The Bethlehem Star

(photo courtesy of Samantha Campbell)

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” – Matthew 2:9

Tonight is supposed to be the night when the planets Jupiter and Saturn cross paths, appearing as a “bright star” in evening sky. There has been quite a bit of speculation as to whether or not this is the same type of event that spurred the magi on to their historic journey to find the new king just over 2,000 years ago.

According to Johannes Kepler, a German astronomer in the 17^th century, the Bethlehem star appeared in 7 AD and might have been the star that led the wisemen to Jesus. Modern day astronomers say the last time Jupiter and Saturn crossed paths was approximately 400 years ago, but it was during daylight hours and not visible. The last time it happened during nighttime hours was nearly 800 years ago.

It is interesting to note how humanity tries to find some kind of plausible explanation for supernatural events. If you follow the Christmas narrative in scripture, it is quite clear that the star guiding the magi did not stop over the manger. In fact, the Bible only records one group of visitors to the manger, which was the shepherds, not the wisemen. These kings from the east did not visit Jesus as a baby in a manger, but rather as a “young child” in a house. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him…” (Matthew 2:11).

In order for the wisemen to follow a star, it would have had to be visible for an extended amount of time in order for them to follow it from “the east” to the home of the 2-year-old Jesus. This would seem to necessitate a much longer occurrence that what we have with the  current conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

Impossible then for this to be same type of thing that happened when Jesus was born? Not necessarily. God can do anything. He made the sun stand still in Joshua 10:13. “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.” He is the creator of the universe, which includes the stars. “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” (Genesis 1:16). Therefore, He can do whatever He wishes with the stars including making them behave in ways never before seen by mankind.

While I am not an astronomer by any stretch of the imagination, I do know that if God wanted to put a “star” in the sky, it would not necessarily have to be explained by natural events. But could it be? Absolutely! God can use natural phenomena as easily as He can use supernatural ones.

So is tonight’s event similar to the “Bethlehem star” of long ago? Maybe. Will I be outside tonight viewing the “Bethlehem star”? Yes, I plan to be! After all, the first time Jesus came to us, He was preceded by a heavenly sign. Maybe, just maybe, the next time He comes, there will be another astronomical wonder heralding His return! Just saying…

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light.

(from “We Three Kings” by John Henry Hopkins, Jr.)

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10

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Anytime something makes us stop and look to God, it is a good thing.