THE ADVENT – STAR

One of the most familiar carols of Christmas is, *”We Three Kings.”* A heart stirring carol, which makes us to pause and think, as we sing it. The first stanza and the refrain goes this way…
“We Three Kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain,
Moor and mountain,
Following yonder Star.

O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
Star with Royal Beauty bright,
Westward leading,
Still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect Light.”

The Bible records this, about the Wisemen and the star- “2 “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” “9…behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” – Matthew 2:2,9-10.

We see that, the star of Bethlehem announced the birth of the Saviour to the Wisemen. The star guided them, and helped them to arrive at the manger, where the Saviour was born. This despite, the Wisemen, fumbling to follow the star.

Stars have been an essential part of navigation for thousands of years. Position of the stars, through the night, helps us also, to know the time. My grandmother was good at telling the time, at anytime of the night, just by looking at the stars in the sky. Stars have such celestial beauty to them, they add twinkle, to the otherwise, dark and dreary night sky.

The Bible also helps us to know that – “3…those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” – Daniel 12:3. Isn’t that wonderful to know? We too can be like the star of Bethlehem, and like the countless other stars!!! We can point the ‘discerning’ and ‘wise’ of the world, towards Christ the Saviour. We can help people to know the times that we are living in, so that they can be informed, and prepared, to take wise decisions for their life and eternity. We can, like the stars, add sparkle, to the otherwise dark and dreary world.

May the LORD help us to shine for Him as His shining stars – the stars of the Saviour – “16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16.