Matthew 2:1-2
Hope is Born in Bethlehem
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Philippians 2:12-16
Do Things Without Grumbling or Arguing
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.
1 Peter 3:15-16
Be Prepared to Answer in Gentleness and Respect
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 2:24
Jesus Bore Our Sins in His Body
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 Timothy 1:15
Paul Admits He is a Sinner
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.
Matthew 9:12-13
Jesus Came Into the World for Sinners
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
John 6:63-69
The Spirit Gives Life
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Luke 18:9-14
A Tax Collector Admits His Sins
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
John 14:27
He Gives Us a Peace Not of This World
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
A Baby was born two thousand years ago, and with Him, hope was born...He was born under a Star near Bethlehem...Wise men sought Him ought when He was born, and later He drew quite a following, when He started with a ministry with Twelve members in His congregation...And the Twelve were very common men...Besides these wise men and His Twelve members of His congregation, many, many others came to know Him and hear of Him -and to follow Him...
When we follow the Star of Bethlehem, we are following the Words of Life...Or as St. Peter said the Words of Eternal Life...St. Paul tells us that we should "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”...Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."...St. Peter says to speak about the holiness of Jesus and do it respectfully and gently among others...People can tell by one's actions that you are a follower of Christ, when you are prepared to show the hope you have in Jesus, and can act upon these Words of Life...His Words are full of Spirit and life...And in each of His Words is this Light, that somehow and in someway gives life...
Following Jesus is not easy...To always be gentle and respectful is not easy...It is also a difficult thing to always be prepared, and to act without grumbling and complaining or arguing...Man is flawed, and we sin...St. Paul admits He is a sinner -and says he is the worst...St. Peter admits that Jesus bore our sins (including his)...Then St. Peter tells us He died on a cross, so that we could become righteous...Jesus pays our sin debt...He paid for our sins on a cross at Golgotha...
This Star of Bethlehem is still alive and with us two thousand years later...He still has many followers...His followers still sin...The Star came and remains a midst the darkness...But He has paid our sin debt on the cross...This Star was born and brought Light to the world...This Star was born and brings us the words of eternal -and life to this world...This Star was born and brought not only eternal life to this world, but also a way and the direction to life...The splendor of this Star of Bethlehem is the Light of the universe...
When I look for God in the darkness, and in this world -I look for the goodness and in the kindness and love for and in others...I look for those comfortable things that make life nice, and makes life easier for me...But God has shone me where to look...He wants me to look at the foot of a cross...He wants me to bend down at this cross, and admit I have sinned and my sins caused His Son's death...And yet, somehow in this uncomfortable place that doesn't feel all that comfortable and easy, I find a peace there...He teaches me that He has mercy and one day I can go home justified before Him...I find hope under this Star...