Back in the 1830s, the Moravian community in Germany created three-dimensional stars to teach children geometry. The polyhedrons became so popular that the children used them as lanterns during the church’s Advent festivals. The community found great beauty in the stars’ simplicity and plainness. The stars became an international craze as craftsmen soon began to manufacture them in a variety of mediums such as wood, metal, and glass. Today, Moravian stars grace both homes and churches throughout the world often in anticipation of Christmas and Epiphany.
For years, the Ardmore Presbyterian Church has hung a Moravian star in the sanctuary during the Advent season. Many have fond memories of volunteers hanging the star on Advent Family Night while the children sang songs of the season. In 2012, that tradition was interrupted. A number of mechanical complications told us that we needed an update. This year, thanks to your donations to the Memorial Fund, we mark the return of the Moravian star. It’s bigger now which should make it more visible throughout the sanctuary.
What was once a tool to teach mathematics is now a tool to teach of God’s loving pursuit of humanity. Many know the story of the star of Bethlehem from Matthew 2. Magi from the East had been watching the skies, and there they discovered signs that a new king had been born in Israel. A star appeared which pointed the way. The Magi, after making a quick stop in Jerusalem, went to Bethlehem where they found the baby, Jesus. They offered him tribute, gifts fit for a king, and they worshiped him.
The Magi were not Jews. One might think that they would have little care or concern about a baby born in a small village in Israel. However, God’s plan, which culminated in Jesus Christ, included both Jew and Gentile. God loved the entire world. God desired the reconciliation of heaven and earth. This message was for all nations, all languages, and all races.
The star of Bethlehem shows how God is willing to take that good news to all peoples. Here, God appropriated the Magi’s culture to give them a sign that they would understand. In a sense, God spoke their language, and he sent them to Jesus, the Savior of the world.
The star that hangs in our sanctuary this Advent should remind us not to hide from the world. Instead, we should engage the culture with a beautiful message of grace and forgiveness. As the star was God’s ambassador to the Magi, we become God’s ambassador to our neighbors. We speak their language. We meet them where they are. We act with mercy and compassion drawing them closer to the one born in a manger.
Merry Christmas.
James Hodsden
Pastor 139 