The "STAR" of Christmas: JESUS!

             Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s aged to perfection!

            As we dig into the prophecy found in the Old Testament regarding the coming of Jesus, we find references to the “star”, to the “light of the world”.  One such passage is found in Numbers 24:17 where Balaam says: “ look into the future, And I see the nation of Israel. A king, like a bright star, will arise in that nation. Like a comet he will come from Israel.” (Good News Translation)

            That “bright star” refers to the coming Messiah.  Keep in mind that the book of Numbers was written between 1450-1410 BC.  It was probably this prophecy that convinced the Magi to travel to Israel to search for the baby Jesus (Matt. 2:1-2).

            I find it so interesting (and SO LIKE GOD) that he chose to use Balaam to prophesy in this way.  You see, Balaam was a sorcerer.  Do you know what that is?  A sorcerer is one who claims to have magic powers; a wizard! Sorcery  is clearly condemned in the Bible. So it seems strange that God would use this particular person to foretell of the coming Messiah.

             As I thought about this, I realized that God can use ANYTHING or ANYONE to accomplish His plans!  Even those who do not even know they are being an instrument of God can be used as part of His ultimate sovereign plan for good.  How ‘bout that for some sweet Christmas JOY?!

            Look for the “star” of Christmas.  Jesus is His name and truly He is THE ultimate Christmas Light!