Stars and Angels

Sure, Christmas trees are covered with them.  But they’re more than just pretty ornaments: they are indicators of the season.  Afterall, it was a brilliant celestial light and a heavenly host which heralded the nativity of Jesus Christ.  Both shepherds and wise men, the meek  and the mighty, followed and obeyed their guidance – and were rewarded with a promise of salvation for all.

The star, and the magi who followed it, are only mentioned in Matthew’s gospel (see chapter 2).  Scholars and scientists have, for centuries, attempted to validate and verify its existence, but nothing has been proved for certain.  And yet it still serves as a beacon to those who follow the Christ today.  It’s bright beam stands for the enduring hope of redemption from sin and suffering, even from death itself.  Isaiah prophesied, “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”  (see chapter 60, verse 3)

The angelic couriers, delivering God’s message of the dawning of the Savior, spoke one-on-one to Joseph and Mary.  And in a great multitude they broke forth in glorious song to the humble hearts, who were waiting and listening, and ready to follow the happy proclamation.  Those guides from God are still declaring today, the joyous news that mankind is loved.

So, stars and angels foretell a story of majesty and quietude, one which means even more here and now, than it did millennia ago.  Let us learn the lesson of those symbols of Christ’s coming and prove that their prophecy is a present reality: the Messiah is alive and well and living in our hearts.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.