The Light that Guides Us
by Alan Armstrong
In the time after Jesus was born, a group of wise men came to visit Jesus and worship this newborn king of the Jews. Luke 2:2 (ESV) details how the magi "saw his star when it rose" and traveled to worship Him. The light of the star led them to the Light of the World, and upon their arrival, "they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." (Luke 2:10, ESV). "We Three Kings" is a popular Christmas carol that tells the story of this account. In 1857, John Henry Hopkins wrote these words as part of the song: "O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light."
That light was Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son, who was born into the world to be the Light of the world. John 1:4-5 (ESV) says this about Jesus, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." The light of Jesus Christ illuminates the path by which the believer should live and walk in this world. The Psalmist describes God's word as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. C.S. Lewis compared Christianity to the light of the sun saying "by it I see everything else." In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called his followers the "light of the world" and challenged them to let their light shine in the world so that God can be glorified.
In the same way, the star guided the magi to Bethlehem and ultimately to Jesus, the light believers shine in the world draws others to Jesus. "We Three Kings" closes with the familiar chorus with one tweak at the conclusion. The song ends with the phrase: "Following yonder star!"
Be challenged by the words of this great carol, and the truth behind them, during this Christmas season to be guided by Jesus in all that you do. Take time to worship Him as the magi did. Be generous in the giving of your time, talent, and treasure to serve him. As you are guided by the light of Jesus, be a reflection of that light in the world so that others may come to know and follow Jesus as well.
Click the play button above to hear "We Three Kings" performed by Jake Williams
Recording Engineer: Jonathan Hartwig | Written by: John Henry Hopkins, Jr. | Arranged by: Jonathan Hartwig
Alan Armstrong, Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church Conroe, is a current Ph.D. in Leadership Studies student with a concentration in Ministry Leadership at Dallas Baptist University.
Jake Williams graduated with a Music Business degree from Dallas Baptist University.