The Star in the East

The Star in the East

“Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  (Matthew 2:1)

What was the Star in the East?

There are many explanations about what the star seen by the Magi in the east was. Some say it was a supernova, which is an exploding star which shows up as a new, very bright star. Others have suggested that it could have been a comet or a meteor. One theory even holds that the star was actually the conjunction of Saturn, Venus and Jupiter, in which all three planets line up to make what appears to be one very bright star.

   Here’s another explanation about the appearance of a star shining over the birthplace of Jesus that is plausible, but might surprise you.

   Keep in mind that the Magi saw what appeared to be a star or bright light from where they lived in the east. When they arrived in Jerusalem and discovered that the King of the Jews was born in Bethlehem they made haste to go there. Matthew 2:9 says, “Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem.” Is it possible for a real star to move? (No!) They are fixed in space. What could the Magi have possibly seen?

   Do you remember the story of the shepherds in Luke 2:9, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.” What do you think the “glory of the Lord” looks like?

   Throughout the Old Testament the glory of the Lord was called the Shekinah Glory of God. How did God’s glory appear back then? In the journeys of the Israelites, it appeared as a pillar of fire and a cloud, and moved from place to place. When it appeared to Moses it was so bright that he couldn’t look upon it.

   The Magi saw a supernatural phenomenon that specifically led them to the house where Jesus lived. They came with a specific purpose—to worship Him.

   Are you spending time worshipping our Savior King this Christmas season?