(RETURN TO REFLECTIONS)

12/08

Follow the Star “...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 ... saw the Child...and worshiped Him.” Matthew 2:9-11 In God’s sovereign timing there was a “sign that shone so brightly” that those who were “alert and seeking” would come to the very spot for a divine encounter with Christ. The saying “wise men still seek Him” is still relevant this season and in every season. What was it that led those magi through the miles and stretch of time, persistently moving by faith? Was it by a roadmap through the desert or divine providence leading the way? No, it was by a star, actually a unique collaboration of stars joining together so that the effect was an overwhelming light. That light led the way to the Savior. The “Child” later declared “I AM the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Every day we hear of more and more darkness. As Isaiah so aptly spoke, pertinent to our time and the time soon to come, “darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples.” Yet, Christ came to bring hope and pass His mantle upon us. It is now time, like never before, to “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. And nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Is 60:1-3) The Lord has passed on the charge “You are the light of the world.” (Mt. 5:14a) His Spirit, His manifest glory, His presence is to be seen in and through us to affect those around us. The Lord is drawing us deeper into Himself. Constantly the Lord is calling, “Draw near to Me” As we draw closer, ever yielding ourselves to Him, our lives will become “His light”. Our hearts will feel more of His heart and our actions will be motivated by His Spirit. As we are transformed into His likeness, we shall shine brightly. “And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Dan. 12:3) What led those “wise men” to the Savior so many years ago? The star! We are His light, we are the “star” leading others to Him. Often God shows us His wisdom and teaches us through the natural, then the spirit. The stars came together! One star shines brightly, but the stars combined transcend light that is unmistakingly a sign from the Lord. Individually we must shine, go on before and lead others to Him. And as we join together in these days, many, as the wise men of old, shall “rejoice exceedingly with great joy, see Him ... and worship Him”. “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!” Pastor Sharon E. Carlson