The planet Jupiter is the brightest star in the night sky during the Christmas season. We’re drawn to the bright stars in the heavens when they appear, and the Star of Bethlehem may forever be a mystery as we imagine the Magi visiting the Christ child. Of course, some rule out that shining star as fiction, and others imagine it to be a conjunction of several stars and planets that looked like one star. All we know for sure is that God was inspiring the hearts and minds of many people to look up and see what had happened.
Biblical tradition notes three ancient astronomers seeking the Christ child, but there could have been more. Some people studied the movements of the stars their entire lives anticipating the birth of the Messiah. They trusted that an incredible event would occur and be a sign that the Savior of the world was born.
As three ancient travelers went on their way, they noticed a brilliant star that kept moving just ahead of them. How long it was there, or how many months they followed it is unknown, but they trusted they were being guided. They were so certain they would find the holy child that they brought gifts, rare and glorious gifts that paid homage to the One they waited years to see. Perhaps in some way, they inspired our own traditions of gift giving at Christmas.
So, imagine their joy when the star simply stopped, and they discovered the baby King for themselves. Chances are they never looked at stars the same way again, never once forgot the guidance they received. They left their gifts for the family filled with awe and wonder. The Bible doesn’t follow up on the lives of those steadfast seekers to tell us how they were affected, but it is likely they were changed forevermore. Perhaps they spent the remainder of their lives trying to take in all they had seen. They had gotten a glimpse of the Savior; the One Isaiah had written about. Their eyes were opened, and they had an incredible story to tell.
Now, centuries later, we still need a glimpse of the Savior. We need to look up and let our eyes be opened to all that God has planned. The same God who led Moses through the wilderness with a fire that burned and guided his direction for forty years, wouldn’t have any trouble using His own creation to guide the hearts and minds of those who looked for Him then and seek Him still. Christmas is a precious season of the year because it moves our hearts toward the gift of God.
Don’t stop searching until your heart finds rest in the One who was born just for you.
Blessings, dear friends, and may God guide you into the year ahead with great joy.