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Christmas Traditions
The Star of Bethlehem
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Star, (Latin: aster) was
significant in the birth of Christ, (of which we celebrate on
Christmas Day, December 25th, of each year.) The actual month or day
of Christ’s birth is not recorded but many events are noted that
took place on that special day and time in history.
The Magi, (or ‘Wise Men,’) were told by an Angel, who appeared to
them in the desert, to follow a bright star in the east and they
would come to the birthplace of the Jewish Messiah. They did as they
were advised, and with them, took magnificent gifts for the “King of
all Mankind.”
Now you ask, why did these three Persian Magi listen to the words of
the Angel, and know of this One of which she spoke? Because Christ’s
birth had been both prophesied by the Jewish prophet, Daniel, and
the pagan prophet, Balaam. Daniel was chief court seer in the land
of Persia, (modern day Iran,) and in Daniel 9:24-27 he gives a
timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Balaam was a prophet who in
Numbers 24:17 tells of a “Star” coming out of Jacob, (from the
east.)
Why do Christians still believe in this celestial phenomenon that is
described in Mathew 2:1-12?
1) Because ONLY the Magi were able to see the “Star of Bethlehem”
according to biblical passages that tell of His birth.
2) The “Star” led them straight to Bethlehem, resting over the
stable where baby Jesus lay in swaddling clothes.
3) Celestial bodies move from east to west ordinarily, but in the
case of this brilliant star, it led them south to Bethlehem where
Joseph and Mary welcomed the “Son of God.”
Now if the word Star seems not to fit in the story context of
Christ’s birth, then, I beg you, what does?
What is believed by the Jews, (who denied Christ as being the
Messiah) is that this Star was only a manifestation they refer to
as; Shekinah Glory, which literally means: Dwelling of God or
Visible presence of the Lord.
The most notable reference to Shekinah can be found in Exodus 3:21.
The Shekinah was the pillar of a cloud that led the Isrealites by
day, and a pillar of fire that led them by night. The Shekinah fits
with visual evidence in Mathew 2:1-2 also. It could appear to an
individual or the masses. During Christ’s ministry Shekinah Glory
was used frequently, (e.g. Mathew 17:5, Acts 1:9.) to lead people to
specific locations.
Should we then be surprised that God used this miraculous sign to
lead the three Wise Men to His son’s place of birth? I say, not in
the least…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and mind, and soul, and you
shall not question His miracles.
Written by Granny Tam
Merry Christmas Traditions
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My vote is to have Christmas traditions all year round. You see at
Christmas time most people at least the ones I have met, always change just a
little for the better around Christmas. I do not know whether or not it is the
great yuletide Christmas carols, the festive atmosphere every where you go, or just some
hidden part in all of us that screams out,
( I BELIEVE IN MORE THAN WHAT I SEE AROUND ME. )
You see, somewhere deep down
inside we all believe in something better than we now have or see, and most of
us feel a lot better when we help someone. Whether the person is in need or not, this feeling
is what I call the feeling of Christmas, and we all should strive to feel this way all year long.
"TREAT ALL OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM TREAT YOU"
"Merry Christmas"
Enhance your Christmas, with
Christmas poems and stories highlighted with your favorite Christmas carols.
Christmas traditions are fast becoming a family way of life.
Poems are a simple way of inspiring others to join in on the Christmas
traditions that love and poems can bring to this Christmas holiday.
Christmas Traditions of Joy,
both big and small
so precious from the start,
are moments to recall
and treasure in the heart.
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