One Bright Star

One Bright Star
Light in the Night!
Terry R. Baughman

“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “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.” … And behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matthew 2:1–2; 9–10 NKJ).

Another miracle surrounding the Nativity was the appearance of wisemen, or Magi, from the East. Though they have been referred to as kings, they were more likely astrologers or priests who studied the stars and ancient prophecies for some sign in the heavens. When they saw an unusual, unidentified star or comet in the skies, they concluded that it was the announcement of a great leader that was foretold in ancient prophecy. They immediately made plans to follow the path of the star’s passing. The Magi traveled toward Jerusalem, assuming such an important leader would be known in the capital city. 

King Herod received the guests from the East and was curious to know more of their story, but more concerned that a rival king had been born in his territory that could pose a threat to his reign. He called for the Chief Priests and teachers of the Law to inquire of them where the Messiah was to be born. Knowing the Scripture, they immediately responded, “In Bethlehem in Judea, … for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel’” (Matthew 2:5–6 NIV, quoting Micah 5:2).

Herod continued to ask about the time of the appearance of the star, hoping to learn more about this child that had been born. He asked under the pretext of a desire to also worship Him. It is later revealed that the evil intent in his heart was to destroy the child. 

After leaving King Herod, while on the road to Bethlehem, the Magi again saw the star appear that they had seen in their home country. According to Matthew, “On their way to Bethlehem, the same star they had seen in the East suddenly reappeared! Amazed, they watched as it went ahead of them and stopped directly over the place where the child was. And when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy” (Matthew 2:9–10 TPT). 

This bright star drew them to Bethlehem, “until it stopped over the place where the child was” (Matthew 2:9 NIV). They rejoiced in the divine guidance that directed their journey and they celebrated the birth of the child by delivering their treasure, gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 
One bright star pointed the way to the Bright Morning Star! The shining light guided the seekers to The Light of the World! In John’s prophecy, Jesus was revealed as, “the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16 NIV). As the Bright Morning Star, the coming of Jesus signals the end of darkness and the dawn of a brand new day. Jesus is the Light of the world! We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him!
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Theme passage:
“A fountain of life was in him, for his life is light for all humanity. And this Light never fails to shine through darkness—Light that darkness could not overcome! (John 1:4-5 TPT).