December 22nd by Lynn Rubright
V 9 When they heard the king (Herod), the Wise Men departed from their meeting; and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, til it came and stood over where the young child was.
V 10 When they (The Wise Men) saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Mathew 2: verses 9 and 10 (KJV)
There is controversy as to just what the STAR was that the Magi followed for months that led them to Bethlehem. Was it a brilliant comet with a tail; a supernova; a supernatural event; an alignment of planets predicted hundreds of years before Christ was born by ancient astrologer/astronomers? No one knows for sure.
The light in the night sky may even have been obscured temporarily while the Magi met with Herod in a secret meeting telling him of a holy child they were seeking in the region. But when the Magi continued their journey to find the holy child they sought, once again the star appeared leading them toward Bethlehem. They were exuberant, delighted, perhaps even praising, and singing. “They rejoiced with exceeding great joy”.
When we “see the light” something dawns upon us. Our hearts, souls, minds, and eyes open in a new way. LO and BEHOLD! A light appears in the darkness of our spirits. We breathe in and Let Go. Glimmers (or even a flood) of peace and hope return dispelling our fear and anxiety.
Long ago when attending a Christmas Eve service, the sanctuary suddenly went dark. I was startled, even a bit anxious, until the preacher lit a candle. Everyone focused on the tiny glow of light as he lit the candles of two deacons standing next to him. Then one by one candles were lit among us. As we held our candles high, the church glowed.
It is why each year during advent we “rejoice with exceeding great joy” when LO! the Star of Bethlehem once again guides us to the baby Jesus, reminding us that the Christ light of hope has come into the world waiting to enter our hearts.