Signs in the Heavens

 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;"

Signs in the Heavens

As we contemplate the Word of God, there are several references to "the signs in the heavens," and to be watching for them.

Today we are doing just that . ..

Over 2,000 years ago, when the shepherds were keeping watch in the fields at night, they could not know what lie ahead. But at the appointed time, the heavens shown with the glory of the Lord - signaling that something tremendous was happening on earth.

The Magi, too, were watching . . . " Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” . . . When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy."

We note, too, that this event occurred in a time of great evil when King Herod was on the Throne. When he sent forth the wise men to follow the star to find the baby Jesus, it was with an ulterior motive -- to slay the Christ Child, who threatened his rule. (Matthew 2:1-12)

In the end, (Matthew 2:13), an angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph, telling him to take his family and to flee to Egypt. The danger from the "king" was thwarted and, over time, our Lord's Kingdom survived and remained.

What meaning might this Biblical story have for us today?