Christmas Devotion - Morning Star

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.
-- Revelation 22:16

In ancient times, the morning star (actually the planet Venus) was thought of as a herald of the new day, signaling the dawn of hope and joy. The brightest object in the sky aside from the sun and moon, it is a fitting description for Jesus, who ushers in a new day for the entire world. When we call on Jesus, the Bright Morning Star, we are calling on the One from whom all darkness flees.

A star also announced the birth of Jesus. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him."...After they had heard the king, they went on their way. and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him.  Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

Just like our bodies need light in order to help us be happy, our souls long for light as well. Maybe that's why the story of Jesus is associated with light from start to finish. A star announced His birth and like the Morning Star, His second coming will usher us into His Kingdom of Light.

Discuss: Jesus says that He is coming soon. In what ways do you think His second coming will be different from His first? What are your feelings toward His second coming...fear, doubt, joy, hope?

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, You are the brightest of all stars. With Your light, chase away the world's darkness and the shadows that linger in my life. Help me to await Your coming with hope and confidence and to long eagerly for the new day that will never end, the day in which Your kingdom will be finally and fully established. In Your name, Amen.

Songs: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, Christmas Star by CiCi Winans

Ornaments: https://biblestoryprintables.com/themed-bible-printables/christmas-bible-printables/names-of-jesus-advent-ornaments/

Craft: Make this beautiful paper star I first learned about in Hungary. Here is a tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVtc_Un2JCk

Service Project Idea:  Create one of these paper stars and give it to a shut-in to brighten their day.