams with the power of unlimited, unconditional, and unending love for all. He shines with the truth of blood-bought redemption for every man, woman, and child. He glows with the promise of life beyond the grave, life forever in heaven. He radiates with kindness and help for our every need. All other so-called stars (Mohammed, Buddha, etc.) lead only to death and never ending night.
As we continue our joyous celebration of our Savior's birth, look up! Look up at the Star of your life. May the light of His redeeming love shine in your heart, and then out into the world!
