Divine Light? 

     The star of Bethlehem. What was it? Closer to Christmas, we read again the awesome experience of the shepherds outside Bethlehem.

     Writer Lynn Vincent: "Divine light marks the intersection of heaven and earth (John 1:9, 8:1:  2 Corinthians 4:6). Luke's account of Christ's birth does not record heavenly light, but God's Shekinah glory, found many times in Scripture. God's glory 'shone around' the shepherds, and angels came around them. 

     "When the Star of Bethlehem appeared in the night sky, it was unique in history: a divine heavenly light announcing the event. 

     "Until Christ, there was 'none righteous, not one' - Romans 3:10-12.

     "Perhaps the star was a glimpse of the hidden light - 'Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.'" 

Commentary: The New Testament applies these verses to Jesus' ministry in Galilee. "...the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" - Matthew 4:16-17