The star of hope 🌟

Can you believe how quickly Christmas is approaching? I just love this time of year and all the beauty that comes with it: Christmas worship services, beautiful carols, that special excitement in the air, childrens' shining eyes, freshly baked cookies, and sparkling decorations…

Speaking of decorations, do you have a Christmas tree at your house, too? Most of the time, we place stars at the top of our trees, but have you ever thought about why we do this?

In Matthew, we read the story behind it: "After they [the wise men, astrologers] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:9-11, NIV)

The star was considered a signpost, a guide. It shone so brightly and clearly that it was easy to find Jesus!

Reflecting on this story brings some questions to mind. What shines so brightly and clearly over my life, over your life, that others can easily see where hope, where Jesus, is to be found?

If there had been many such stars all next to each other in the sky at Jesus' birth, it would have been confusing for the wise men! Similarly, it can be confusing to people if we as Christians believe in Jesus but also a bit in "other" things, or if we call Him Lord but prioritize the things of the world over Him.

I encourage you…if this challenge today speaks to your heart, may it spark a beautiful change in you! May you purpose in your heart to let the truth shine clearly, brightly, so others can see the way to the Savior of the world!

I believe that today, more than ever, people need to see in us a guiding light to Jesus. That's exactly how we can honor our Savior today…by intentionally choosing to clear away anything that could impede our view of Him.

You are the star that's needed, so shine! Shine so that those around you can see His light and believe in the Savior, too!

You are a miracle!

Déborah