Most people know the wise men saw a star in the East that caused them to go to Jerusalem seeking the child who would be King of the Jews. The chief priests and scribes were aware of Micah’s prophecy that he would be born in Bethlehem. The star went ahead of the wise men to the town of our Lord’s birth (Matthew 2:1-12).
Today, people do not find Jesus by following a star, but they should be able to follow the light to find the Savior. Paul directed the Philippian saints, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). The word “lights” literally means “luminaries.” Our light, like that of the sun, moon and stars, comes from God.
Jesus commanded His followers to let their lights shine through their good works so His Father would be glorified (Matthew 5:14-16). Paul said he was a slave in service to the Christians at Corinth preaching Christ Jesus the Lord. He went on to explain that he did it “for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6).
Our task is to be a light for the many who are lost in the darkness of sin. We must proclaim the Gospel, telling about a Savior who died on the cross and was raised from the dead. Our message will only be heard and accepted if our lives demonstrate we have abandoned the darkness of sin and now shine by the power of our Almighty Father.
