THE WEEKLY WORD: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

By Pastor Paul & Dixie Phillips, Gospel Lighthouse Church, Floyd

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

Magi from the east had been studying the ancient prophecies and writings predicting the birth of the coming Jewish Messiah.

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. Numbers 24:17

The wise men believed the scepter mentioned symbolized a special King would one day come to Israel. And according to this prophesy, a star would be the sign of His coming. So, you can imagine when the magi saw the star in the direction of Israel, they believed the prophecy, which had been prophesied many centuries before, was being fulfilled before their eyes, and they were right!

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10

They traveled to Jerusalem hoping to find the newborn King. They met with King Herod and told him they were searching for this special Baby. Herod was jealous but played along in hopes they would let him know where the infant King was so he could worship Him too. But really, he planned to kill Him. He didn’t want anyone taking over his Roman kingdom.

The wise men were warned in a dream of Herod’s evil intent. They found the holy Christ Child, presented gifts to Him, and worshiped Him. The magi didn’t want to put the young family in any danger, so they went home a different way than how they came. When we find Jesus and worship Him, we will leave differently than how we came too. He’s still in the business of changing lives from the inside out. Praise His powerful name!

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Matthew 2:11-12

One night a little boy was fascinated by the stars sparkling in the sky. He asked, “Mama, why did God make the stars?”

Without missing a beat his mother responded, “Because God knew that it would get dark sometimes and when it does, we would need a night-light.”

What a wise mother! Don’t we need a spiritual night-light in this dark world? Sometimes things can become so confusing and murky, we can’t even think straight.

This Christmas if you find yourself in a dark place, remember that God has a night-light for you. His name is Jesus. He’s the Light of the World and the reason the Star of Bethlehem blazed in the sky. His Word will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path if you will let it. Jesus will never leave you stranded in the dark. You don’t have to stumble through life. Let the truths from the Bible illuminate your path so you will know where to take your next step.

Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that Christ’s coming would be like a light shining in the darkness, a light that would defeat the chaos of sin with the peace of God’s rule and reign. His infant cry of hope from a crude stable that night in Bethlehem pierced through the darkness before the heavy nails pierced through His hands and feet. Christmas is a reason to celebrate.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, Isaiah 9:2,6-7

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Pastor Paul and Dixie Phillips have been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church, 205 Madison Street, in Floyd, Iowa, since 1981. To find out more about the church and ministry go to www.floydslighthouse.com