“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; ”
(Luke 21:25a NKJV)
Did you hear that the Christmas star reappeared last year on December 21st? Saturn and Jupiter once again came together in the night sky to form what is also known as the Bethlehem Star. This sign in the heavens hasn’t been witnessed exactly like this since the 13th century. (Read more HERE.)
But what about the star’s appearance in the first century?
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”
Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV
The birth of Christ occurred during an era of political unrest and upheaval, much like our day.
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”
Matthew 2:3-4 NKJV
The chief priests and scribes knew the prophecy well. They told the magi,
“In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel’” (Matthew 2:5-6 NKJV).
Herod’s heart was black with envy and murder. He pinned down the magi about the exact time the star had first appeared. Then he instructed them to report back to him regarding the Child’s whereabouts, pretending that he also wished to worship Him.
This star led the three magi on until it rested above the place sheltering the holy family.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:10-11 NKJV
God supplied the material and spiritual needs for His Son’s thirty-three years on earth. The gold represented His kingship; frankincense was for His high priesthood; and myrrh was for His suffering and burial.
“Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”
Matthew 2:12 NKJV
This Christmas season is another unlike any the world has experienced. The political upheaval and worldwide plague we are still suffering has led us down a dark path. But on December 21st, great hope appeared in the night’s sky. We witnessed the same star that will lead us, like the magi, to our Lord and Saviour. May we fall on our knees and worship the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, as we enter into His holy presence. May we give Him our gifts–our whole hearts–and rejoice in the true meaning of this Christmas season.
Let’s commemorate this amazing event together with one of my favorite carols, We Three Kings. Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., wrote the lyrics and music in 1857. It was published in Carols, Hymns, and Songs in 1863. Below are the lyrics along with a YouTube video from King’s College, Cambridge.
We Three Kings (lyrics)
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav’n replies
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Let’s follow the Christmas star, which points the way to peace, hope, and salvation. Wishing you a blessed Christmas season!
Lyricsforchristmas.com
The Christmas Star copyright 2020 by Karen Jurgens