Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of hope

Why Jesus Christ is Our Bright Morning Star
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

—Revelation 22:16 (ESV)

The title “Bright Morning Star” carries theological significance, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of hope. In the darkness of sin and death, His light breaks through, signaling the dawn of God's eternal Kingdom.

As the morning star precedes the sun, Jesus precedes the full revelation of God's glory, offering us a foretaste of the new creation He will bring to fruition, anchoring His identity in both fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the inauguration of God's final reign.

In the ancient world, the morning star was the first glimmer of light before dawn, heralding the new day. In the same way, Jesus, as the Bright Morning Star, heralds the inbreaking of God's Kingdom—a kingdom where light, truth, and righteousness reign. His light dispels the darkness of sin, confusion, and suffering. He brings clarity, redemption, and unshakable hope where the world sees despair. As the Light of the World, Jesus doesn't merely illuminate our understanding; He transforms the fabric of our existence, reshaping our lives and calling us into His transformative light.

Christ’s title as the Bright Morning Star symbolizes His role in creation and transitioning to a new era with His first coming when he was born as a baby to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. This New Covenant offers salvation through grace rather than the law. Just as the morning star heralds the dawn, Jesus prepares us for His full glory at His second coming—this time as our Risen Lord and Savior and King—having already begun the restoration by breaking the power of darkness.

Theologically, the Bright Morning Star symbolizes Christ's preeminence and supremacy over all things. He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). In His light, we find our purpose and identity. The act of creation highlights Jesus as the agent of new beginnings, signifying the One who restores all things and brings clarity to our chaotic world.

As believers in God, Jesus calls us to walk in His light, reflecting the brilliance of Christ in a world often overshadowed by darkness. Jesus, the Bright Morning Star, has already lit the way. Our task is to step into that light, live purposefully, and shine with the hope He gives.

Where do you see the darkness of despair in your life or the world around you? Ask the Bright Morning Star to shine His transforming light, bringing hope, healing, and a new beginning.

Let’s Pray: Jesus, Bright Morning Star, shine Your light into the deepest corners of my heart. Help me to live in Your truth and hope, reflecting Your light to a dark world. Surround us with Your love and bless us with perfect peace. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Light of the World (feat. Dwayne Lee)” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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