Tonight, December 18, literally the stars will align. For the first time in 800 years, a view of the planets of Saturn and Jupiter will be aligned in the night sky. If it is not cloudy tonight, try to catch the starry display of light. It won't be back for another 800 years.
Astronomers are saying that this alignment must have been what the Wise Men called the Star of Bethlehem, in an effort to explain away the wonder. But if you read the Scriptures, these men from the East had been watching and waiting for hundreds of years, because they knew that this immense star was one of the signs of the coming Messiah.
"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 saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2. 1-2)
From far away, probably in Persia, they did not just see a star one night, but they followed its brilliance on a long arduous journey. The star guided them. They came to Jerusalem and asked directions, but no one had any idea.
"After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them, until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star. they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him." (Matthew 2. 9-11)
The star moved, went before them, and stopped right where Jesus was.
Jesus has always been subjected to being explained away, because His coming is so incredible. But the story of Christ is the unexplainable narrative -- God in flesh coming to earth to save us from our sin. As Timothy Keller says, "He came to fetch us." His love resides beyond what can be explained. We have not earned His love. But we can live fully in it. We are His beloved.
There may be a thousand scientific explanations for the star of Bethlehem, an alignment of two planets, the delusion of a few ancient wise men, or a mere legend. Or just an excuse to avoid reality.
But what if.....? What if it was real? And not just what if, but what is. What if God loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life? (John 3. 16) What if? That changes not just our worldview, but the course of our lives.
Ponder the wonder of Almighty God. The star is not the miracle. But that God loves us that much.
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 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.
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