22 Dec The Christmas Star
I was looking over the shepherds field in Israel a couple months ago. The place where it happened. The very place the star appeared illuminating where Jesus was born. This is the forever King that has always been and will be. But on that day, He condensed Himself into being human. Having every pulse of being human but being deity. His is the only blood without sin, slated to be spilled, by way of a stable. An unusual star appeared, trumpeting this newborn. The world has never been the same since.
The night before, I was awakened. The time was approximately 4:00am when the Lord asked if I would stay up with Him. I was exhausted from jet lag so I knew I had to decide fast. Intercession came on me and I prayed with the help of the Holy Spirit for two areas. God placed a careful portion of His emotion in my heart for His chosen people. Oh how He longs that they come to know His son. The second anointing for prayer was for the protection of Israel as a country. Amazing how such a small country commands the attention of the whole world.
When the intercession anointing lifted, I thought I was headed back to bed. He then said, “Come up here.” I stepped into the commanded word and experienced gaining altitude over the earth. I was placed in front of the great expanse. Glorious stars, galaxies as far as could be seen—brilliant, clear and bright. It was set against a backdrop of black, yet illuminated black if that makes any sense at all.
It was here I heard a calm and deeply warm voice behind me and off to my right. I knew instantly it was Jesus. I was serenely moved by the calm command of this King. Jesus said, “All this is mine.” There was a brief silence then the question,“Why do you worry?” Suddenly I was back in the hotel room. I staggered to bed and lay there, reliving what just happened. When I awoke in the morning I was under an afterglow, deeply held by the experience. I was irritated that I worry, especially about provision.
Later that morning, we disembark from the bus and stand looking over the Shepard’s Field. His presence comes again and tears are rolling down my cheeks. How can it be that as Jesus was then a baby, He commands the star from his cradle? Yes, it is all His. But from the cradle? Good grief.
First Jesus said to me, “This is all mine.” I’ve pondered…I am His also; blood bought. I am purchased with His blood and owned. Will He not manage my life as He does the expanse? The galaxies are flawless and orderly, brilliant in it’s existence. Yet we are considered more valuable than these? In such great humility the King of the entire universe gives you and I a choice to love Him or not. No wonder all creation groans under the weight of such decision making of each soul.
Worry questions Jesus’ intent, obviously not His ability. Does He have and will He act on the notion that He has our best in mind? Remember what He said? “All this is mine. Why do you worry?” There is the answer to the question of His intent. I think another way of saying it could be, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this! Yup, all of it!”
The star arrived under orders. Its assigned task was to shine upon the Light of the world. During this Christmas season lets be enthralled with Him. Let His greatness push out our stifling limitation of who we perceive Jesus to be. Loved ones if you will look to see His face, look into the heart intent of the One who owns it all, worry can not stay. Early this morning Bethany said to me, “Honey, faith is confidence in God.”
A well known pastor recently said, “Those who worry already know how to meditate.” Join me as I worry less and meditate more on His goodness and greatness for the new year.
Bethany and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas
Kathy Ostrander
Posted at 18:34h, 23 DecemberWow! Thank you for sharing this. Appreciate you guys so much!
Anonymous
Posted at 18:40h, 23 DecemberWhat a gift! Thank you for sharing such encouragement. You and Bethany have been such a good encouraging friend through many years. I so value you both and the ministry that Sought out has been for so many. I’m miles away, but you both are in my heart. Merry Christmas and tons of hugs to you and the family.
💓🌹🎄😘
Theresa Leake
Betty Lafrance
Posted at 18:50h, 23 DecemberThank you!
Kris Piccolo
Posted at 19:22h, 23 DecemberThanks for listening to Jesus, Herb and for sharing Him today!
Rob Bingaman
Posted at 22:11h, 23 DecemberThanks, Herb for sharing such a personal encounter. Curious how the most impacting experiences aren’t necessarily about anything new, but a clearer focus, a better defined picture of something that has been there all along, but that shift in perspective provides us with a more complete understanding and our mind is transformed. Something that was inert to us is suddenly alive and reactive. It becomes a part of who we are from then on. By sharing this you’ve given others an opportunity to make it a part of who we are, as well. We are blessed!
Deanna Wilson Bogue
Posted at 22:39h, 23 DecemberAWESOME!!! 👑👑👑👼👼👼
Grace Michael
Posted at 07:58h, 24 DecemberThanks for sharing this. It’s given me a new insight on what faith I’d a lovely reminder of why not to worry.
Merry Christmas to you and all your family!
Wendy Andersen
Posted at 23:00h, 27 DecemberLove this Herb and the fact that I was in Jerusalem with you and Bethany when you had this experience. I will stop and ponder this before I give in to stress and worry! Thank you for sharing