LOVE, Share and Follow

I love to imagine the image of that night so long ago in Bethlehem when Christ was born. The humbleness of the stable, the excitement of the shepherds, the songs of the angels.

I wonder what the star was like. Obviously, it was bright enough to be recognized as different than all the others. The magi studied it, then were intrigued enough to followed it. Some believe that it was a nova or supernova explosion. Some believe it was a conjunction of planets that were close to one another, creating the illusion of a large star.

Regardless of the theories, the magi followed its brightness. They were drawn to find where it came from, or what it stood for. We know, of course, that God used that star as part of the beauty of the Christmas story. The star led the magi to the town and home where Jesus, the Savior lived, and where they worshiped Him and presented their gifts to Him.

I love the fact that the magi followed the star to Jesus. Later in His life, Jesus Himself would be what many would follow. He, Himself, like the star’s uniqueness, WAS and IS unlike any other god or man. I, for one, choose to FOLLOW Him. I also believe that He desires for us to represent Him here on earth, so that WE will lead others to Him, and they will also follow. His plan to share His redemptive story and longing for every man to come to Him comes to life through those of us who believe in Him.

Philippians 2:14-16 says “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

So as we celebrate Christmas, let’s ask ourselves… are we shining like stars so that others will take notice that we are different? Are we shining like stars that reflect the LOVE of Christ to all those around us? Are we shining like stars and SHARING what He has done in and through our lives? Are we shining like stars and following wherever He leads? Are we shining like stars in a way that leads others to FOLLOW Him?

Let’s LOVE, SHARE and FOLLOW!