twinkle -
twinkle -
One of my favorite symbols at Christmas time is the star. It’s just a small mention in the gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus, yet it was the celestial pointer that led seekers of HOPE to the scene where He’d entered our world, the promise fulfilled - the waiting finally over!
The twinkle was a sign.
A signal that old promises were about to be kept.
It hinted at the forthcoming blaze of heavenly hosts filling a cold night sky and it prophesied of another Star coming in the future fullness of time.
“ and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9-10
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for … I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star… Surely I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:16, 20
One starry twinkle that pointed to a baby.
And who knew - that the One who arrived under that bright night star, will come again someday as “the bright and morning star”?! The Christmas star directs our hopes to the past and the future.
This same coming that we remember, we anticipate.
And this is what the waiting of advent means for us living on this side of the manger.
He came and He’s coming!
Joy and Hope
arrived and yet to come!
Every twinkle, topping trees, and strung across windows points to this - if we’ll notice.
Every star in our own night sky beams radiant advent hope into our own dimmed waiting - if we’ll look up and see with advent eyes.
Abram’s eyes were directed to stars of promise. In his impossibility, multitude stars filled the sky and the voice of God made a vow. For a future. A hope. Laughter and Joy.