STAR OF WONDER
We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light———–
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Rev. John Henry Hopkins, 1857
This beautiful Christmas song captures the essence of the Christmas story- an inspiration to seek the obscure birth of God becoming man. The Biblical description of the story tells of a unique star that the wise men (Magi) saw in the east and of the star moving ahead of them as they set out to seek Christ.
‘—–and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.’(Matthew 2:9)
It is truly incredible to thinks of a star moving in response to the pursuit of these men as they set out on a perilous journey to find and worship the baby Jesus. Three lessons stand out as we marvel at this miracle star.
- God can move the stars:The God described in the Bible is not a limited God. He is all-powerful and omniscient. And the extent of impact God can have on one’s life is determined by the magnitude of God’s image within man’s mind. Man too often limits God and so God’s work within him is small. Faith is the element that accurately translates the reality of God’s greatness and power onto the workings of one’s daily life. When faith is perfected, mountains will move and so will the stars.
- God moves the stars for some men:These wise men were so valuable in God’s sight that He moved a star for their need. They had through years of study, worship and obedience to God perfected the knowledge of God to such an extent that they knew for sure that this star was not only unique, but pointed to the Messiah. The irony is not hard to miss as these men, who probably were non-Jews and far removed the center of action inferred the birth of Christ, whereas several of Jesus’ contemporaries who had access to the Scriptures totally missed him. When one seeks God and makes that the primary mission of life, God comes to value such people, for whom He will move the stars to take them where they need to be.
- All stars point toward Christ:The star finally comes to rest where the child Jesus was. The Bible describes a history where Jesus is the centerpiece, a world where worship of Christ is the central theme and future where Christ will reign over all. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. This is the tune of the universe. To all who sing that tune, prosperity and security follows. To the many who tune out, it does appear interesting for a while after which the singer eventually discredits himself. Just like a player who breaks a rule, raising eyebrows for a moment, but eventually getting thrown out of the game.
The star of wonder that has come to immortalize the Christmas story appeals to every man to find the Christ before whom it bows and to whom it submits.
