One of the important points of Jesus’ birth is that the star shone so brightly that it attracted the wise men of the East. Today, Christ still wants to be born in the hearts of sinners, but this time we are the star.
According to several historical accounts, the magi were the equivalent of the astrologers of our time. Some writings say that they came from Persia, Greece, Asia; in short, nations that counted among their national elites that type of “scientist” of their time. By reading the stars, they could predict the future or explain facts of the past. Since they were constantly observing the sky, looking for stellar signs, this star attracted them immediately.
That is our God! He has all kinds of ways to get our attention. He attracted the poor (shepherds) as well as the rich (the Magi), the Jews who lived nearby, and the strangers who lived far away. “Peter then said: Now I am certain that God treats all people alike.” (Acts 10.34 CEV) All He needed was a star.
The star was not the answer to their question. The star was only there to guide them to their solution, to their Savior. There was no pressure on this star to convince anyone. Its responsibility was to shine. It’s the same for us. Sometimes we are afraid or intimidated when we hear evangelistic messages. We don’t think we have what it takes to do it. We are afraid to open our mouths. Sadly, sometimes we dare not even display our values, we prefer to conform to the world, not to jostle them and especially, not to be rejected. But that’s not helpful to anyone!
God does not ask you to convince anyone. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” (John 16.7-8 NKJV) It is the Holy Spirit who convicts sinners. Your job is to shine!
Jesus compares his disciples to a light that should not be hidden (Matthew 5.14). We shine by our purity, by our obedience to His Word, by being different from the world. “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12.3 NKJV)
And singles… notice that God did not need several stars to attract the Magi and the shepherds. One star is sufficient to guide sinners to their Savior. Even if you would like to be in a relationship (a totally legitimate desire!), God believes that you have everything you need to shine. When you begin to serve God in this way, when you agree to shine to grow His Kingdom, you will also attract the sights of potential partners, those who also value the message of salvation.