Read Revelation 8:6 through 11:19
On Christmas Eve, you’ve very likely heard or read the story again. The one about the wise men from the East who followed the star to find the Christ Child. It’s a benevolent image that blends perfectly with the other elements of the Christmas story. Peace on earth. Good will to men. A gently twinkling star in the cool of the night leading a procession of men and beasts across vast distances to find the One born to save the world.
The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water (Revelation 8:10).
Revelation’s wormwood creates a very different image. It embodies an expression of divine judgment, destruction, and chaos.
Taken together, these two stars repeat a message found throughout the Bible. Every one of us is given the opportunity to follow the example of the wise men and follow God’s leading to Christ. But so many of us make a different choice. This world’s selfish pleasures pull our attention away from the Babe in the manger. But if that distraction proves permanent, wormwood awaits.
Thought For Today:
Which star are you following?
(c) by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri, 65802