Scripture for Today: II Peter 1:19 “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”

This star of Bethlehem is called a Moravian star. It began as a simple craft project by a geometry teacher in Germany back in the 1830’s. He was teaching a polyhedron design to his students and illustrated it with this paper and glue star. It was eventually adopted by the Moravian Church to represent the star of Bethlehem. The first documented Christmas tree at Williamsburg, Virginia used this star to decorate its branches in 1842.

Today’s verse speaks of a star that far outshines any other. It is the “morning star” and appears when the day is dawning. It signals to all that the dark night is finished. This is a star that arises, not in the heavens but in hearts. God’s prophetic Word is the shining lamp that points us to the coming dawn and to this life-giving Star. Jesus himself is identified as this morning star. (Rev. 22:16) How appropriate it was then, that Christ’s birth was heralded by a guiding star.

Until the dawn arrives, I continue to live in a dark world. But this Star gives me hope in an increasingly somber world where evil seems to have the upper hand. However, the darkness cannot overwhelm this “Light of the world.” (John 8:12) His light and presence warms my heart and assures me of the coming dawn. And one day, there will be no need for stars (or sun and moon) as His presence will be all the Light I need! (Rev. 21:23)

Thank you Lord, that soon there will be no more night.