The star appeared when Jesus was born. It was a guiding star. It announced the birth of a king to the wise men (Magi) from the east. Probably the wise men had access to the words in Numbers 24:17, where Balaam had proclaimed: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (NIV). These words might have set the wise men on their journey to find the one born the king of the Jews.
This guiding star was also a moving star. It continued to progress till it reached its destination; the place where the Child Jesus was. Thus the star challenges us to keep on moving till we reach where Christ is. For, St. Paul speaks of each one of us with Christ born in our hearts as people who “shine like stars in the universe” as we “hold out the word of life” (Ref. Philippians 2:16 NIV). Therefore we are probably the only light others will see. And our moving towards Jesus, till we reach there, is the only way in which those who watch us closely will be led to Him.
So let us continue to shine like stars. Let us give hope to a world that is plunging into deeper darkness every passing day. Let us not grow tired of being a shining light. Let not the oil in our lamps run dry. For those of us who shine, the Bible gives a sure note of encouragement. At the time of the end, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 NIV).
Be a shining star today which leads others to Christ. That is one sure way to continue as a shining star in His kingdom for ever and ever!