Significance of The Star
© 2016 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Many exchange Christmas cards near the close of each year. Some picture a star hovering over the manger scene as kings from the east kneel before baby Jesus.
Actually, probably because of their long journey, these kings didn’t arrive in Israel until after Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had moved to a house in Bethlehem. God had used this special star to show these kings where the Savior had arrived as prophesied.
“… and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:…” (Matthew 2:9-11).
This star showed God’s faithfulness. Centuries earlier, God had promised Abraham a blessing. It extended not only to Abraham’s descendents, but to all other nations of the earth as well.
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).
This included Gentile nations represented by the kings of the east. Angels announced Christ’s birth to the Shepherds of Israel. This special star announced it to Gentiles. Thus the star clearly portrays God’s universal offering of the Gospel to people of all nations.
God’s promised Messiah had arrived! He had been born to Mary, a virgin of Israel. This Messiah, God the Son, Jesus Christ the Savior, would die and rise again to redeem all His chosen people from their sins. Jesus said,
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
Some people of all nations shall be saved!
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:12-13).
Have you called upon Jesus, whose star clearly showed His invitation to people of all nations?
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