The Message of the Christmas Light

Deutsch English

The Advent and Christmas season is marked by many lights: The shopping streets shine. The living room shines. Everywhere it is bright. Especially during the Christmas season, when people are surrounded by excessive brightness, many feel a longing to get to know what is true and real.

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 2 Peter 1:19 (ESV)


1. The prophetic word a light

The fulfilled prophecy is the proof of the truth of God's word. Long before it occurred, prophets foretold what human insight could never have foreseen or predicted. 

Thus, the prophet Balaam from afar sees the star rise. He sees it as a ruler who will come much later, according to Numbers 24:17.

Isaiah sees Israel in overwhelming darkness, but he says that the time of darkness and hopelessness will come to an end, and announces a great light that shines brightly over those who are without hope.

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. Isaiah 9:1 (ESV)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

2. Fulfilled Prophecy in the Light of God

The coming king is often called the bright morning star – or great light – by the prophets. The star mainly points to the person, while the light is more about his impact.

When Christ was born, God's light shone around the shepherds at night. An angel of God brought them the message unmistakably:

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11 (ESV)

In the midst of the overwhelming darkness, the light of hope seems to shine. The long-awaited Savior has appeared with power. Now the shepherds were surrounded by countless angels praising God. They brought the message of peace.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:14 (ESV)

No founder of any religion has been praised by the angels of God from heaven as much as Jesus, or had the message proclaimed: Today the long-awaited Savior has come into the world. He is and remains the only Savior of the world. Only those who follow the bright morning star find the light and know the star that brings peace. The Bible provides guidance:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9b-11 (ESV)

The astronomers studied the ancient writings and read the following: I see someone in the distance. He is not here yet, but I can already recognize him. A star rises from the descendants of Jacob!” According Numbers 24

They followed the rising morning star and found the true light of God – in Jesus Christ – who now became their Savior.

3. Jesus, the great light of the world

Jesus began his work on Earth out of love for all people. He loved them to the very end:

• healed those born blind, gave them sight
• searched for the lost and brought them to safety
• gave the thirsty the water of life (Jacob's well)
• helped widows and orphans obtain their rights.

But the main purpose of his work was that the rising morning star brings light into our hearts.

From Moses to Revelation, Jesus Christ is the bright light – the bright morning star – the light that shines in the darkness and gives clarity, until he shines in our hearts as the bright morning star. Light in abundance! That is what I sincerely wish for us.

Author: Egon Waechter
AI-Images: https://www.bing.com/images/create