For centuries, the Star of Bethlehem has stirred wonder, debate, and speculation. And while we can disagree on what that star actually was, it is clear that the magi were providentially guided on their journey. Displaying His love for the entire world, God hung a star in the sky to lead pagan astrologers to the One born King of the Jews.

The initiative was all of God. In sovereign grace, He drew those wise men to Jesus, putting a star in the sky and a desire in their hearts. And still today, the Lord continues to draw men to the Savior. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44).

Just as He did two thousand years ago, the Lord, through various means, continues to guide sinners to Himself. Consider these four metaphorical stars that shine in the firmament of divine grace.

1. The Star of Moral Conscience

Henry Linton pastored Christ Church at Oxford in the 1800s and said it this way: “God does give to every man, at the outset of life, a certain elementary knowledge of Himself. The star, which might lead to the cradle of the divine infant, shines, at some time, into every human conscience.”

Conscience is that inner faculty that witnesses to the moral quality of our thoughts, words, and actions. We instinctively know some things are bad and others are good. In Paul’s thesis on the human condition, he wrote: “They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.” (Romans 2:15 NLT)

So why does God hang the star of moral conscience in our hearts? To show us that we not only know right from wrong, but also to indict us for the wrong we have done and thus sense our need to be forgiven.

2. The Star of Common Grace

Common grace speaks of God’s goodness to all mankind. The Bible proclaims, “The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation” (Psalm 145:9, NLT).

Jesus expressed this in His Sermon on the Mount, saying, “For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike” (Matthew 5:45).

Paul sets forth the purpose of God’s benevolence, asking, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

If you have never given your life to Christ and trusted Him to forgive your sins and save you, then, dear friend, the only reason you are still here breathing is the goodness of God.

3. The Star of Divine Revelation

Another star in the constellation of God’s marvelous grace is the star of divine revelation. There are two sides to this revelation: natural and special revelation. Natural revelation is the truth of God revealed in His world, while special revelation is the truth of God revealed in His Word.

Regarding the former, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” (Romans 1.19-20 NLT)

Regarding the latter, Peter wrote, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

Matthew records that the priests and scribes had the Scriptures but ignored the prophecy concerning the King’s birth. Pagan astrologers traveled nine hundred miles to find Him, while Herod and his scribes, who had all this information all along, would not travel five miles down the road to Bethlehem. Sadly, the star of divine revelation continues to be dismissed and neglected.

4. The Star of Human Pain

God never wastes suffering. C.S. Lewis, in his wonderful book The Problem of Pain, says that God whispers in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Lewis explains:

“No doubt pain as God’s megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead to final and unrepented rebellion. But it gives the only opportunity the bad man can have for amendment. It removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.”

This is so true. People don’t give God a thought when all is going well—when we are comfortable and have all we want. Having all is a terrible thing when that “all” doesn’t include God. And the irony is that pain, human suffering, which provokes the harshest scorn man can heap upon God, actually may be the best thing if it brings them to see their need of Jesus Christ.

So, on this Christmas Eve, the question is not whether God is speaking. The question is whether we will follow the light He’s given.