The Christmas Star

 


THE CHRISTMAS STAR

By: Julie Souza Bradley

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:11-14 NIV

More than two thousand years ago, there was a declaration of God’s love and faithfulness that hung in the starry night sky.  It was a proclamation of the good news that God had not forgotten mankind, but rather, He had been patiently waiting to present them with hope and the ultimate gift — a Savior to rescue them from sin and death — the singular sacrifice that would tear the veil, reconciling man with God.

The angels told of the magnificent gift to shepherds that night, and indeed, when they approached the manger, they found the promised gift wrapped in swaddling clothes.  The heavens were full of worship to the giver of the perfect gift.

That night the angels were giving honor and praise to God for the salvation of mankind, decades before Jesus would carry the weight of the world on His shoulders and breathe His last on that rugged cross.  They worshipped in advance of the sacrifice, because they understood that Jesus was the Word of God — the fulfillment of prophecy and promise, who can be taken at His word, because He IS the Word.

More than thirty years passed between the promise of salvation and seeing it come to fruition.  Sometimes the greatest of miracles take time. Delay is not evidence that God has forgotten or broken His Word, but rather evidence of the patience of God that none should perish.

Tonight we see in the evening sky what they are calling the “Christmas Star.”  It is the conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn.  Whether or not it is the same wonder that shone on the night Jesus was born, it remains a sign to you and to me.  It reminds us that our God who makes promises is faithful.  No amount of time, virus, strife or circumstance can possibly stop the plans of God.

Beloved, if you are discouraged today — if you feel forgotten by God, because you are waiting for God to fulfill a promise, look up!  The God who brought salvation to mankind 33 years after He promised it, is the same God who will make good on every promise He has spoken.  Look up, Beloved.  The star in tonight’s sky is a message and encouragement to weary hearts longing for home.  It is a whisper of angels to keep looking up.  There is reason for hope, Beloved, because God still keeps His promises.

Father, we praise You for signs in the heavens and wonders in the earth below.  We praise You for Your faithfulness to every generation.  Thank You that every word You have spoken— every promise —will be kept in its entirety.  Help us to wait and be refreshed in hope, as tonight we gaze upon the “Christmas star.”  May it cause us to remember that what You say You will do, You will do, and it will be right on time.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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