Be a Star: How Christians Can Point Others to Jesus This Christmas
Christmas is a season of joy and hope, but what makes this joy different from temporary happiness? The answer lies in understanding the true meaning of Christmas cheer and our role as believers in spreading the light of Christ to others.
What Is True Christmas Cheer?
When we think of Christmas cheer, we often picture festive decorations and holiday songs. But the word "cheer" actually means to "shout for joy or in praise or encouragement." This definition reveals something profound: true cheer is rooted in joy, not just happiness.
Unlike happiness, which depends on our circumstances, joy is eternal. It comes from something much deeper - the good news of Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of genuine Christmas cheer that we can share with others.
The Good News That Changes Everything
Understanding the Gospel
The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. God came to earth in human form as Jesus, lived a perfect, sinless life, and then took the punishment that we deserve for our sins. He died on the cross, bearing the weight of every wrong thing we've done, and then conquered death through His resurrection.
This means we have a choice: we can accept this gift and hope for eternity with God, or we can reject it. For those who take it, this is truly something to be in awe of.
Jesus as the Light
John 1:4-5 tells us that "in him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This is the ultimate story of good defeating evil, love overcoming darkness.
Jesus is the light that brings hope. He's the Messiah the Jewish people were waiting for, the Saviour we celebrate at Christmas. He offers us forgiveness and prepares a place for us - all we must do is turn away from our sins and accept Him.
What Can We Learn from the Christmas Star?
The Star's Significance
In Matthew 2:1-3, we read about the wise men who followed a star to find Jesus. This wasn't just any star - it was different, notable, and exciting. The astronomers of the time knew something significant was happening and were drawn to follow it.
The star pointed directly to Jesus. God moved this star to fulfil His purposes, using it as a beacon of hope that would lead people to the Messiah.
Being Attracted to the Light
Just as the wise men were attracted to the star, people should be drawn to the hope that Christians carry. The light in our lives should make us different in a way that attracts others to the hope we have in Jesus.
How Can Christians Be Like the Star?
Point People to Jesus
If you're a Christian, you're called to be like that star - different from those around you, drawing people closer to Jesus. Daniel 12:3 says, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
Practical Ways to Shine
How do we move closer to Jesus and help others do the same? Here are some practical steps:
· Spend time reading the Bible, which serves as "a lamp for my feet and a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105)
· Choose to listen to Christian music and watch content that honours God
· Make conscious choices to honour God even when it's difficult
· Share the gospel with others through your words and actions
· Invite people to hear the good news at events like church services
Don't Hide Your Light
Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us that we are "the light of the world" and shouldn't hide that light under a bushel. Instead, we should let it shine so others can see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Be willing to be different. Don't hide what makes you unique as a Christian. Let your light shine so others can be pointed to God.
What If You're Not a Christian Yet?
Follow the Star
If you don't know Jesus yet, consider following the star as the wise men did. They saw something different and chose to pursue it, even though it wasn't easy. Their journey cost them time and effort and even put their lives at risk when they didn't report back to King Herod as he demanded.
The Choice Before You
Following Jesus isn't always easy, but as Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." While you may face opposition, you can have hope because you trust in a God who is bigger than any problem you face.
If you haven't decided to follow Jesus, you're walking in darkness without that eternal hope. But the good news is that hope is available to you today.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to be a star who points others to Jesus. If you're already a Christian, examine whether people are drawn to the hope you carry. Are you living differently in a way that attracts others to the light of Christ?
Consider these practical steps: choose Christian music over secular stations, watch content that honours God, and look for opportunities to share the gospel or invite someone to hear it. Most importantly, don't hide your light - let it shine so others can see and be pointed to God.
Ask yourself these questions:
· Am I living in a way that draws people to the hope I have in Jesus?
· What small choices can I make this week to move closer to Jesus and help others do the same?
· If I'm not yet a Christian, am I willing to follow the star and explore what it means to have a relationship with Jesus?
· How can I be more intentional about pointing others to the light of the world this Christmas season?