Thursday, Dec 5

Scriptures: Numbers 24:17a-b (NLT) – “I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Jacob."

Matthew 2:1b-2 (NLT) – “About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.’”

Matthew 2:9b-10 (NLT) – “And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!”

Message: What do you think of when you hear of the Bethlehem star? When you look up into the vast night sky, aren’t you drawn to the light of those stars? Scientists can give all sorts of research on what a star is, what it is made of, how this star could be so bright and why it could be followed during this time. But that is not what God was doing when this star shone in that dark sky. It was a beacon of hope, light of love, the brightness in the vast dark, there to lead us to the love of God, His Son Jesus, who would show us how to live as Godly people – in unison with God and with each other.

In the month leading up to the election, I took the challenge to only post positive, loving messages on social media – being a light in a world of fear and hate. It may have been a small effort, but the response was positive. If I touch one person, God’s light is shown through leading them a little closer to God’s love.

The star of Bethlehem, predicted so long before, led the wise men to the new King of the Jews. We are called to be that light to lead others to Jesus, too.

Prayer: Creator God, as Your Bethlehem star guided the wise men to Jesus, let Your light within us guide others to Him, too. Let every encounter we have be an opportunity to pass on Jesus’ light, love, and joy, guiding them to a life centered on You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Debbie Babbage, 2 of 2

1. “We Three Kings” by John H. Hopkins (based on Matthew 2:1-12). 1857. Public Domain. The United Methodist Hymnal #254.