This year our night sky will display a planetary wonder dubbed the Christmas star. From our vantage point, Jupiter and Saturn cross paths every few decades but they haven’t gotten this close together for almost 800 years. It will create an amazing spectacle as their lights conjoin.
I don’t know what the Biblical star was or who the Magi were that followed it. Some say they were likely astronomers or prophets. Could they have been part of the remnant from the exile? Could Daniel have had a similar title?
Some have surmised that they saw the star in a certain constellation, representing Israel. A rising star could have indicated a royal birth had occurred so they went to see Herod and pay their respects. They followed the star’s message, as opposed to literally following the starlight, across the desert. This would also account for them arriving at the Palace instead of the stable to see the new king. Only after the group of Magi left Herod, Matthew states, a star settled over where Jesus was.
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9
There are others who suggest it was a literal light or star-like phenomenon, maybe even an angel that moved before them guiding them to Bethlehem. This idea is not unknown Biblically and reminds me of Israel’s wilderness wandering led by pillars smoke and fire.
All kinds of theories abound and I’m not sure what to make of it, to be honest. I am uncomfortable with the idea of them being astrologers, at least in the modern sense, because of its pagan foundation. In any case, I do know that God sent a message that they understood. He spoke their language and they heard and responded. They left to be with Him and give Him worship.
Isn’t God amazing? Every culture, every time, every person – we all have unique ways to communicate and God knows them all. God wants all of us to know His message. He loves us. He came for us. And He died for us. How will you respond?
