The news is all abuzz about a planet that has just been "discovered." According to a December 6, 2011 article in the International Business Times online edition, "NASA's planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft has confirmed the existence of a planet that is 600 light years away that could possibly have water on its surface."
In my humble opinion, that's a lot to deduce from a blip in the telescope, but nevertheless, it has caused a great stir. (Want to read more? See the full article here). Astronomers have been looking to the heavens for millenia to find answers to life. It's nothing new.
In my humble opinion, that's a lot to deduce from a blip in the telescope, but nevertheless, it has caused a great stir. (Want to read more? See the full article here). Astronomers have been looking to the heavens for millenia to find answers to life. It's nothing new.
In the Bible, we read of men of great importance who were searching the skies for answers as well. The wanted to know when The Deliverer was going to arrive. One night when looking into the heavens, they saw a "new" star. In this case, though, it was completely new and could only be understood be as a direct, supernatural revelation from the God of creation who was pointing a world to redemption. At least to those who were watching. Now, we know there were astronomers scanning the stars because of this account preserved for us in the Bible:
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2 (HCSB)
They weren't just looking for life, but the Lord of life. This was to be the One who was entering human history bringing life and love and redemption. These wise men knew it, but how sad that many did not see the importance of this event. It seems as if people were so busy with their own little existence, they didn't notice the world-changing event that was taking place just a few miles from where they lived. God had put on a cosmic show that has probably never been matched to let the world know that He had put on human flesh and came to live with mankind (For more, see Philippians 2:5-11).
We have a distinct advantage when compared to those in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. We know about Jesus. We know...
- where He was born (Bethlehem in Judea),
- when He was born (we split time because of His birth), and
- how He was born (of a virgin in a manger).
So with that in mind, here's the challenge for us all. As we celebrate His birth, this Christmas, let's remember it's His birthday. Let's clear our lives for Him. It's what John the Baptist told us to do from the very beginning of Jesus' ministry, "Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!" (Luke 3:4, HCSB). That simply means to get yourself ready for the Lord Jesus.
How can you do that this Christmas? I think it's simple. Clear your claim to:
- your calendar
- your committments
- your companions
- your capitol
Let the Lord truly make a difference in your life as you pray and work and give in order for Him to impact the lives of those who are hurting and needy. You can do that as we plan to give to our Christmas offering this year on Christmas day. This is how we can directly impact our world with our gifts this year.
Will you give up a little so many may be changed?
Clearing my agenda,
Pastor Trey Rhodes
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