IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL STAR...

IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL STAR, Matthew 2:1-12

Charles Wesley penned: “Let earth and heaven combine, angels and men agree/ To praise in songs divine the incarnate Deity/ Our God contracted to a span, Incomprehensibly made man.”

The birth of Jesus, the very Son of God, is the most significant moment of human history! It was highlighted by God Himself by the appearance of THE STAR! The wise men, part of a caste who studied astronomy and astrology, saw it from the east, and learned it was God pinpointing Jesus’ presence.

1.     JESUS’ STAR WAS VISUAL (2) – “FOR WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR”

This star was the Shekinah Glory, a light, often dazzling, that led Israel through its wilderness wanderings, and now led men to Jesus. Its frequent appearance throughout history was the very presence of God Himself.

2.     JESUS’ STAR WAS PERSONAL (2) – “FOR WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR”

Just as all the Messianic prophecies focused on the coming Christ, so this star miraculously focuses upon Him.

3.     JESUS’ STAR WAS INFORMATIONAL (7) – “HEROD….DETERMINED FROM THEM WHAT TIME THE STAR APPEARED…”

King Herod wanted information from them so he could eliminate a competing King, thereby safeguarding himself and eliminating conflict with Rome.

4.     JESUS’ STAR WAS DIRECTIONAL (9) – “….IT CAME AND STOOD OVER WHERE THE YOUNG CHILD WAS…”

Just as the star indicated the way to Jesus, so Jesus would indicate the way to eternal life. He is “the way, the truth and the life.”

5.     JESUS’ STAR WAS FINAL (9) – “…IT CAME AND STOOD…”

The star led the wise men on their journey to where Christ was. It then “stood” over Him. Today, we must steadfastly insist that this Jesus IS THE ONE. He alone has the words of truth and life.

6.     JESUS’ STAR WAS EMOTIONAL (10) – “THEY REJOICED WITH EXCEEDINGLY GREAT JOY.”

These wise men didn’t know the carol JOY TO THE WORLD, but they sang its meaning just the same.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as, far as the curse is found

-Dr. Dick Christen