This is a Digitized Sky Survey image of the oldest star with a well-determined age in our galaxy. The aging star, cataloged as HD 140283, lies 190.1 light-years away. The Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO) UK Schmidt telescope photographed the star in blue light. Credit: Digitized Sky Survey (DSS), STScI/AURA, Palomar/Caltech, and UKSTU/AAO
In Isaiah 14:12, Lucifer is described as a morning star which has fallen from glory. People might still be attracted to his false promises, yet Lucifer’s hold over the world can only lead to sin and death. His reign is darkness.
As a New Heaven and New Earth are established at the end of time, Jesus claims for himself the title of morning star in Revelation 22:16. Yet, Jesus didn’t fall as Lucifer did. He lowered himself to come to this world in human form. He did so to save us from sin and death because he loves us. In the end, only God’s light will shine. Jesus is the light.
Today as Lucifer’s power continues to decline, Jesus’ light is only really beginning to dawn. Yet through the imagery and promises of the Book of Revelation, we learn how the story ends. Jesus will have total victory over all darkness. We who hold onto him through faith will be saved. In that loving light, we should not be afraid of the future – whatever it holds – for Jesus’ love holds our present and future. His light seeks to enfold and protect us into eternity.
When we think of the infant Jesus at Christmas, we usually imagine heartwarming images. We don’t often think of this cosmic struggle which surrounds us day after day. Yet the Bible speaks plainly teaching us that although Jesus has won the war through his resurrection, the powers of evil afflict us still. The battle continues until the day Jesus comes in glory, but don’t give up hope. God is at work. Jesus proves to be the promised Emmanuel, God with us.
Yes, the nativity of Christ is only part of a greater story; a story that touches and has the power to transform our days. Jesus invites us to surrender to that power – to trust in him alone – so that his love, light and life may dawn through our lives. While we wait for the fullness of dawn, we are to reflect his light; sharing our hope with the world.
Through our faith and baptism, we have become children of the light. We are claimed to be part of a sacred story overflowing with Christ’s light and love. So amidst dark times, live boldly and generously. Walk on in peace. Most of all, do not be afraid. The darkness has no lasting hold over us. For we who have faith have a spark of the Morning Star burning in our hearts. Whatever happens, the Light has come to lead us home. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Originally published in Messiah Lutheran’s newsletter, The Messenger (December 2018/January 2019 edition).
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
© 2018 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
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