The Star and the Cross...the Same?

What symbolism! Have you ever looked at the ‘star’ we place on the tree or reflect above the manager scene? Is it a coincidence? Is it a prophetic symbol? 

Yes, I know that the star was the light that shone above, to guide the way. But let’s look closer at the star! Is the shape that of the cross? Does it not only point the way for the wise men and shepherds to follow, but also the life of the Christ Child, for us in the future to follow? 

Wow! How many times have we gazed upon the stars in the sky and all His creation? Are they telling us the story of old? 

The star in the sky, on that Holy Night, reflected the love of God. Not only did He love His Son, but He loved mankind. The light itself was reflecting that love from the heavens to earth, leading the way to the cross. 

The star was brighter than anything the heavens had ever seen. The cross would become,due to sin, the darkest they would ever see, turning the sky black for three hours.  Luke 23 says, "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And the sun was darkened." Man has tried to explain the darkness that fell over the earth, but the time of Jesus crucifixion was at Passover, celebrated at the time of the full moon.  

This star and the cross, both shaped the same, both showing the love of God....through His Son, Jesus. The star gave hope to those who came. They saw the Christ Child, the Promised One, the Messiah. The star shone down from the heavens, leading mankind, showing the way to baby Jesus. 

Then, one fateful day on Calvary, that star became the cross. Yes, it still showed the love of God, through His Son, Jesus. The cross still gives hope to those who come, seeking Jesus. As Jesus hung on the cross, the light of the star took on our sin, turning to darkness. As the life of Jesus ebbed out of Him, so did the light, because of sin. 

The cross leads us back to the light. John 1:4 "In him was life, and the life was the light of men."

The star long ago, shining so brightly, was celebrating the birth, the beginning of salvation for you and me.  The cross, covered with darkness, was the ending of the payment of sin. This brings us back to the light and love of God, for in Him there is no darkness. 

Both symbols the same, yet so different. Did those who looked up in the night sky see a star, or a mere reflection of the cross to come? Either way, let us celebrate them both with the gladness and excitement for the hope that both of them give to us through Jesus! For it is in Him that the only true light can be found!! 

Come Lord Jesus!!

Wishing you all a Merry CHRISTmas!

gs