by Presbyter Joseph Concepcion
Reading for the day: Matthew 2:1-12
Every Christmas Season we made it as a family tradition to set up a Christmas tree together and record ourselves in a timelapse. This year, like any other year, in the first week of December, we set up the tree, and yes, under the watchful eyes of my camera.
But when the last trimming was up, we realized something was missing, the star that goes on top of the tree. I ran to my favorite store, Dollarama, and got our tree a battery operated star.
Have you ever wondered why we place a star on top of a Christmas tree? It is said that the star represents the Star of Bethlehem in the nativity scene.
In the book of Matthew 2:1-2, we read, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
And in Matthew 2:9-10, we see, “After they heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was”
The star is actually a sign that points to a bigger Star.
The Magi saw the sign and they followed it until they came to the place in Bethlehem and saw the Lord Jesus, the One that has been born to be the Savior of the world. There’s a euphemism that goes, “a star is born.” It is to refer to an extraordinary talent discovery especially in the field of art and music. When a new talented singer wins a competition, the common expression is often quoted: “a star is born.” During Christmas a star was born, He is Jesus Christ, the Lord, the Messiah.
I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star,” Revelation 22:16.
Just like in the time of the first Christmas, when the star of Bethlehem guided the Magi in their travels, during the early days of American Slavery, an abolitionist and social activist named Harriet Tubman led many to escape slavery in America by leading them up north to Canada. It was said that she would travel at night to avoid being captured, and her only guide up north was the North Star. Risking her own life and the lives of those she helped escape, Tubman ended up saving many people, consequently freeing them from slavery. In our time today, Jesus as the great Morning Star is still guiding and saving people to salvation.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me – John 14:6.
His light shines bright in this darkened world to guide, to speak the truth, and to give life. Our modern society is surrounded by many twisted and crooked information. We are bombarded by lies and pretensions from social media, entertainment, and even from government policies. People now-a-days exchange the truth for lies and asset lies as the truth. People are living a life of pretension and illusion. If ever there is something that the world needs, it is for the Morning Star to once again shine bright in their darkened minds and hearts. Thus, it is our duty to share the real celebration of Christmas, Jesus Christ.
The real star of Christmas is Jesus our Savior.
As believers, Jesus can continue to shine bright in our lives. There are moments that we also feel lost and doubtful, but always remember that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. A life that is satisfying and a life that is eternal.
You are probably dealing with a situation my family dealt with earlier this month – you are missing that star topper in your life. There’s a gloom, maybe even a darkness that’s looming, lurking, refusing to leave. You don’t need to run to Dollarama, or to The Bay, or anywhere to buy one because you will not find it there. Stop trying to drown your misery with material things, or even with relationships. Run toward Jesus. Come to Him again. Pray. Cry. Repent. And the Star will alight on you and as you follow Him, you will never lose your way again.
If the Star is so bright and clear to you, in fact so near you can feel His warmth, stay strong in the faith. As you celebrate this Season, vow to always bask under His light. And as you seek Him, He will all the more flood You with His loving and eternal light.
Reflection: Light shines brighter when it is reflected, when was the last time you allowed Jesus’ light to reflect on you so that He shines brighter in your life? Have you allowed the Morning Star shine in your heart, or is He blocked by the darkness of worldliness?
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