Grace Curtis
![Picture](/uploads/5/6/0/7/56072731/8676356.jpg?428)
These days, when we think of stars we might think of Hollywood celebrities on the red carpet. People use that title as a complement because it means you are larger than life, your light shines brightly, and you are just plain beautiful to see. However the Hollywood “stars” we model our lives after today often do not carry the positive characteristics indicative of their titles. Sure, they might be pretty and known for something, but how many stars can you think of that exude a pure light of goodness? If we know these people are nothing like the stars in the sky, why do we give them this name? This custom echoes an ancient tradition reflecting the true stars that guide us to the things we are desperate to find.
Stars today might guide us today towards how to be wealthy or popular, but way back in the Bible stars took on a much different meaning. I’m talking literally about stars in the sky. God promised Abraham that his descendents “would be as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore” (Genesis 22:17). This passage uses stars to emphasize God’s greatness and power in His ability to do anything. Abraham must have looked up at the stars that night and been in awe that God could grant him a family as countless as the night sky’s stars. This symbolic image repeats throughout the Bible, all leading up to the greatest star of all: the one about the little town of Bethlehem. People from all around saw this bright light and it drew them closer to its source. In particular, the three wise men use the star to find the Messiah that they’ve waited their whole lives to find.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2: 1-2)
This holy star guided the Magi to the place where true, living peace had been brought to earth. The journey was long and arduous, but believers such as the wise men and shepherds followed the star with hope that it would lead them to their Savior. Once they were there, they did not thank the star or even acknowledge it. The star had served its purpose to guide, and it brought the people down in humble adoration of their Lord.
We have stars in our own lives today. Not the imposter Hollywood stars, I mean authentic stars who emphasize God’s greatness and guide us to the Lord’s love. These people point us to miracles in everyday life and shine God’s goodness in the light of their smiles. They never ask to be thanked or recognized for being holy; they do it simply to glorify the God they love with all their hearts.
So my question to you: Who is your guiding star? Think of one person who leads you to God and brings His love to you on an intimate level. For me, one of my stars is my mother. Her constant compassion and tireless efforts to make our family faith-centered is the foundation on which I am able to talk to you about Jesus today. An example of her showing God’s love to me is how every single night of my existence she has tucked me in to bed. Yes, as an almost 17 year old girl I am tucked in to bed every night as a reminder that I am loved and can sleep peacefully. Talk about a shining star! Yet people like our moms to this gladly without thanks. Take the time in this Christmas season to thank these people and pray for them. Jesus put those people in your life for a reason, appreciate their awesomeness!
You are someone else’s guiding star. Never underestimate your purpose on this earth.
Your Sister in Christ
Stars today might guide us today towards how to be wealthy or popular, but way back in the Bible stars took on a much different meaning. I’m talking literally about stars in the sky. God promised Abraham that his descendents “would be as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore” (Genesis 22:17). This passage uses stars to emphasize God’s greatness and power in His ability to do anything. Abraham must have looked up at the stars that night and been in awe that God could grant him a family as countless as the night sky’s stars. This symbolic image repeats throughout the Bible, all leading up to the greatest star of all: the one about the little town of Bethlehem. People from all around saw this bright light and it drew them closer to its source. In particular, the three wise men use the star to find the Messiah that they’ve waited their whole lives to find.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2: 1-2)
This holy star guided the Magi to the place where true, living peace had been brought to earth. The journey was long and arduous, but believers such as the wise men and shepherds followed the star with hope that it would lead them to their Savior. Once they were there, they did not thank the star or even acknowledge it. The star had served its purpose to guide, and it brought the people down in humble adoration of their Lord.
We have stars in our own lives today. Not the imposter Hollywood stars, I mean authentic stars who emphasize God’s greatness and guide us to the Lord’s love. These people point us to miracles in everyday life and shine God’s goodness in the light of their smiles. They never ask to be thanked or recognized for being holy; they do it simply to glorify the God they love with all their hearts.
So my question to you: Who is your guiding star? Think of one person who leads you to God and brings His love to you on an intimate level. For me, one of my stars is my mother. Her constant compassion and tireless efforts to make our family faith-centered is the foundation on which I am able to talk to you about Jesus today. An example of her showing God’s love to me is how every single night of my existence she has tucked me in to bed. Yes, as an almost 17 year old girl I am tucked in to bed every night as a reminder that I am loved and can sleep peacefully. Talk about a shining star! Yet people like our moms to this gladly without thanks. Take the time in this Christmas season to thank these people and pray for them. Jesus put those people in your life for a reason, appreciate their awesomeness!
You are someone else’s guiding star. Never underestimate your purpose on this earth.
Your Sister in Christ