Centuries before the birth of the Lord Jesus, there were many prophecies recorded in Scriptures that pointed to his birth. In particular, Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be born of a virgin and that he would be a mighty ruler and be called by several names. He said, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). In the case of Micah, he prophesied that Jesus would be born in the town of Bethlehem in the land of Judah (Micah 5:2). From then on, the people had anxiously waited for his coming.
While the prophesied coming of the Lord appeared imminent at that time, he did not come until after 700 years from the time Isaiah made his prophecies. When his birth finally came, the Magi from the east were alerted by his star. They were waiting for the appearance of the star as prophesied by Balaam who said, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Num. 24:17). Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, they inquired, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2).
There are many stories trying to explain what the star of Jesus was. Some said that it was a comet and others said it was a supernova, a star that suddenly increases in brightness because of a catastrophic explosion. However, in all their studies until today, no one has ever given a right answer. The truth of the matter is that it was the Shekinah glory of God. This Shekinah glory is always manifested with bright light, as in the transfiguration of Jesus and the encounter of Paul on the way to Damascus. It was the light used by God to lead people to where Jesus was. It was like the pillar of clouds that guided the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. “Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped” (Num. 9:17).
If the star was used as a sign to point to where Jesus was, what is this STAR pointing to, or reminding us, today? The first thing that the star of Jesus is reminding us to do is to Seek the Lord. In the same manner that the Magi had to travel far to look for the Lord Jesus, we need to seek him with all our hearts. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). The prophet Isaiah also said, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
The next thing that the star of Jesus is reminding us to do is to Trust in the Lord as the King of Israel. Though Jesus was just a baby, they trusted in him as their deliverer. It did not matter that they were learned adults. They bowed before Jesus fully convinced in the wisdom of King Solomon who said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6). If we put our trust in the Lord, then the very words of the apostle Paul will come to pass. He said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).
The star also reminds us to Adore the Lord Jesus Christ. The Magi made it clear to King Herod that they were looking for Jesus that they may adore and worship him. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matt. 2:11). Likewise, we need to worship the Lord with our most treasured possession – our life. The apostle Paul said, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1).
Lastly, the star reminds us to Rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Magi saw the star reappear in Jerusalem, they were overjoyed for they would soon see the newborn King (Matt. 2:10). Let us rejoice in our new birth in Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon, so let us rejoice and be glad. “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). Glory to God for his faithfulness!
