Did you see the recent astronomical event in the night sky? The alignment of the planets Jupiter and Saturn appeared as one bright star…leading some to associate this “star” with the star that shown over Bethlehem during that very first Christmas.
It has been a long time since this previously happened. Nicknamed the “Christmas Star”, the last time this occurred was almost 800 years ago on March 21, 1226 (the year Francis of Assisi died.)
The Apostle Matthew wrote about Wise Men following the “star in the East” in the second chapter of his book in the Bible. This is a beautiful account of the traditional Christmas story. The star is certainly an important “character” in retelling the story.
But is it the same “star”?
On this side of heaven, discussions will continue to be had about this question. I am certainly no astronomer and cannot explain the science behind stars and planets, but I do know three things about the “Christmas Star.”
1. It was miraculous.
2. God did it.
3. We are to worship the Creator and not the created.
Many people put their energies into explaining astronomical occurrences. Bottom line…Psalm 19:1 tells us the heavens are there to declare His glory:
“The heavens tell of the glory of God;
And their expanse declares the work of His hands.”
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