The Star Still Shines
By Bill Shepard
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy!”
Matthew 2:10 JKV
More than two thousand years later, the star that shone over Bethlehem still shines, and people still rejoice with great joy! Over the region where the star first appeared, dark war clouds overshadow the land, while here in America, voices are being heard in protest to the word Christmas.
Thank God, the star still shines just as it did on that wintry night centuries ago. It shines in spite of the skeptics and warmongers; it shines in spite of those who would snuff it out. It shines to lighten the path that leads to “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all mankind.”
Yes, it shines, and as long as there is a sky above us, the star will continue to shine. Wise men shall see it, follow it, embrace it, and in the end, it will lead to Peace on Earth!
Only God can make a star, and only God can blot it out!
Evil men, since the days of Herod, have tried to erase God’s star and all that it stands for, but all their evil scheming has failed and they shall continue to do so.
Men through the ages have mocked Christmas and crucified afresh the One for which it stands, but the star of Bethlehem still shines! Men may laugh, sneer at it, deny it, but it will be shining long after their efforts have ceased.
On this Christmas night, the star will shine over a darkened world and a million children and old folk alike will gaze upon its light and rejoice. More than a million housetops, and a thousand dark streets, in villages, towns and hamlets, the star will shine. Its light will be reflected in the eyes of little children, and the light’s hope will still the fears in the hearts of the aged and lonely. Let us all join with the songwriter and sing, “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on, and on, and on!”
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east of Jerusalem, saying, “where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1 – 2 KJV
Merry Christmas
Mr. Shepard is a native of Darlington, S.C., and a current resident of Piedmont, S.C. and author of “Mill Town Boy” and “Bruised”. He has been sharing his tales of growing up in Darlington for decades, and we are delighted to share them each week.
His mailing address for cards and letters is: Bill Shepard 324 Sunny Lane, Piedmont, S.C., 29673
