Star of Wonder

Matthew 2:1-12

1 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, 2 “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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 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. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6'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.’ ”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 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. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

The planets Jupiter and Saturn will align perfectly on December 21, to create what is called the Christmas Star or the Star of Bethlehem. It's quite exciting to think that these planets are coming together after 800 years of being apart, to remind us to look up, to relax, to remember that the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

With so much going on all around us, this is a good time to settle down with a cup of hot tea and read the story of the birth of Jesus. The book of Matthew 1:18-25 offers a wonderful story of the birth of Jesus and the book of Luke 2:1-7, accounts for Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.

Closing Thoughts:

The Christmas season is the time of year when we sing the story of Jesus's birth and life through so many wonderful songs; when scriptures come alive through plays, pageants and other musical events. It is truly a special time for reflection over the past and to ponder our hopes and dreams for a blessed future.

Take time to enjoy these beautiful lyrics:

We Three Kings

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.