Category Archives: Christmas

Christmas

Two oustanding Lessons to Learn from the Magi’s visit

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The visit of the Magi is, in my opinion, one of the most significant events surrounding Jesus’ birth. The Magi were described as Eastern wise men. According to historians, they were astrologers who read the stars and zodiac signs. 

This means that these men were not born Jews and had no relationship with Jesus. It is intriguing, however, that men who had no relationship with God were the first to present their gifts to the king, while Jews were completely unaware of what was going on.

Here are two profound lessons that the Holy Spirit wishes His church to grab from this event:

  1. Jesus came to bring God closer to man and man closer to God

Prior to the birth of Jesus, man, Jews and Gentiles alike had no access into the presence of God. The sin of man was a barrier to man’s relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2). Man had no intimate knowledge of God and fellowship with God was enjoyed by only a few persons.

Since man could not come to God’s presence, God became man and came to man. God through Christ Jesus initiated the reconciliation process and as a result of this, we all have access into the presence and covenant of God.

The wise men were not believers. Probably they were idolaters because they were practitioners of the Eastern religion. In spite of these, the star appeared to them.

What does this star symbolize in Christianity?

The star is symbolic of light, illumination, and enlightenment. They received a revelation that a king had been born. They followed the star, which led them to the Savior’s home, where they bowed in reverence.

Do you know that under the old covenant, these men would have no access to God? They would not even be able to approach God’s presence without being killed by His wrath for their sins! But, at the birth of Jesus, they did not just approach God; they fell to their knees and worshiped Him.

This is the reason for Jesus’ birth. It is the reason for the celebration of Christmas. It is the reason we celebrate Christmas on December 25th. It reminds us that God became man over two thousand years ago in order for man to be closer to God.

And we who are not originally Jewish can worship Him because of His birth, death, and resurrection. We can get down on our knees and pray, and our prayers will be answered.

As Gentiles, we had none of these until Jesus came to bridge the gap!

Because of His incarnation, a Samaritan woman became an evangelist. An adulteress condemned to die was set free. A harlot named Mary Magdalene became a sponsor of His ministry. A Canaanite woman received healing for her daughter and three Easterners worshipped Him.

It is for this reason that we celebrate His birth! God became man and brought even the Gentiles that were far away unto Himself!

2. GOD WANTS OUR WORSHIP

There is another amazing revelation in this story! When the wise men came to Jesus, they bowed and worshipped Him. Many emphasize more on the material treasures they gave to Jesus.

However, in spite of the material value and the prophetic significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh they presented to Jesus, they first presented a gift that far outweighs the material things.

This is the greatest gift that we can give to the God. I believe the Matthew was right in describing the Magi as wise; because they presented the greatest gift first before giving Jesus their treasures. Here’s what Matthew reports;

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” Matthew 2:11.

Historians tell us that to fall down at someone’s feet is a symbol of obeisance and reverence. The wise men showed their reverence and submission to God first before presenting their gifts.

This Christmas, though it is good one shows love for God by bringing our material gifts, tithes and offerings to Him, the greatest and most important gift God is after is the gift of our reverence and our worship.

God wants you and me to submit our lives to Him. To live for Him daily and to honor Him in everything we do. He wants our lives to be an acceptable worship to Him.

This Christmas, let us reflect on how we lived our lives this year. Did your life and your decisions honor God? Was God worshipped in your actions?

Let this Christmas be one with a difference. I have decided to give the gift of my worship and my submission to God. That in honor of what He did for me, I will give Him all of my honor and reverence.

I believe this is what God wants from His children; a life of worship and consecration. Is it possible? Hell yeah… lol! It’s more than possible. All you have to do is make the decision and trust in the Holy Spirit that lives in you to help you do it.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas, GENERAL

CHRISTMAS IS COME

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A neonate springtime and neonate Sound,
Birth of humble nascence pipping to resound,
As a breath of fresh air at summer eventide
The spring comes from afar, I hear it hither,

A neonate springtime and neonate sound,
In a manger our redeeming star was lay,
Shut in behind with a wooden gate,
Amid the grimness He stood pale – bright.

A neonate springtime and neonate sound,
The reflection of the father’s thought,
The genuine murmur of the prophets,
At tremble desires, He was born.

A neonate Springtime and neonate sound,
The wise men peeped to behold the baby,
absorbed melancholy in thought
Ever loyal and keen, their footsteps bent.

A neonate springtime and neonate sound,
The incipient affection for the humans,
The open adoption, trembling and willing spring across the world they hear it thither.

A neonate Springtime and neonate sound,
Kiss the son, lest he be angry,
Embrace the son, lest you fall off
Clasp with arms of affection, lest you regret,

Have a Merry Christmas.


©UBOKOBONG MICHAEL

Christmas

The Liberal Christmas Giver

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While walking towards the market today, I saw what made my heart bleed.

I saw a mother with a little girl who should be between 10-12 years.

This woman couldn’t afford a shoe for her daughter for the Xmas and New Year’s celebration.

From her facial expression, I observed that she was seriously worried about getting her daughter a Christmas wear, just to make her happy.

She came to the shop were I was purchasing shoes for my daughter. She was there to see, if there was any shoe her daughter’s size that she could afford.

She negotiated the price of the shoes steadily, trying to reduce it to a price she could afford.

This got the seller annoyed. She (the seller) got so provoked, that she took the shoes back into the store, and sent the woman away.

The woman left there in shame. Her eyes were reddened with sorrowful anger, and heavy with tears.

This scene troubled my heart in no small amount. It made me resolve to always help the poor as much as I can.


I learnt a lesson there.

As saints who ought to give liberally, we ought to always leave our homes, with extra-money, beyond our budgeted spending.

No matter how small it is, you could encounter on the road, someone in need of that money.

We have many paupers around us.
Many are living in poverty, even in this Christmas season.
Many can not afford a satisfactory Christmas meal.

Many do not’t have shelter, let alone, clothing.


Show them love and kindness
.
Stretch out your hands to the poor.

You might not have everything you need, but you definitely have more something worth giving.

Give and be blessed.
Your Blessing is in your giving.



“The righteous give generously.” Psalm 37:21


“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” Luke 6:38



“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25


Dear Saints, tomorrow is Christmas, do not celebrate the saviour alone.

Cause others to celebrate, through your Gifts.

God Bless You.




Author: Nkemjoy

Christmas

WHAT TO DO DURING CHRISTMAS

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Christmas is a season that many anticipate yearly. It is that time of the year when love is shown to people around you.

Families and friends come together, eat, drink and celebrate. You get to have a good time with people around you.

Here are some tips on activities you can do to make Christmas memorable.


• Going to the park, having a picnic and organizing a party with loved ones.

• Buying so many gifts, preparation of so many delicious, assorted, and sumptuous meals.

• Making special dresses, singing and playing carol songs.

• Going to the orphanage with gifts for the children there.

• Getting gift cards for your spouse or partner and making sure your children get unforgettable moments.

• Giving discounts for your customers in your company in the spirit of the season.

You can do so many lovely things to celebrate the season. It is the birth of one who matters to you.

One of the sweet things to be done this season is to get a good right with people around us.

You might have been hurt by your friends and trusted ones this year, and you might have hurt them also.

Either ways, it is important to make peace, reconcile, and start the new year on a clean slate.

If you have caused pain, damages and injuries by or to someone physically and emotionally, it’s best to seek for forgiveness.

Matthew 6:12 (TPT)
“Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us.”

When Jesus, the reason for the season, was teaching his disciples how to pray during his earthly ministry, He talked about forgiveness.

Whenever we wrong Him, we seek for His forgiveness. And in His infinite love, He forgives us. Likewise should we forgive others.

Matthew 6:14 (TPT)
“And when you pray, make sure you forgive the faults of others, so that, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.”

Matthew 6:15 (TPT)
“But if you withhold forgiveness from others, your Father withholds forgiveness from you.”

It is not always easy to forgive. You might have been hurt severely by people you never imagined would wrong you, yet, there is no strength in offense.

You have to let go of the memories of pain and hurt, if you must enjoy inner peace and tranquility.

Ephesians 4:32 (TPT)
“But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.”

As you read this, pause for a moment to reflect on the things God has done for you. Ponder on the things Christ went through for your sake. That is the essence of Christmas.

Jesus forgave you even before you sought for His forgiveness.

Let his love saturate your heart.

You will make Jesus happy this season by forgiving everyone who wronged you, and asking for forgiveness from thoseyou have wronged. Let it be your Gift to Jesus.

By the Grace of God, one ought to always forgive, but on no account should you do wrong to someone repeatedly and intentionally because you know that you will be forgiven. God forbids it!

 

Colossians 3:12-14 (TPT)

12. You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

13. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. 

14. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

Do you know that one of the ways to show love towards people is by forgiveness?

Yes! It is one of the ways to show love.

Similarly, the best way to show love to yourself is forgiveness.

You get burdens off your heart, peace and tranquility into your soul, and joy into your disposition.

Luke 11:28 (TPT)
‘Yes,” said Jesus. “But God will bless all who listen to the word of God and carefully obey everything they hear.”

John 14:21 (TPT)
Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you.”

John 14:23 (TPT)
Jesus replied, “Loving me empowers you to obey my word. And my Father will love you so deeply that we will come to you and make you our dwelling place.

Love for Christ is proven and demonstrated by our obedience to all that he says.

He has commanded that you should forgive. In love and obedience to His commands, forgive and make peace with all men.

It will be so lovely is you say merry Christmas to people with love in your heart, with a free and sound mind towards them.

Merry Christmas in advance.

Scripture credit: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Written by:
Ejiofor Chidimma Blessing

Christmas

Gleaning from The Visit of The Magi – Charles Spurgeon

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Matthew 2:2 ‘“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.


Matthew 2:11: “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.“

In reference to these wise men from the east, there was for their search after Christ “a declared motive.”

“Where is He,” they said, “We have come to worship him!”

Oh, dear soul, if you seek for Christ, let it be your motive that you will be saved by Him, and that henceforth and forever you may live to His glory.

When it comes to this, that you don’t listen to the gospel merely as a habit, but because you long to receive its promised salvation, it will not be long before you will find it.

When a man says, I am going to church today to hear the Word of God preached, and my heart’s desire is that God will grant me His salvation,” then he will not go there in vain. When a hearer can declare, “As soon as I take my seat in the congregation, my one thought is, “Lord, bless my soul this day?” he won’t be disappointed.

Usually in going to church we get what we came for. Some come because it is a habit, some to meet a friend, some don’t even know why; but when you know what you come for, the Lord who gave you the desire will gratify it.

I was pleased with the word of a dear sister this morning when I came in the church; she said to me, “My dear sir, my soul is very hungry this morning. May the Lord give you bread for me.”

I believe that food is being given to her. When a sinner is very hungry for Christ, Christ is very near to him.

The worst of it is, many of you don’t come to find Jesus, it is not Him you are seeking for; if you were seeking for Him, He would soon appear to you.

A young woman was asked during a revival, “How is it that you have not found Christ?” “Sir,” she said, “I think it is because I have not been looking for Him.” It is true.

None will be able to say in the end, if I haven’t found Jesus, it must be because He has not been devoutly, earnestly, relentlessly sought, for His promise is, “Seek, and you will find.”

These wise men are to us a model in many things–their motive was clear to them, and they frankly acknowledged it to others. May all of us seek Jesus that we may worship Him.

Continuously there was an intense earnestness displayed by the wise men, which we would delight to see in any who as yet have not believed in Jesus.

Evidently they were not just curiosity seekers. They came a long way, they suffered a lot of fatigue, they spoke about finding the newborn King in a practical, common sense way; they were not put off with this rebuff or that; they desired to find Him, and they would find Him.

It is most blessed to see the work of the Spirit in men’s heart motivating them to long for the Savior to be their Lord and King; and to so long for Him that they will not accept defeat, thus they will leave no stone unturned, but by the Holy Spirit’s help, they will be able to eventually say, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote–Jesus, and He has become our salvation.”

After worshipping, the wise men presented “their gifts.”

One opened his box of gold, and laid it at the feet of the newborn King. Another presented frankincense–one of the precious products of the country from which they came; and another laid myrrh at the Redeemer’s feet; all these they gave to prove the truth of their worship.

They gave substantial offerings. And now, after you have worshipped Christ in your soul, and seen Him with the eye of faith, give Him yourself, give Him your heart, give Him all that you are and own.

Why, you will not be able to keep from doing it. He who really loves the Savior in his heart, cannot help devoting to Him his life, his strength, his all.

With some people, when they give Christ anything, or do anything for Him, it is very difficult and somewhat forced.

They say, “The love of Christ ought to compel us.” I don’t know of any such text as that in the Bible, however, I do remember one text that says, “Christ’s love compels us.”

If it does not compel us, it is because it is not in us. It is not merely a thing which ought to be, it must be. If any man loves Christ, he will soon be finding ways and means of proving his love by his sacrifices.

Go home, Mary, and get the alabaster box, and poor the ointment on His head, and if any say, “Why this waste?” you will have a good answer, you have had many sins forgiven by Him, and therefore you love Him greatly.

If you have gold, then give it; if you have frankincense, then give it; if you have myrrh, then give it to Jesus; if you don’t have any of these things, give Him your love, all of your love, and that will be gold and spices all in one; give Him your tongue, speak of Him; give Him your hands, work for Him; give Him your whole self. I know you will, for He loved you, and gave Himself for you.


Charles Haddon Spurgeon
________

God Bless You

Have a Merry Christmas! ❣️

Christmas

Gleaning from The Magi’s Journey

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Matthew 2:1: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem”

Matthew 2:2: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.“




The Magi’s Victory to Jesus is one of the most popular Christmas stories ever told. Due to its commonness and frequent retelling, one might lose the lessons God in the story, which made the writer include it in his book.

There are several lessons which we can learn from the Magi’s story. I will be highlighting only a few, which I feel, are needed in a time as this.

I would to God, that you take time out to study the events relating to the Conception and birth of Jesus, in your private hour.



GLEANING FROM THE MAGI’S STORY

PERSEVERANCE:


In the first verse, we are told that these men came all the way from The East, unto Jerusalem. In the Bible days, the East was used to refer to countries like Saudi Arabia, Persia (present day Iran) and Babylon.

These men travelled all the way from one of these places, on foot, in the desert, seeking to worship an unseen Baby-King.

All they saw was the Star. They did not have the prophecies of the King’s birth like the Scribes. They were not Israelites who were desperately in need of a King, to save them from the tyranny of Herod.

But when they saw the star in the sky, they left all they had. They left their businesses, friends and families, and set out to seek the one to whom the star belonged.

They were not satisfied merely gazing at the star. They were not satisfied with merely knowledge of what the star signified. They followed the star in search of the King.

Do not settle for less in your Pursuit of the King. The star was beautiful, glorious and outstanding, but it wasn’t the object of their Worship. It was only a guide to lead them unto the King.

Going to Church. Observing the Sabbath. Observing the communion. These things are significant and unique Christian sacraments which must be taken with utmost sacredness. Yet, you must not end your piety in them.

You must journey from merely going to church out of habit, to going to church out of love for God.

You must journey from merely keeping the Sabbath, to having a personal knowledge of the Lord of the Sabbath.

You must journey from taking the communion with Reverence, to having intimate, reverential relationship with the one whose flesh and blood we feed on at the communion table.

The Wise Men saw the star, and they journeyed to Jerusalem, seeking for the King who had been born.

They went to Jerusalem, because they felt that was where kings were born. But, when they inquired there, they found out that the Israelites had no idea whether a King had been born.

They knew a king would be born. They wanted the King to be born, to deliver them from Herod’s government. But when he was born, none of them were aware of it.

Even when they had the prophecy of Daniel’s weeks to help them know the exact time and location of the King’s birth, they were unaware of his birth.



Isn’t this the plight of many Christians, cry out for God’s move, but when His Move comes, they are caught unawares and unprepared.

But the Unpreparedness and ignorance of the Jews did not quench the zeal of the wise men in finding the king.

The lacklustre service of other saints should not be a reason for you to slack in zeal and fervency.

News of the Magi’s inquiry got to Herod’s palace. He sent for the scholars of the law, and from the scriptures, they were able to tell the exact location of the Newly born King.

No matter how zealous a saint is in pursuing the things of God, he must be careful not to pursue them in ignorance, else we’ll find ourselves before the palace of evil men such as Herod.

We must serve the Lord with knowledge and Understanding. In our walk with Him, His Word must be the lamp to illuminate our darkness; the star to guide us to the King and the anchor to hold unto in the storm.



After hearing from the scholars, the Magi continued on their journey towards the saviour. They never stopped until they found Him and worshipped Him.

May we not be wearied before we step our feet on the finished line!

May we be unrelenting and unflinching until we have accomplished the task the Lord has given us!

The Magi had the option of giving their Gifts to someone to give to the saviour on their behalf.

But their minds were made up.

‘We rest not return until we see the saviour with our own eyes’

May we conform to the perseverance of these wise men.

The Saint must not rest until the day when He sees His King face to face.

He must not stop praying. He must not stop reading his Bible. He must not stop observing the Sabbath. He must not stop giving his offerings and preaching the Gospel, until the day, when He shall meet with the Saviour vis-a-vis.

And even as he is on Earth, he must not settle for anything less than a personal acquaintance with the Lord.



Job 22:21 (NISV) “Get to know God, and you’ll be at peace with him, and then prosperity will come to you.”


___________

Many are celebrating Christmas, but only a few know the CHRIST in the Christmas.

Many are celebrating the Season, but the Lord knows the few who actually know the reason for the season.

As we draw nearer to Christmas, take a personal decision, like those wise men, that from henceforth, you will seek to God with all your heart, your soul and your body.

God bless you.


Merry Christmas!

Christmas

The Reason for the Season

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This year teaches us what Christmas really is.

It teaches us that although we might not have enough to purchase gigantic Christmas trees, and hire Santa Claus, or host a Christmas party; yet, we can celebrate Christmas.

It teaches us that true Christmas celebration goes beyond the melodious hymns, the Christmas gifts, the unparalleled chorals and the nine lessons and carols.

This year’s Christmas teaches us, that true Christmas is a time of appreciation and Thanksgiving.

A Season when we thank God for what He did two thousand years ago. A time when we set our hearts right with God again, and appreciate Him, for coming in the likeness of sinful man, just to take us from sinfulness unto righteousness.

Don’t let the economic situation this year, stop you from celebrating Christmas.

There might be no special feel of Christmas in the air,
But let there be a special feel of Christmas in your heart.

You need not go to a Christmas party to have a splendid Christmas. You can have the greatest Christmas party with the CHRIST in the Christmas, right there in your house!

Let your family be filled with joy, that on this great day years ago, the savior of the whole world was born.

Shout for victory!
Take off the garments of mourning and rejoice.
Walk around your neighborhood, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Preach the Gospel. Educate your friends and loved ones on the significance of Christmas.

Let it be a Christmas with a difference.

Let’s love ourselves, just as Christ has loved us.

He made us Heir of His kingdom to show the extent to which He loves us.

Christmas is always a special season in the life of every true child of God.

Do not be carried away by the festivities that surround the season. Ensure you do not lose sight of the true reason for the season.


Our Lord Jesus is the reason for this season. Give him all of your heart.
Reach out for lost souls, and bring them to the kingdom.
Stretch forth your helping hand to the needy.
Help the poor.

Let this Christmas be the best Christmas ever.


We pray that God will give you the fortitude to bear the losses you have incurred this season.

We pray that He blesses you with the wisdom and direction needed for total recovery.

We pray that His love and peace and joy overshadows you, and keep your heart strong.

We pray that right there where you are, He gives you a Christmas miracle.

Amen.

Merry Christmas 😊😁

Christmas

THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS

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Christmas is a time to think and meditate on God’s unending Love for mankind shown by giving His Only Son to die for us.

Christmas is a time to ponder on the birth of Christ and his eminent death on the cross.

Christmas is a time of surrender. It is a time to examine your relationship with him. It is a time to reflect on your spiritual state as a believer.

It is a time to reflect on your Christian profession and your current spiritual experience.

The season of Christmas is also a time to renew our spirituality and prepare as the day of his second coming draws near.

Henceforth, till He comes,

Watch your conversation;

Colossians 4:6
“Let your words always be with grace, loving, lifting and encouraging“

Watch against besetting sins and careless moments

Hebrews 12:1
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”


Forgive

Never allow any root of bitterness spring up in your heart (Hebrews 12:15)

Finally;

Keep pressing forward even as we anticipate the new year.

God bless you.


©Nkemjoy

Christmas, GENERAL

A Christmas Story: From The Physics Lab

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Matthew 2:1-2, 9

“”In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

…When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

THE SUN is a star. It’s a small star. Many stars we see in the sky are many times larger than the sun. They are just so far away. Other stars are roughly of equal size with the sun, some are smaller.

In much the same way, some stars are much brighter than the sun, emitting far more dazzling light, while others are dimmer.

The light from the sun takes 8 minutes to get to the earth. Light is the fastest known traveller. It travels 300 million metres every second. All lights have this speed.

Traveling at this speed, light from the sun covers a distance of 150 million km in 8 minutes.

NASA’s spacecraft embarked on a journey to Pluto in 2006, traveling at 60,000km/hr; it took it 9 years to arrive there in 2015. If it was journeying to the sun, it would have taken it 78,000 years!

Think about that.

Your sports car at 200 km/hr that will go from Lagos to Ibadan in 40 minutes, if there is no traffic hold-up; but if it were to get to the sun, that will be some 24 million years!

Light does the distance in 8 minutes.

THIS MEANS THAT light leaving the sun at this moment, would reach you in 8 minutes. And the light hitting your eye now, left the sun 8 minutes ago. THIS MEANS THAT: NO ONE SEES THE SUN AS IT IS, EVERYONE SEES IT AS IT WAS 8 MINUTES AGO. I read this in a geology or an astronomy text in my secondary school library. It was quite fascinating.

Going a little farther- after the sun, the star nearest the earth, is the PROXIMA CENTAURI. This star is 4 light years away from the earth. This means that just as light from the sun takes 8 minutes to get here, light from the Centauri takes 4 years to get here.

That’s an astounding 40 trillion kilometres, but only 4 light years. If you see the Centauri tonight, the image reaching you was produced 4 years ago in 2013, and is just arriving today, at the speed of light. You are seeing it as it was in 2013

SIRIUS is twice as large and as bright as the sun. It’s almost 9 light years away. Putting kilometres and sport cars aside, if you see the Sirius tonight, we’d be seeing an image 9 years old.

When therefore you see the Centauri, the Sirius, and the Epison Indi (12 light years) in the night sky, one image is from 2013, one from 2008, and the third from 2005.

The Sirius Star

There are 45 stars within 17 light years of the earth, bringing us images from the past 17 years. What is more?

We have at least 200 billion stars in our galaxy, several tens to hundreds of light years away, many of which are visible from the earth with the unaided eye, on a clear starlit night sky.

The Deneb for instance is one of the farthest stars in our galaxy that can be seen with the unaided eye. It is said to 200 times larger, 200,000 times brighter than our sun, and about 1400 light years away.

If you see the Deneb tonight, you’re looking 1400 years into the past at an image from the 7th Century! Stars in the sky are a time map.

The light from those stars reaching your eyes are coming from very different distances and from very different times. You are seeing images from different generations and different eras.

NOW, IN GENESIS 22:17, WHEN GOD preached the gospel to Abraham, when he showed him the stars and said to him ‘so shall your seed be!’; God was showing him his descendants shining from different times.

The sky was like a mirror. Whereas normally, it shows time spreading back over days and years and centuries; God was showing the man stars in a time sequence spread forward over centuries.

He said ‘Abraham look, that star 45 years from now is Jacob, and that star 430 years from now- is Moses, rising from the backside of the desert to Mount Horeb; look, that one 600 years from now is Debbie, arising a mother in Israel…and that over there is David rising 700 years from the head of Goliath to the throne of Israel.

That is Daniel, that’s James, Martha, Paul, Apollos, Lydia, John, Augustine, Luther, Wesley, Ajayi Crowther, Parham, Elton, Cho,… He showed Abraham all these stars shining in their generations.

THEN GOD SHOWED Abraham the Source of the light. He showed Him the true Light, that gave light to other stars. (John 1:9)

He showed Him the Daystar. This Star is different from other stars (1 Corinthians 15:41) Every star shining in the sky, is shining because of the Daystar. They emit some light, but He will bring the morning. He will bring the Day.

John 8:56
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.“

LITTLE WONDER the wise men saw a star in the sky when Christ was born which led them to him (Matt 2:2,9). They were not the first to see it though. Balaam saw it hundreds of years before that time (Num 24:17). It had always been in the sky. And God showed it to Abraham that night too.

Galatians 3:16
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.
Galatians 3:29
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

God said to Abraham – He is the CHRIST, whose goings have been from everlasting, arising from Bethlehem Ephrathah, of Judah (Micah 5:2), lifted onto the Cross, whose circuit extends to the lower parts of the earth, and the third day shall rise, and afterwards you ascend Lord of all. This is the Star that gives all others light and causes them to rise.

THAT STAR entered into earth’s orbit 2000 years ago, terrified and defeated the rule and dominion of Night, and birthed the kingdom of Light in the realms of men. He is coming again with the fullness of Day, to forever destroy the Night.

This is the essence of Christmas.

So many have lived for and served God, with the beautiful hope of heaven, whose names are not in our history books- unnamed and unsung. Nevertheless, because of Christ, God knows their names, and their lives shine before Him with great brightness.

2 Corinthians 4:6

“for God who commanded THE LIGHT to shine out of darkness has shone in our hearts the light of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus. Psalm 147:4 says ‘He telleth the number of the stars; HE CALLETH THEM ALL, BY THEIR NAMES. Their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

When He showed Abraham that night- if you are Christ’s- Your star was also there. Your light has come, and the glory of God is risen up on you.

His name is Jesus, Christ; the Son of the living God.

Arise.

SHINE!

Merry Christmas.