The Mysterious and Delightful Star Of Bethlehem

Is there anyone who doesn’t like looking up at the stars on a clear night? Their beauty is enchanting. As you see them sparkling you can’t help but wonder how far away they are? What are they like? How long have they been there? If you’re fortunate you see a shooting star! What is it about seeing them that gives us such delight? When you see one you’re hooked!  You want to see another!

Perhaps the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) got hooked on studying the stars when they were kids. One night they were looking and saw a star unlike any they had ever seen. We don’t know how but they identified the location of the star as being over Israel. They did some research and somehow determined the star was announcing the birth of the King of the Jews.

What they did next was fascinating! They packed up to find the King. We know they were well-to-do by the gifts they took with them. It took them awhile to get to there, certainly many months. When they got to Israel they did the logical thing and went to the capital city. That’s where they expected he had been born. But they were wrong. They asked around and found out the Bible prophesied the King would be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2. They headed there.

As they left Jerusalem they were thrilled to see the star again!  This time it led them right to Jesus Matthew 2:9-10. They found him in a house and worshiped him, giving him the expensive gifts they brought. As they headed home they were warned in a dream not to tell King Herod where they found the King. They obeyed and went home without telling him.

There’s more we don’t know about this story than we know.

• We don’t know who they were.
• We don’t know where they were from.
• We don’t know how long they traveled.
• We don’t know what the Star of Bethlehem was like that led them.

What we do know is

• They weren’t Jews but God guided them to Israel and back home.
• They understood the Star of Bethlehem was all about the birth of the King of the Jews.
• They made a long and costly trip to pay homage to the King.
• They delighted when they saw the star.
• They worshiped Jesus as King.

Here’s what I think.

[Tweet “The Star of Bethlehem was the Father’s baby announcement for Jesus!”]

The wise men, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, understood it was all about the King. The extraordinary star led them to the extraordinary King, the Christ-child. The wonder of it delighted them and led them to worship. It will do the same for you if you take some time and think about it!

What do you think? Please leave a question or comment below.