If an engaged or married woman were asked what their most prized possession would be, most women would mention their engagement ring. Why is that? The first obvious answer is that it is usually one of the more valuable items they own- where much of its wealth is found within the gems.
The second reason for an engagement ring’s elevation has nothing to do with its intrinsic value, but its value as it relates to the profound promise behind the ring. The significance lies in the hope of what is proposed- faithful undying love that is promised to come for a whole lifetime. In the small token of love comes hope that through another person never-ending unity and companionship will come, where loneliness is destroyed, and searching is over.
Recently, after a long day of traipsing around the world doing errands, going to the pool with the kids, cleaning the house and dishes I sat on the couch. My thumb on my left hand subconsciously touched my ring finger to push it back into place. I touched my ring and let out an audible gasp. Something felt different- the diamond in my engagement ring was lost! Oh, the dread that filled my heart can only be reserved for things lost that are most precious to us.
In my heart, I knew the probability of finding it was next to nothing. A small clear diamond hidden in the chaos of the day’s business was just too insurmountable to think I would find it. While crushed in my soul, surrender came. I, in my human searching, would not be able to find it. God would have to plop it in my lap, or it would be lost forever. Peace came- God, I prayed, you know where it is, you must give it to me, because I will never find it on my own.
The next day, I was listening to a song by Keith and Kristyn Getty, “Consider the Stars.” I listened without paying attention to the song, the word diamond ring caught my attention. I went back to the lyrics and it said “Consider the stars in the sky, a diamond in a ring over the child king, consider the stars in the sky, grace he had promised, coming to find us. Do not be afraid, do not be afraid” I was curious now, what did the star of Bethlehem have to do with a diamond ring?
In my seeking of this answer, I stumbled across the Got Questions website- which I highly recommend, and this is what I found.
"First, the fact that the star of Bethlehem seemed to appear only to the magi indicates that this was no ordinary star. Also, celestial bodies normally move from east to west due to the earth’s rotation, yet the star of Bethlehem led the magi from Jerusalem south to Bethlehem. It also led them directly to the place where Joseph and Mary were staying, stopping overhead. There is no natural stellar phenomenon that can do that.
So, if the normal usage of the word star doesn’t fit the context, what does? The star of Bethlehem in Matthew 2:1–12 was likely an angel or a manifestation of the Shekinah Glory. The Shekinah, which means “dwelling of God,” was the visible presence of the Lord. Before this, the most notable appearance of the Shekinah was the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites by day and the pillar of fire that led them by night (Exodus 13:21). The Shekinah can obviously lead people to specific locations, and it was seen later in connection with Christ’s ministry (e.g., Matthew 17:5; Acts 1:9). Either an angel or the Shekinah would fit the evidence. It shouldn’t surprise us that God would use a miraculous sign to signal the advent of His Son into the world. Those with eyes to see joyfully beheld His glory."
I had found my answer! The star of Bethlehem, God’s guiding presence, is like the diamond in the engagement ring. The most valued part of the promise behind the star is the presence of God. The most valued asset to give his people! God was coming to dwell with us in the form of a baby boy- Emmanuel, God with us.
My missing diamond was significant to the lesson God was teaching me. We have lost the most precious thing of all God’s guiding presence in our lives. Only by his power and might it be found, but we also must seek it out, in times of quiet and solitude and in times of business and chaos on our knees in prayer before him. God does not force us to accept his gift, just as in a healthy relationship, a man does not force a woman to accept his gift of betrothal. God willingly offers the promise of his presence through his son Jesus Christ. He graciously and patiently waits for us to accept his offer. The promise has already come! The true diamond that lasts forever has been found- God’s presence! We do not need to wait any longer, Jesus is here and when we hold him close and seek his face, God’s presence will be found- the most precious the most valuable thing of all. Do not miss out on God’s proposal for his promise is perfect and his fulfillment of the longings on your heart will never cease.
References:
Getty, Keith and Kristyn "Consider the Stars." Evensong. Getty Music Label, 2020, track 3.
What was the star of Bethlehem? GotQuestions.com.https://www.gotquestions.org/star-of-Bethlehem.html
Thank you for sharing, Kayleen. We have had a long stretch of difficult days taking care of Mom and Dad, your Grandma and Grandpa. I am blessed that we are a family that loves God, and working toward honoring Grandpa for his life of faith. Maybe he has received his crown of glory. No more pain or suffering, and he won't lose his gems that God promises. I hope you find your gem, and if not, we know who holds our futures in his hands.
What a beautiful revelation. ❤️ I’m so sorry you lost your diamond but the truth it led you to is simply beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this.