December 21, 2020
The “Christmas Star” will shine in all its brilliance tonight—December 21st. Have you been following this story? NASA reports (see link below) that the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn will bring them closer to one another than they’ve been in the last 800 years. So close, in fact, that from our skies they will appear to be touching, creating one glorious star. As this is occurring so close to December 25th, many are calling it the “Christmas Star.”
I find it deeply comforting that at the end of this challenging year God would hang a reminder in the sky that Emmanuel, God-With-Us, is still with us! In a year filled with much darkness God says to us, “I am still the True Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9, NASB). How like God to give us exactly what we need at the moment we need it most.
But He doesn’t stop there. Our divine Gift Giver, Who is Himself the Gift, promises us that “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12, NASB).
We are His children and we are loved to a degree that is beyond our comprehension. We desperately need reminding of this truth—for an enemy skillfully seeks to steal it from us. He cannot stop God from loving us so he works with all cunning to have us believe that God’s love is conditional. The Accuser points out our many failures and tells us we’re hopeless. Consumed with shame—we believe the lies. And in believing them we accept them as truth.
So, let me speak this truth over you today: God says to you, “I love you with an everlasting love. . . . with lovingkindness I have drawn you to Myself . . . you are Mine!” (Jeremiah 31:3, NASB).
May His Light shine truth and beauty, comfort and strength, joy and gladness, into your life today and always!
Pastor Karen