The Star of Bethlehem
Someone once said, “A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar. Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the Hope of all the world was born."
That was a description of the first Christmas and according to Corrie Ten Boom, “Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life."
Mother Teresa made the comment, "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you ... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand."
You see, God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas it is because we can all have the ability to understand and receive it.
That statement came in a Christmas sermon from Pope Francis. Later, a renowned Christian writer, C. S. Lewis, told us, "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God."
The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when He gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.
An old time Baptist minister, John R. Rice noted that, "You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift."
Much has been written about the true meaning of Christmas, and I expect each of you can add to the volumes already written. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is a Christmas carol based on the 1863 poem "Christmas Bells" by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The song tells of the narrator's despair, upon hearing Christmas bells during the American Civil War, that "hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men".
The carol concludes with the bells carrying renewed hope for peace among men. These are the words that bring us all that promise of hope "I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet, the words repeat, Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”
So, what is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future, and that wonderful Dale Evans said, "Christmas, my child, is love in action."
Wilda English, a 20th century writer penned this Christmas Prayer; "God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the “all” of Christmas, which is Christ." And Oren Arnold gave us his; "Christmas gift suggestions: 1. To your enemy, forgiveness. 2. To an opponent, tolerance. 3. To a friend, your heart. 4. To a customer, service. 5. To everyone, charity. 6. To every child, a good example. 7. To yourself, respect." Number 7 is probably the most important, because without self- respect, we would be unable to fulfill the other gifts. And I would add a number 8; To God, thankfulness, because He made all of this possible. So, please keep in mind that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as we enjoy the festivities of the Christmas season and without a doubt, it is the most wonderful time of the year!
The Star of Bethlehem
Pilgrims journeyed back, each to their homeland,
Because of Caesar’s decree,
With no room at the Inn the pilgrims were banned,
Yes, deaf ears fell on their plea.
The pilgrims found a stable dark and forlorn,
The woman was great with child,
In a lowly stable, our Savior was born,
This newborn so meek and mild.
T’was crisp an’ cold with the stars shining bright,
But the brightest shone from afar,
To guide the Wise men in their travels through the night,
A sign from Heaven, that star.
Oh marvelous star, oh heavenly star,
Star that lights the sky with hope,
Guiding three kings bearing gifts from afar,
‘Crost desert dunes and mountain slope.
A guiding light to an amazing scene,
Set in a common stable,
Surrounded with love so great and serene,
Angelic song to enable.
The brilliance of star light guiding those on their way,
Seeking the immaculate birth,
To the manger in a stable where Jesus lay,
A miracle born to this earth.
Watching over the babe was the livestock,
While angels in their glory sang,
Brightness came unto shepherds tending their flock,
As the angel music rang.
Glory to God, peace on this earth, goodwill to men,
Angelic song from afar,
In the City of David, new life to begin,
Heralded by glistening star.
Oh marvelous star, oh heavenly star,
To light the shadows so dim
To guide three kings bearing gifts from afar
Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem!
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Merry Christmas!
God Bless each of you and God Bless America!