The Star that Illuminates Hearts: A Christmas Reflection.
One day, history was marked by a star that led the shepherds to the Star. "Where is the newborn King of the Jews?" they asked. "For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2. The star pointed to where the Star, the King, the Savior of the world was. There was rejoicing in heaven at the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God who would save humanity. "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men 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 in hearts receptive to it. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. The Star, Jesus, offers to ease our burden so that we may have the necessary rest for our souls. 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 humans, 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 celestial dwelling that He has already prepared for all who want 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 to reach this celestial dwelling? 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 that always shines and will shine eternally. "Once more Jesus spoke to the people, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12.
In this season, we buy presents for so many people and forget about the gift He wants from us—our hearts. A heart away from vices, away from evil, from bad habits, from indifference to others, from our own interests, from everything that is not pleasing to the Creator of the Universe. He wants to receive your heart totally open so that He can make it His dwelling 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 this change in the human heart.
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant
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