Matthew 2: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
John 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
I went into town yesterday and noticed several houses had already taken down their lights and some trees were in the curbs to be picked up. The day after Christmas we’re full. Many wait in long lines to shop or return things. That’s the way the day after Christmas seems to be. With Jesus, the day before Christmas and the day after are as good as the day.
That first Christmas day was good. Jesus saw the light he had created with his Father. Shepherds were in the field and in the darkest of the night an angel appeared and lit up the sky with the glory of God. He announced a Savior had been born. A multitude of angels joined him saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. They left and their light was gone. Now look at the wise men. They used the star. They thought that surely the king of Judea would want to meet the new king. Herod gaged the time they first saw the star to determine what age and how many children he’d kill to get rid of this new king. It was about two years since the angels visited the shepherds. Nobody but the wise men bothered to look up but the star was shining.
We pay the holiday too much regard all the while we forget that the star shines. Jesus was blasphemed more this year than ever. If this world has ever asked for the judgment of God it did in 2015. Only the wise men looked up in their day but everybody could have seen it. Angels have gone back to heaven. The lights are put up. If we look up we will see it. Don’t look around and follow the world. Quit believing every Tom, Dick and Harry of this world and look back to God. Be one who chooses to look up.
What is better than the angels appearing and the star shining and all else that went on? The light of Jesus still shines on! Paul said in Corinthians if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. Don’t look down. Don’t look around. Look up! The star moved right to the door where Jesus was living. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Get that head up. Your redemption draws nigh. The light shines on!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 