He hath said, which heard the Words of GOD, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see Him, but not now: I shall behold Him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for His enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come He that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. (Numbers 24:16-19)
Here we have one of the proclamations of Balaam, when he blessed Israel during their wanderings. The word that he received from GOD is a prophecy of the one who would come, in the flesh He would be a descendant of Jacob and yet He would be a ruler of all nations. The wise men who visited Him saw His star and with this prophecy in their minds and the leading of GOD knew to visit this 'King of the Jews' and shower Him with gifts worthy of His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King. The real Star of Christmas is Jesus who came not just as a man, but to offer Himself first to Israel as Messiah; and then as a offering for the sIn of the whole world.
GOD has always had an answer for the sIn of man, the sinless blood of Jesus Christ shed on the Cross. As we work our way through what GOD has said about His Son, let this be the time you receive His gift to you. The gift of salvation through Faith in His Name.
Celebrate with me the birth of the Saviour, and tell the good news. The good news of Jesus Christ, the Hope of all the world who brings lasting Peace to all those that are His.
In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet