The Christmas Star

<p>&ldquo;If you find that star, you can always find your way home.&rdquo; Those were my father&rsquo;s words when he taught me how to locate the North Star as a child. Dad had served in the armed forces during wartime, and there were moments when his life depended on being able to navigate by the night sky. So he made sure I knew the names and locations of several constellations, but it was being able to find Polaris that mattered most of all. Knowing that star&rsquo;s location meant I could gain a sense of direction wherever I was and find where I was supposed to be.</p> <p>Scripture tells of another star of vital importance. &ldquo;Magi from the east,&rdquo; learned men (from an area encompassed by Iran and Iraq today) had been watching for signs in the sky of the birth of the One who was to be God&rsquo;s king for His people. They came to Jerusalem asking &ldquo;Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and came to worship him&rdquo; (Matthew 2:1&ndash;2).</p> <p>Astronomers don&rsquo;t know what caused the star of Bethlehem to appear, but the Bible reveals that God created it to point the world to Jesus&mdash;&ldquo;the bright Morning Star&rdquo; (Revelation 22:16). Christ came to save us from our sins and guide us back to God. Follow Him, and you&rsquo;ll find your way home.</p>