Jesus was born in a one-star hotel.
The beds were no good. Amenities were lacking. The heater didn’t work. It smelled bad. And it was located in Bethlehem. Can anything good come from Bethlehem?
Without the star, the place where Jesus lay may otherwise have been overlooked and things could have gone terribly wrong. Wise men traveling from the east would have been greatly disappointed, but “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” (Matthew 2:10)
The star is more than an ornament in the Christmas story. It is the point of connection; revealing Christ to the world and calling the world to “come and see” and worship the king.
Throughout history, stars have been used to guide many travelers and today should be no different – except believers are now enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit to shine as stars; showing that Christ is here. “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14a) There is to be light in the word as long as you and I are in it.
With so much happening in our world, it is all too easy to forget God is still calling people to Himself.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Without a star to light the way, men who dwell in darkness may never be able to find God. They cannot find Christ and discover the joy of knowing and worshiping Him.
If Christ is hidden, it is not the fault of sinful humanity. It is because someone abdicated their God-given right to draw attention to Jesus.
The star is more than an ornament in the Christmas story. It is the point of connection; revealing Christ to the world and calling the world to “come and see” and worship the king.
The light of just one star makes it possible for people to find Jesus.
You may not think much of who you are, but you were created and positioned to shine on Christ. You are a one-star Christian, needed in dark places; in dark times. There are travelers on their way. Go before them and shine.
Has God placed you in a dark place? It may be your family or place of employment. If you feel alone, just think of what God can do with just one shining star.
Pointing to Christ is the joy of Christmas.
Keep at it and every day can be as Christmas day.
Jason Betler is a passionate evangelist; turning hearts to Jesus. He is founder of The Nations Hope, and missionary to Southeast Asia. Jason and his family are returning to Southeast Asia in 2021. (https://nationshope.org/returning-to-asia)
The article was first published on The Nations Hope and has been reproduced here with permission.
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