The Bethlehem Star: Bringing Joy This Christmas

This year has been a year like no other; you won’t be hard-pressed to find someone to join you in wishing 2020 “good riddance.” Many once in a lifetime events have occurred, but last night, standing in my driveway with my children gathered round, I held the distinct privilege of enjoying one of 2020’s beautiful gifts.

For the first time in 800 years, the Star of Bethlehem, more commonly known as the Christmas Star, appeared in the twilight skies.  As Jupiter and Saturn converged, creating a brilliantly rare visible conjunction, my heart turned to the millions who still know nothing of the first Christmas and its significance today.

I recently read a thread on Twitter regarding a Muslim’s first introduction to Christmas. Naturally, growing up in a Muslim family, he has never celebrated the holiday. Due to the current pandemic, traveling back home to see his family is simply not feasible. In order to cheer him up, his roommates took up the cause of acquainting him with all things Christmas.

There have been lights, ornaments, gift exchanges, trees, and festive foods. There have been songs, stockings, secret Santas, and ugly sweaters. Every box has been seemingly checked off, every cultural tradition explored and enjoyed. Most would consider this experience a success; it’s 2020, after all. Yet, this Muslim’s holiday journey illustrates the sad reality that some celebrate Christmas without Christ, having all of the trappings and none of the Scriptural truths.

What is Christmas without THE story, though? Is there truly any celebration without Jesus? My mind swirled with these notions as I gazed upon the Christmas Star last night, contemplating the joy of its appearance. To some, it’s a random celestial event, just as Christmas is a mere cultural celebration. To others, its noteworthiness points always and only to Jesus, the true reason for the season.

Once we finished our stargazing extravaganza, I read to my kids from Matthew 2. We imagined the star as it first appeared to the shepherds. We contemplated the Magi being led by its light to the exact location of the Christ.  We joined in their worship of King Jesus. We prayed for those who are not yet following Him, asking the Lord to illumine the path to Him once again.

At Say Hello, we believe that every Muslim must hear the Truth of Jesus. This Christmas, our team joins in prayer that every celebration will point to Jesus. We believe the Lord will send Muslims to join us in our festivities. While they may enjoy the lights and the food alongside us, we pray they would understand what the Magi did so long ago.

“When they {the Magi} saw the star, they were overjoyed.” Matthew 2:10

May the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims also seek Him, and in turn, be overjoyed this Christmas.