The Christmas Star

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This was quite the introduction!

As our star made His way to the stage, heaven itself burst forth in a song of praise.

As Jesus is introduced, The angels give all glory to God.

Of course, the whole purpose of the plan of salvation is “glory to God”

The angels glorified God. The entire purpose of salvation is glory to God

Ephesians 1:4-6

Ephesians 1:4–6 NKJV

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

The Reception

Jesus was recieved by both the lowly shepherd and the dignitaries alike.

This shows us that God’s gift wasn’t just for some elite, but far all who would accept, regardless of their social or economic status.

Sadly not all accepted Jesus. the most notably absent are the religious elites.

The most notably absent were the religious elites.

That’s because their entire purpose was to maintain control people through laws and rituals.

They wanted to be the star, they wanted the praise, sacrifice and obedience. They wanted control.

Jesus was a huge threat to them. He would ultimate liberate people from their control.

So, where were these Jewish leaders who should have been the very people to welcome Jesus?

They were cozying up to Herod, trying to gain His favor.

Ironically, political power and favor never lasts, it shifts with the wind. There is no lasting security in it.

They should have devoted themselves to Jesus Christ instead of Herod.

Only Jesus can provide lasting eternal security. Only Jesus can provide true peace.

Sadly, they were more interested in short-lived power than eternal security.

How much better off these priests would have been with Jesus as their High Priest.

The Reason

So, why all the fuss? Why were some celebrating while others were hating?

This is why people both celebrate and hate the coming of Christ.

John 1:29

John 1:29 NKJV

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Luke 12:51

Luke 12:51 NKJV

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Simply put, the Gospel is both beloved and divisive. What some embrace, others view as condemnation, and they take offense to it.

This is true, because contrary to popular belief, you cannot have the Gospel of salvation, without first recognizing and dealing with sin.

Unless we are sinful, there is no need of salvation. This is the very revelation that some will take offense with.

Jesus came to take away sin, because we are sinful, whether we want to hear it or not.

Jesus came to take away sin, because we are sinful

Romans 3:10

Romans 3:10 NKJV

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 NKJV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Jesus provides the remedy

Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23 NKJV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 NKJV

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Jesus is the “Star” of Christmas, He is God’s gift to us

Like a star He gives light

John 8:12

John 8:12 NKJV

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

He brings the gift of salvation

Ephesians 2:8-9

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The star of Christmas is the baby in the manger, the Lamb on the cross, and the glorified Risen Savior - the Messiah, The Lord Jesus Christ whom we can look to for peace and salvation.