It was dubbed the “Christmas Star,” though those outside astrology groups didn’t give it any special meaning, just an interesting astronomical anomaly to check out for a few moments. But it still felt special. Not since 1623 had the planets been so close, and not since 1226 had the conjunction been observable on Earth. Did Genghis Khan look up into the Mongolian sky and seen this great conjunction? Did he see a sign of victory? Did my medieval European ancestor see it and see a warning of the end times? Did this conjunction lead wisemen to seek out a king born into poverty?
It is not clear what really led the magi to find Jesus—a star, a comet, another natural phenomenon, a miraculous appearance, or a representation of a prophecy.
“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.” … Then Herod summoned the wise men
secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent
them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when
you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” When
they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had
seen in the East went before them, till 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. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him
gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:2,7-11).
Regardless
of what exactly they saw or experienced, something led these men from the east
to seek out a king of Jews and to worship him and offer him gifts. They were not
Jewish, yet what they followed compelled them to believe that the kings of the
Jews was who to worship. They were the first Gentiles to witness Christ—stepping
out of their culture in search of truth and salvation.
As I try to
reflect on all that’s happening in this country these days, I think of our people
have fallen victim to bubbles of lies, conspiracy theories, anger, and
violence. They follow leaders who seek power and control. They follow pundit accounts
that indoctrinate and scare. They follow groups that radicalize and turn their
hearts. They find authority and community, but it is misplaced and dangerous.
They’ve lost sight of whatever truth they once sought. Their sky is dark.
What stars do
I see? And what signs do I follow? Do they lead to Herod or Jesus?
We can all
look up and see Jupiter and Saturn. But what we interpret will vary. It is a
scientific movement signifying nothing. It is a natural movement showcasing God’s
clockwork design. It is the skies warning of chaos and apocalypse. It is a personal
sign to make a change. It’s all of that, as long as it leads to Jesus. The Star
of Bethlehem continues to shine, signaling us to seek out truth and salvation,
avoid the kings who call for violence, and fall on our knees in worship.
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