THE STAR

The star of Bethlehem, famous for leading the Magi to the young child Jesus (Matt. 2:1-11), appears to have been created on the day of His birth, although there is no proof of that. The fact that Gentiles recognized it as signaling the arrival of the King of the Jews, is a miracle in and of itself. There are some other details about the star that make it unique: its movement is described as having led them from the East to Jerusalem, stopping, and then moving south to Bethlehem. Because Jerusalem is only about five miles north of Bethlehem, the calculation of its precise position and the direction of movement are remarkable. We do not know how long each leg of the journey took, but their observation of it must have been over several months. And then, the fact that they were able to pin-point His home, is beyond remarkable.

Many theories have been offered over the centuries, including calling it a meteoroid, also known as "a falling star" or "a shooting star." But meteoroids do not stop and start, nor do they make right-angle turns. Some have said it was the aliening of two or more planets, but they are incapable of those movements as well. I have not heard of anyone saying it was actually an angel, but it is a definite possibility. Angels are frequently called "stars" in the Word (Jud. 5:20; Job 38:7; Isa. 14:13; Dan. 8:10; Jude 1:13; Rev. 1:20; 6:13; 12:4). Angels are said to be bright (2 Cor. 11:14), and since angels were involved in the Nativity (Lk. 1-2), it is not all that unreasonable. It would explain the movement and the precise positioning.

The New Testament word translated "star," comes from the Ancient Greek word ἀστήρ (astér). Most are familiar with the word "Aster," as it is the name of a star-shaped flower, and an asterisk is a star-like symbol (*). The asterisk is used to call out a footnote. Typically, an asterisk is positioned after a word or phrase and preceding its accompanying message at the bottom of a page. I find it interesting that an asterisk acts as a "messenger" to alert the reader of additional information. The meaning of the words used for "angel" in the Bible, actually mean "messenger."

Regardless of what the "star" was, when it comes right down to it, it pales in comparison to the true Star that day. This Child born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-23; Lk. 1:26-35), was not only the center of attention on that special day, He is central to life itself. He created all that there is (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-3). Notice in the Hebrews reference that He was the "brightness of His (Father's) glory, and the express image of His (Father's) person." Jesus is described as being the brightness of the sun at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2), in the vision of John (Rev. 1:16), and at His return (2 Thes. 2:8). After all, He is God (Matt. 1:23; Lk. 1:47; Jn. 20:28; Phil. 2:5-8; 1 Tim. 3:16; 4:10; Titus 2:10; Heb. 1:8-10; Jude 1:12; etc.), and God is Light (1 Jn. 1:5). Make sure Jesus is the true Star of your focus this CHRISTmas!!!