Scripture Reading: Isaiah
60:1-6
Anyone who has been to the
Portsmouth seawall, has likely visited the famous Hog Island Fresnel
Lens. Those who crafted this particular type of light were able to
use much lighter materials and thinner surfaces to produce a more
penetrating and far-reaching light.
In recent years, I have
encountered many people who wonder at the value of the Old Testament,
for which I have always had a special love. To me, it's pages are
not only as God-breathed and inspired as the New Testament, but they
also present an amazing parade of signs, prophecies, and promises.
This parade doesn't end with Santa Clause, but with a baby in a
manger.
The Old Testament is a
Fresnel lens. As a whole, it's subject matter is heavy, but seen in
lighter, more individual layers, it works together to shine a
tremendous light. The wisdom of the Old Testament was lighting the
way, even when the coming of Christ was as distant as the North Star,
twinkling over the winter sky's horizon.
The Star is, perhaps, one
of the most iconic symbols of Christmas that we know. The Star of
Christmas was first prophesied in Numbers 24:17. In this passage,
the evil King Balaak had hired the prophet-for-rent, Balaam, to
curse the children of Israel. Four times Balaam tried. Each time
God's Spirit overtook him and caused him to offer a blessing instead.
The third blessing included this utterance—the first mention of
the Star: “I shall see him, but not now. I shall behold him, but
not nigh. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall
rise out of Israel.”
The word “star” in this
verse comes from the Hebrew “Kowkab” and implies blistering
penetration. In its figurative form, it means “Prince.” As
truly as the star led the wise men to the Christ child—the Prince
of Peace—that same Christ child would bring a blistering
penetration to the sinful hearts of men and offer them a cure through
His death and resurrection.
This Christmas season, I
pray these advent studies will bless your heart and deepen your
appreciation for the gift of God's Word, as well as the gift of the
Christ child. Our devotions will take us on a journey through the
Old Testament. We will begin with the promise of a redeemer, and
come finally to the manger, where the promise was kept. Amidst the
darkness of the first sins, God provided a light of hope—promising
Adam and Eve that they would see Him, though not now; that they would
behold Him, though He was not yet near.
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