But so Many Bible Words Don’t Even Make Sense!

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel, verse 6

I hear you…but please hear me out.

Morning Star is one of those mysterious terms which comes to us from the Book of Revelation (22:8).  It is associated with one of seven promises from Christ to those who overcome the trials and temptations of life, remaining loyal to him to the end.  As with other imagery used in Revelation, this can seem really abstract.  That’s OK.  It is! 

Here’s a tip: if something doesn’t make sense in a prophecy, look for similar terms used elsewhere in scripture; they can usually provide additional insight.  So, although  biblical scholars don’t quite all agree on the exact meaning of the Morning Star, we can find clues to its meaning within scripture itself.

Many maintain that the Morning Star refers to Jesus himself. Christ is described as the “Morning Star” in 2 Peter 1:19, and He identifies Himself as ‘“the bright morning star” in Revelation 22:16. 

Now, let’s replace the obtuse yet scripturally significant “Bright and Morning Star” with Jesus.  Go ahead.  I’ll wait…

In doing so, we see that Jesus brings us comfort, dispels the shadows of the night and turns our darkness into light.  Shadows only exist if there is a light source to begin with.  Think about it.  Without light there can be no shadows.  Let Jesus be that light!  He is the light! If there is a darkness in your life right now, ask Jesus to enter that space with you.  

Darkness can’t remain where light is present.  How much hope does that give us?!?  We don’t need to stay in our sinfulness, hold onto negative perceptions, or fight battles on our own.  We can ask  Jesus, the Light, to enter into those dark spaces with us.   We have hope, a blessed assurance, that one day God will not only defeat evil in our world but also inside of us and bring His healing presence to make all things new!

Scripture References

John 8:12, Matthew 7:7-8

Action Step

Today, identify an area of your life where you can invite Jesus into.  This can be either an area where sin currently reigns or where you could use a healthier perspective.  Do not allow the darkness to remain any longer.  Invite Him in.

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