The Star of Bethlehem has been a source of mystery and wonder through the ages. December 21, we’ll have the opportunity to view Jupiter and Saturn coming into such close proximity that they will appear as one bright star. This phenomenon hasn’t happened to this extent in over eight hundred years!
Some are calling it the Christmas Star, and indeed there was a similar instance of not two but three planets merging at around 1 AD, when Jesus would have been born. Was it a phenomenon of perfect alignment of planets that created the Star of Bethlehem as some speculate? Or did the Lord place an entirely new star in the sky to honor Jesus’ birth? Likely, no one will ever know.
But, whichever it was, the fact remains that God used the star to draw the Wise Men to the Savior. Jesus’ birth was a miracle in every sense of the word. And yet, I marvel at just how simple and unassuming Christ’s entry into our world was.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Jesus’s humble beginnings here on earth were a precursor of His ministry of servanthood. How ironic that the Son of God left His glorious home in Heaven to be born in a humble stable? From His birth to the cross, he demonstrated a life of servanthood.
Scripture says their was nothing extraordinary about his appearance (Isaiah 53:2). Born to a meager family, He had no wealth, no political importance, not even a home to call His own. And yet, people from everywhere flocked to Him like a moth to a flame.
SERVANTHOOD
Jesus’ entire ministry centered on servanthood ~ meeting the needs of others by placing them ahead of Himself. When His disciples shooed away children, Jesus told them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16).
The night before He would be crucified, He continued teaching and admonishing the disciples, demonstrating the art of servanthood by washing their feet. What a powerful picture of servanthood–the greatest “Man” that ever walked the earth lowering Himself to the most humble position!
DRAWN TO JESUS
From His humble birth to His ministry to His resurrection, people were drawn to Jesus’ powerful presence. Wise men still seek Him today. Do you know Him as your Savior and friend? I pray so. I hope you’ll set aside time to gather with family to read the Christmas story in Luke 2, As you do, may you feel the fresh aroma of His presence at Christmas and in the days to come!
Do you have a family tradition that puts Christ at the center of your celebration? I’d love to hear about it.
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
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We always go to Christmas Eve candlelight service. It’s so peaceful & helps me get my mind where it should be concerning the true meaning behind Christmas.
Definitely! A wonderful tradition, Robin. Thanks for sharing!
We love going to Christmas Eve church services. And then driving around looking at Christmas lights. Our town has light displays in the park and other city land. It’s beautiful!
Both great traditions, Linda. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!
Yes. I read the Christmas story from Luke 2 out loud. I have made a birthday cake for Jesus. We sing Happy Birthday to Him. We are all handicapped. It is very hard for us to get out to get to church. Before we became handicapped, we would attend Christmas Eve services.
We’ve done that too, Debra! A wonderful tradition to remind us just Who we are celebrating! Glad you are able to find ways to celebrate from home. We are homebound as well right now with my cancer. We miss our church family! God bless & Merry Christmas!