Follow the star

Many Christmas trees are topped with a big star. Do you know why?

The star is one of the most popular Christmas symbols because it appeared in the sky at the time of Jesus' birth. This bright sparkler was seen by the wise men, or magi, from the east and followed it.

The Bible does not explain who they were exactly, but most probably they were learned scientists who studied the movements of the planets, sun, and moon.

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As these magi followed the star, they arrived in Judea, which was ruled by King Herod. The magi asked people for directions to the newborn King of Jews so that they could worship Him.  They were told to go to the small town of Bethlehem.

This made Herod very worried and afraid. If these wise men came all the way from the east to worship a King, his throne was in danger. What if this new King of the Jews took his throne away from him?

Herod therefore called for the wise men and asked them to come back after worshipping the new King.  He wanted them to tell him who and where this Baby was so that he, too, might worship him.

It was a lie, of course. All that Herod wanted was to find Jesus and kill Him.

(The rest of the story you already know from the last issue of Big Little People.)

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For hundreds of years now, Christians all over the world have made the star a special décor in their Christmas celebrations. It is to remind us of that day when the King of all kings was born in a lowly manger, only to die on the cross for you and me.

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The star has also become a symbol for fantastic things.

Hitch your wagon to a star.  Always do great things.

Reach for the stars!  Don't settle for second best, excel!

Bless one's stars; bless my stars! Be thankful for something good that happened.

Star of the show. Center of attention; best performer.

You are also given a star or stars in school when you perform or behave well in various subjects or projects, right?

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Then, of course, you all know the song, "When You Wish upon a Star." Here are the most popular stanzas:

When you wish upon a star

Makes no difference who you are

Anything your heart desires

Will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream

No request is too extreme

When you wish upon a star

As dreamers do.

My grandmother would explain this to me:  "This is actually prayer. When anyone prays to Jesus, the Star in our heart, about anything, anything at all, He will listen. And He will give us what He thinks is best for us."

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As you trim or top your Christmas tree with a star, remember the true Star, the One whom the wise men worshipped: the King of the Jews, the King of all men, the Reason for celebrating Christmas.

You may get in touch with me through my blogsite: www.leavesofgrace.blogspot.com, or email me at: [email protected].