Reflections on Christmas -“We Have Seen His Star”
Matthew 2: 1-12
It seems that throughout history, mankind has been fascinated and informed by the stars:
- Stars have been utilized to guide the ships at sea.
- Stars have been a means of telling time.
- Some have believed that the positioning of the stars influenced events taking place in people’s lives on earth.
- When one excels in almost any field of endeavor (sports, entertainment, academics, etc.), he/she is a star.
- On a clear night, the heavenly array of stars captivates young and old alike with its beauty and design.
Yes, people have always paid attention to the stars.
So, it is little wonder that God chose to announce the birth of Jesus Christ by means of a star …. a very special star … and lead men to worship Him.
Before addressing the account of the journey of the Magi (Wise Men), we may recall a few comments written by early Fathers of the Church:
St. Ignatius of Antioch (1st Century) – “A star shown forth in heaven brighter than all the stars, and its light was ineffable, and it produced astonishment; all the other stars with sun and moon gathered in chorus about this star, and it outshown them all …. hence everything was shaken, for the destruction of death was being planned.”
St. John Chrysostom (4th Century) – “the star was first seen quite some time before the Nativity ..,. perhaps at the moment of the Annunciation ….. about 9 months prior to His birth.”
Bp. Theophylact (11th Century) – “Do not think it was a star as we see, but a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star; it shown by day, it moved as they moved, it moved north to south …”.
Expanding on Bp. Theophylact’s commentary, the characteristics of “the star” indicated that it was quite unusual: its light/ radiance was visible both by night and by day; it moved in a southwesterly direction (Mesopotamia to Palestine) contrary to the order of the other constellations; it moved when they moved and rested when they rested; at its destination in Bethlehem, it descended from the skies and hovered over the place where Jesus was laid.
All in all, the teachings of the Church claim that this star was not a star at all, but a special work of God, a heavenly sign posted to draw the attention of a certain group of men, the Magi, and lead them to Christ.
Who were these men and why did the star appear to them? It has been said that the Magi, who were known to be very learned men and astrologers, were from Mesopotamia (“between the rivers”). It spanned about 700 miles, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, from the Persian Gulf to the mountains of Assyria. In today’s world, this would encompass the countries of Iran, Iraq, and Syria. In the northernmost region, the city was located – the city from which Abraham was called by God to travel to the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4).
Bp. Theophylact wrote, “It is said that these Magi were descendants of Balaam the soothsayer; and that when they discovered Balaam’s oracle, “A star shall arise out of Jacob”, they understood the mystery concerning Christ”. Balaam actually became a prophet, or messenger, of God when he uttered these words (see Numbers 22-24). The full quote, spoken when the Israelites were following Moses on their journey to Canaan after years of captivity in Egypt and were approaching the Promised Land, “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).
It is also quite likely that when the Israelites were taken into captivity once again (586 BC- 444 BC) and many were settled in Persia (formerly Mesopotamia), they might have spoken of these things from their Scriptures. If so, these Magi would have come to know of Balaam’s sayings.
We might add an interesting parenthesis in our study here. During the above-mentioned period of the Persian captivity (around 483 BC – 473 BC), we hear the account of the crucial role of Queen Esther as recorded in the Old Testament book bearing her name. Her courageous influence on the Persian ruler resulted in the liberation of her people from this captivity. Esther’s Hebrew name was Hadassah “Myrtle” (Esther 2:7), but her Persian name Ester was derived from the Persian word for “star”.
There are questions as to when the star first appeared to the Wise Men. Some believe that it was at the time of Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary and her subsequent conception; and that the preparations and journey required about nine months. They would then have arrived in Bethlehem near the time of the birth.
Others have suggested that the star appeared at the moment of His birth and their arrival occurred up to two years afterward. This thinking is primarily based on two phrases in St. Matthew’s gospel. First, “when they had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother” (Matthew 2:11). Also, Herod’s edict to “put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem … from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men” (Matthew 2: 16).
In any case, most of the Fathers and more recent scholars agree that the Magi arrived in Bethlehem at some time after the birth of Jesus.
That star, shown on that night, in that place when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in the flesh to save the world. Yes, it was indeed a special star which gave forth a special light at a special time in history at a special place. However, in one sense, we may say that the light of God’s divine and heavenly power, which was manifest then, has shown throughout the ages, leading people to behold His presence and worship Him.
That light, shining in the burning bush, brought Moses to obediently lead the people out of Egyptian bondage and on the journey to the Land of Promise.
That light, shining in the cloud by day and the fire by night, led the people through the wilderness and to the threshold of their new life in Canaan.
That light, shining through Jesus and surrounding Him in glory on Mt. Tabor, brought His disciples to fall on their faces in worship.
That light, shining on the road to Damascus, brought Saul (St. Paul) to his knees, turned him around and altered the course of history.
That light, shining through the Gospel and borne by the Holy Spirit into the hearts of those who believe, has brought multitudes without number to salvation and eternal life.
That light, shining through the lives of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers (Ephesians 4:11), as well as Saints, Martyrs, and everyday Christians, continues to appear as a “star” leading men, women, and children to Jesus Christ.
As it was with the Magi – the Star that sent the signal, that stirred their hearts, that steered their course and that showed them the newborn King has not vanished nor has it dimmed – so let it be with us. It is still there shining for those who will see. It is “the light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9).
It was His star; now the light of Christ is our star, giving us light amid the darkness and calling us to make significant decisions in our lives … wise decisions which will lead us into the Kingdom of God.
As we take leave of Christmas, may we all, with joyful hearts, also proclaim, “We have seen His star … and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2).
Fr. Andrew
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