Reading
We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye witnesses of his Majesty……. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until, the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1: 16, 19
Reflection
In many Moravian churches, the fourth Sunday in Advent was known as “Morning Star Sunday." A large multi-pointed paper star would hang from the ceiling of the church and the congregation would sing, “Morning Star, O cheering sight; ere thou camest how dark earth's night! Jesus, mine, in me shine; fill my heart with light divine." Today the service is better known as the Christingle service and is celebrated in many denominations. The Christingle itself is made up of an orange that represents the world; a red ribbon that indicates the blood of Christ; four cocktail sticks bearing dried fruit or sweets to signify the four seasons and the fruits of the earth and a lighted candle that symbolizes Jesus, who brings light to the World.
Jesus, the morning star, is the light of salvation to the world. He is the brightest star seen in the east just before dawn. In this passage the writer encourages his readers to hold on to the old prophecies and Jesus fulfillment of them. He says they are light in a dark and murky place that will be sufficient until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in their hearts. This refers not to the coming of Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem but a second coming, when Jesus will come in glory and majesty. This star signals the end of the night and the dawn of the new day, filling the darkness of our lives and of our world, with light.
Prayer
Lord, lighten our darkness. Let the bright shafts of your love colour our lives. Let us be transformed as the light of the morning star blazes in our hearts, that we may show your light in the dark places of this world. Amen
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