The Star of Bethlehem

A star, (Latin: aster) was significant in the birth of Christ, (which we celebrate on Christmas Day, December 25th each year.) The actual month or day of Christ's birth is not recorded but many events are noted that took place on that special day and time in history.

The Magi, (Wise Men) were told by an Angel, who appeared to them in the desert, to follow a bright star in the east and they would come to the birthplace of the Jewish Messiah. They did as they were advised, and with them, took magnificent gifts for the 'King of all Mankind.'

Now you ask, why did these three Persian Magi listen to the words of the Angel, and know of this One of which she spoke? Because Christ's birth had been both prophesied by the Jewish prophet, Daniel, and the pagan prophet, Balaam.

Daniel 9:24-27

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Balaam was a prophet who in Numbers 24:17 tells of a Star coming out of Jacob, (from the east.)

Numbers 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Why do Christians still believe in this celestial phenomenon that is described in Matthew 2:1-12?

Matthew 2:1-12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Because ONLY the Magi were able to see the Star of Bethlehem according to Biblical passages that tell of His birth.

The Star led them straight to Bethlehem, resting over the stable where baby Jesus lay in swaddling clothes.

Celestial bodies ordinarily move from east to west, but in the case of this brilliant star, it led them south to Bethlehem where Joseph and Mary welcomed the Son of God.

Now if the word Star seems not to fit in the story context of Christ's birth, then, I beg you, what does?

What is believed by the Jews, (who denied Christ as being the Messiah) is that this Star was only a manifestation they refer to as; Shekinah Glory, which literally means: Dwelling of God or Visible presence of the Lord.

The most notable reference to Shekinah can be found in Exodus 3:21.

Exodus 3:21

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.

The Shekinah was the pillar of a cloud that led the Isrealites by day, and a pillar of fire that led them by night. The Shekinah fits with visual evidence in Matthew 2:1-2 also. (see Scripture above) It could appear to an individual or the masses. During Christ's ministry Shekinah Glory was used frequently, (e.g. Matthew 17:5, Acts 1:9)

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Acts1:9

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

to lead people to specific locations. Should we then be surprised that God used this miraculous sign to lead the three Wise Men to His Son's place of birth? I say, not in the least!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and mind, and soul, and you shall not question His miracles.

~ Author Granny Tam ~

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