The Star That Shines in Hearts: A Christmas Reflection
The Star That Shines in Hearts: A Christmas Reflection.
One day, history was marked by a star that led the shepherds to the Star. "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" they asked. "We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2. The star pointed to where the Star was—the King, the Savior of the world. There was rejoicing in heaven at the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God who would save humanity. "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'" Luke 2:13-14.
The Star, Jesus, illuminated the world, bringing the brightest hope of eternal life with God. A world condemned in its sin. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. The Star is always ready to shine into hearts that are open to Him. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. The Star, Jesus, offers to lift our burden so that we may have the rest our souls need. Rest is found only when we recognize the unpayable guilt of sin upon us, and only He can free us from condemnation. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1.
The Star, Jesus, is always ready to bring abundant life to human beings, a life that only He can give. "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." John 7:38. The Star, Jesus, promises a heavenly home that He has already prepared for all who desire to dwell with Him. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3. How do we reach that heavenly home? The Star is the way: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6. He is the Star who always shines and will shine forever. "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12.
At this time of year, we buy gifts for so many people and forget the gift He wants from us—our hearts. A heart far from addictions, far from evil, from bad habits, from indifference toward others, from self-interest, from everything that is not pleasing to the Creator of the universe. He wants to receive your heart fully open, so that He can make it His dwelling place and transform it. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26. Only He can make that change in the human heart.
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant