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The Star of Bethlehem shone brightly and lit up the way to guide the wise men to find our Savior, Jesus—the Light of the World.
Matthew 2:1-2: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Dr. Phyllis J. Arno
John the Baptist was like the Star of Bethlehem shining bright and lighting the way to guide people to Jesus. The Apostle John wrote the following verses describing John the Baptist:
John 1:6-8: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”
We, too, like the Star of Bethlehem, can shine bright and light up the way to guide the lost souls of this world toward Jesus—the Light of the World.
Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”
As we are told in the Holy Scriptures, in Bethlehem there was no room in the inn.
Luke 2:7: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
We need to ask ourselves:
1. “Do I have room for Jesus this Christmas, or do I allow Him to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the preparations?”
2. “Will I put Him first and let His light shine through me this Christmas to show the world that Jesus lives in me?”
Let’s look at how the different temperaments can “shine” the Light of Jesus this Christmas.
The Choleric
Since God created them to be leaders, they can let their “light” shine by using their abilities to organize Christmas programs, dinners, cantatas, pageants, etc.
They need to learn that in order for their “light” to shine they need to work with people rather than trying to just control them.
They tend to want things done their way and tend to not want to listen to the input or suggestions of others; therefore, they need to learn to be willing to allow others to offer their input and suggestions and work as a team.
They tend to take on too many responsibilities and can become stressed and overwhelmed, and their “light” can become dim and of no effect; therefore, they need to learn to maintain balance during this season by not taking on too many leadership responsibilities in order to keep their “light” shining.
The Melancholy
Since God created them to be loners and task-oriented, they can let their “light” shine by using their abilities to work behind the scenes setting up sound equipment, building props, painting, baking pies, cookies and cakes for the luncheons, dinners and church bazaars.
They also need to learn that in order for their “light” to shine they need to be willing to allow others to work with them on Christmas projects.
They tend to take on a project and can become so driven to complete it perfectly that they can become stressed and overwhelmed, and their “light” can become dim and of no effect; therefore, they need to learn to maintain balance during this season so that they do not become stressed by being too perfectionistic and too overwhelmed by their interactions with people.
The Phlegmatic
Since God created them to be peacemakers and negotiators, they can let their “light” shine by using their abilities to keep the peace and help resolve problems that can arise with those involved in the Christmas events.
They tend to be stubborn and dislike being pushed when working on a Christmas project since they are perfectionists and want everything done perfectly!
They tend to tire easily and will withdraw when they are pushed because they have low energy, and when this happens, their “light” can become dim and of little effect; therefore, they need to learn to maintain balance between work and rest during this season in order to keep their “light” shining.
The Sanguine
Since God created them to be relationship-oriented, they can let their “light” shine by using their abilities to bring happiness and excitement to everyone with whom they come in contact. They are like sunshine on a rainy day.
They will tend to make everyone feel welcome because they tend to be able to interact with almost everyone.
They will tend to want to participate in all of the Christmas festivities and be the center of attention; however, they will tend to wear themselves out running from one event to another. When that happens, their “light” can become very dim and of little effect; therefore, they need to learn to maintain balance by being more selective about the events they choose to attend.
The Supine
Since God created them with a gentle spirit and a servant’s heart, they can let their “light” shine by using their abilities to serve others. They tend to find it difficult to turn down any invitation to participate in the Christmas festivities.
They tend to be willing to prepare food for Christmas luncheons and dinners, set up the tables, decorate them, serve the food, and even clean up afterwards.
They will tend to want to participate in every event possible; however, they may deplete their energy and wear themselves out serving and caring for others. When that happens, their “light” can become very dim and of little effect; therefore, they need to learn to maintain balance by learning to decline invitations in order to keep from becoming overwhelmed.
As you can see, all the temperaments can “shine” the Light of Jesus this Christmas.
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
As we are filled with the Fruit of the Spirit, His light will shine through us.
Ephesians 4:32 tells us: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Please know that God wants us to be like the Star of Bethlehem and “shine” brightly in this dark world to guide people to Jesus!
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