In just 5 short years, I will be the age of my father when he was tragically taken from this world all too soon. Just two weeks short of my high school graduation, I desperately sought ways to cope with the loss that left an incredible void in my life and hole in my heart. I worked late into the evenings at the local grocery store. Many times after working well into the night, I would drive to some remote dirt road, pull to the side and park. For hours on end, I would lay on the warm metal of the hood of my car, gazing into the massive galaxy above. Though far from the Lord at the time, I would talk to him, I would cry to him, I would sing to him.
Now, I lay under that same big sky. I gazed at the same stars that the Creator put into position in the beginning of time. The same stars under which I have lay so many times in my life, and once again, I talk to Him, I cry to Him and I sing to Him.
Every few moments a meteor will rain down., coming so close its seems impossible that it does not reach the Earth. Seven layers of atmosphere, approximately 400 miles in thickness, protect this ball of land, water and air that spins in perfect orbit around the sun,which is placed at the exact distance to sustain life. These atmospheric layers protect the Earth from anything that should come hurdling through space. In the mesophere, the meteors encounter friction which causes combustion and essentially evaporating the meteor. Periodically, meteors will survive the fall through all layers and will fall to Earth as meteorites, mercifully small enough to never be noticed. Provision to protect humanity from the possibility of destruction.
John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
It was under this very same sky, over 2000 years ago that the Creator became the Created, entering the world in the lowliest of circumstances, birthed through the very womb that He created. Under these same stars angels appeared to lowly shepherds and kings took notice of the signs in the night sky. Heaven's Glory came to Earth in the form of a helpless infant to make provision for pauper and prince alike. The breath of God entered the Word of God in meager fleshly form to provide the perfect sacrifice to save humanity from eternal desolation.
As Mary lay there under that starry night sky, as she pondered all these things in her heart, did she too look into the vastness of this huge universe of ours and speak to her God? Did she cry out to Him, pleading for another way to save man, other than the sleeping baby boy lying on her breast? Did she still sing her song of praise, "let it be unto me as your have said"? Did God mercifully hide His plan of provision from even the very vessel who gave him human form?
Provision, protection, the one perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of man.
John 1:2 Through Him all things were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light that shines in darkness, but darkness understood it not.
It amazes me how the Holy Spirit will confirm what He has spoken to our hearts. Last night as I lay under that crisp, clear, starry sky, watching as meteors shot across a velvety, black background; thoughts and ideas bombarded my mind and spirit just as those meteors darted across that vast canvas. The need to write it all down was overwhelming. This morning when I awoke, I turned on the television and Jentezen Franklin was on. His sermon today, sometimes the Star Will Lead You to the Stable. Then, during the sermon today at my home church, more confirmation.
Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined
In the beginning pages of every Bible, in chapter one and verse three, God calls forth light. He speaks it into being. "Let there be light" are the first words spoken by God. The sun, moon and stars are placed into their positions on the sixth day and reveal their light as well. In the King James Bible the word light is used 272 times in 235 verses. Light pierced the darkness in those first moments, as the Trinity spoke the universe into existence and the symbolism for the plan of salvation is set into motion.
Throughout the Bible, Jesus is referred as the light, the one to dispel the darkness. He declares himself to be "the light of the world". He is referred to as the lamp stand and the light of salvation. Throughout the Old Testament references are continuously made to light. A burning bush in a desert, a rainbow reflecting its light after forty days of continuous rain and destruction,a pillar of light at night to travel safely by. The glory of the Lord shown as light on Moses' face after he came down from the mountain. All symbolic of the provision for the sin of man, a light to a lost and dying world, lying in a manger underneath a starry sky.
Throughout the Bible, Jesus is referred as the light, the one to dispel the darkness. He declares himself to be "the light of the world". He is referred to as the lamp stand and the light of salvation. Throughout the Old Testament references are continuously made to light. A burning bush in a desert, a rainbow reflecting its light after forty days of continuous rain and destruction,a pillar of light at night to travel safely by. The glory of the Lord shown as light on Moses' face after he came down from the mountain. All symbolic of the provision for the sin of man, a light to a lost and dying world, lying in a manger underneath a starry sky.
It is not uncommon today for parents, friends and family to go to great expense to welcome a new born child into this world. Nurseries are prepared with matching bedding and curtains, walls are decorated with the same theme. There will be bassinets, strollers, bottles, blankets, swings, the list is endless. Photographs are taken before the blessed event to inform family and friends of the impending arrival and thousands of dollars are spent every year to record the first year of life. Before the birth even takes place it is not far fetched to say the wee babe will have already received more gifts than will ever be utilized.
It is my prayer, this last week of advent, that you my friends would come to know Him. Not the sweet little baby that we all think of during this time of year, but the light of the world sent to all mankind. no matter station or status, the savior of us all. The One true king left His heavenly throne to come to Earth in human form. To enter this world as all humankind does. To live as his creation, to die for his creation. Just a helpless infant from the womb of a willing vessel, born under a night sky in the lowliest of places, made just a little lower than the angels who announced his birth. Born the light of the world for shepherds and kings alike, star gazers.
it is my greatest desire for you this Christmas, that the words penned here, will like that star, draw you closer to the stable. Where no longer a new born baby, but a risen Savior awaits to welcome you into His kingdom for all eternity.
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