A Star in the East

The Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star, appears only in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 2). We are used to hearing the stories and songs that depict a star 'westward leading still proceeding' that gives a picture of the star going from East to West as a group of men followed. A closer reading of the passage says otherwise. The Magi had already arrived at the palace in Jerusalem when Matthew starts the story. They told King Herod, “we saw his star in the east.” The Greek text here translates that into: "we saw his star rising in the East." They were astrologers who studied the plaentary movements and by some calculations connected such movements with events. These gentile people had seen an unusual new star in the sky and pursued the search for the meaning, while the religious leaders and King Herod missed the Messiah entirely!

We too may miss the message in the midst of our busy schedules. The precious may go unnoticed in the heap of the worthless. In the midst of darkness, where light is needed, God sends a star. In the midst of war and bloodshed, God provides a star shining to guide us to the source of peace. In the midst of our our personal struggles, sickness, broken relationships, and lack of security, there is a shining star of Bethlehem that will send you to the prince of peace. Dante wrote, "God’s love that moves the Sun and the other stars has turned my desire and will." Martin Luther, William Carey, John Wesley and many others saw the sign and followed.

God has provided pathways in every culture around the world, where culture and Christ intersect. Jesus does not arrive in any culture as a stranger. Paul says, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4). God’s love reaches out to the farthest corners of the earth. Each of us is the Bethlehem star to this world to lead others to peace, joy and hope.

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Fulll sermon audio: Mathew Philip

Blessings

Mathew Philip

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