“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, the were overjoyed.” 

Matthew 29:10

We know very little about this star. The biblical account only refers to it three times, all three of which occur in Matthew 2 and include the Magi. We do know it was unexpected. We know it was a sign. We know its brilliance and supernatural characteristics were such that it directed the Magi to “the place where the child was.” It was a sign marking a celebration.

In Job 38:7, God speaks to Job of the morning stars singing together and the angels shouting for joy as the foundation of the world was laid. Creation and the angels also joined the celebration on the day Jesus was born. A star appeared to mark His birth and thus, creation was a part of the announcement. Creation has been groaning, as has man, since the Fall in the Garden of Eden. But on this day, God used creation to proclaim that redemption and restoration had entered into time.

The pain and difficulty of this life are not what God intended, but sorrow, disappointment, and death are here. God has responded with redemption and restoration. As we’ve said before, that is ultimately why Jesus came and why we celebrate. It is why we sing of joy, hope, peace, and love. It is why we turn on the lights, raise an evergreen tree, which promises life even in the depths of winter when all else appears dead, and throw open the doors and invite others to the celebration. We all know the tragedies of life, even the stresses of the season, are not right. We know something is wrong. Even though our culture has largely lost sight of the reason for the season, at this time of year it collectively hopes that somehow, wrongs will be made right. They want a reason to celebrate. So, help your neighbor enjoy Christmas today. Help a friend find joy in the season. And don’t get lost in the stress yourself. Make sure that you celebrate, too, but do so knowing why you celebrate. As you help your neighbor and friend, look for a way to make sure they know why you celebrate. Like the Magi, declare aloud to someone else today that redemption and restoration have finally arrived in Jesus Christ.
 

Jay W. Hill