Family Radio’s Christmas theme this year is “The Christmas
Star: Guiding Us Back to the True Meaning of Christmas.” Matthew 2 tells the
tale of this special star.
One night, a star appeared in the east. The wise men who saw
it followed the star to Jerusalem, where they enquired of Herod where they
might find the King of the Jews. After consulting the chief priests and
scribes, Herod pointed them to Bethlehem. The star went before them until it
stood straight above Jesus. The wise men fell to their knees before Him and
worshipped, presenting Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Even though the wise men arrived in Bethlehem after Christ
had already been born, the star led them to the true meaning of Christmas: the
advent of God incarnate. Jesus came as a baby to be the hope of salvation for
the world. Just like the guiding light of the Christmas star, Jesus shines as a
light in a dark and hopeless world guiding us to everlasting life with God the
Father.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the
world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life.” John 8:12
God spent thousands of years preparing the world for the coming of His
Son. This “journey to the manger” began in the Garden of Eden when God promised
that “Eve’s seed” would bruise the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Throughout
the Old Testament, the Israelites never ceased hoping and praying for the
Messiah. Then, in God’s perfect timing, Jesus was born.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government
shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be
called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
After Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple in
Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to the law.
An older man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was filled with the Holy
Spirit, who had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the
Messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon into the temple. When Joseph and Mary entered,
Simeon held Jesus in his arms and blessed God, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy
servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine
eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared
before the face of all people; A light to lighten the
Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke
2:29-32).
As we navigate the busyness of the Christmas season, let’s let the light
of the Christmas star guide us back to the reason we celebrate: “...Christ in
you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff
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