I sat at a red light on Greene Street in Gainesville, Georgia, watching 3 men decorate a Christmas Tree. One man stood in a cherry picker forklift, attempting to position a large star on top of the tree while the other two stood below, directing him. The three reminded me of a modern day version of the wise men.
Matthew 2:7-11, “Then Herod called the Magi (Wise men) secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had 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.”
A sky filled with stars, but these three men knew which star they needed to follow. It is very much the same for you and me today. There are so many distractions, so many avenues we can take. So many objects to follow; but, only one star would lead the Magi to the manger of our King.
Scientist in various fields have examined the possibilities. Some say it could’ve been a comet. The ancient Chinese kept records of comets. The most likely occurred in 5 BC. Some suggest the possibility of a conjunction between planets which happened around August of 3 BC and again in June 2 BC, making the planets appear as one bright star. Whatever led them to find the King of kings is irrelevant; it only matters to me that they found Him.
During the Christmas Season, we find ourselves involved in so many activities that we can become unaware of what should be leading us to the manger. Our calendars become filled with concerts and Christmas parties, shopping experiences and gift wrapping. We are consumed with baking and decorating. Last night I wanted to put up my tree. I’ve felt tremendous pressure as my friends have texted me pictures of their trees and front porches and I still have my pumpkins and harvest leaf garland draped across my mantle. Instead, I found myself on my porch, gazing at the stars and wondering how three men could pick just one to follow.
It isn’t easy. Christianity isn’t meant to be easy, and our very beliefs are questioned on a daily basis by those who do not understand. There are people who profess to be Christian but do not act as Christians. They are the Herod’s of the world, wanting to come and worship a King they secretly intend to destroy. Others, out of ignorance, want to believe there is a god and he is worshiped by all religions. Some say, “Just let it be! Let everyone do their own thing and be their own person and worship whom they want to worship.” No, God put too much evidence before us. If we don’t believe its because we haven’t taken the time to determine which star we are following. The Magi were very intelligent men of science. They weren’t on a wild goose chase.
Take the time this Christmas Season to find the Star above the manger among all the other stars calling for your attention. When you find it, you will find the meaning for the celebration of Christmas.
