Matthew 2:9-10 NLT And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
No Christmas nativity scene is complete without it. And while Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are rightly the focal point, without the star the wise men might still be wandering around Judea looking for the promised Messiah.
Many theorize the Star of Bethlehem was a supernova event, where a star dramatically increases in brightness before fading away. Or possibly a comet, or a planetary conjunction, where two or more planets appear close together in the sky, creating a bright "star-like" effect. Others believe it was a supernatural manifestation that can’t be explained scientifically, suggesting the star was an angel, or that the star was a manifestation of God’s Shekinah Glory, like the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the desert (Exodus 13:21).
Whether it was the perfect timing of a natural event or a supernatural manifestation, both are the miracles of a great and mighty Lord who “determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” Psalms 147:4 NIV. Everything God does demonstrates his character, nature, and love toward us and the Star of Bethlehem was no different. As if foretelling the purpose and calling of Jesus, God tore open the fabric of heaven so that the light of heaven shone on the earth. “Jesus spoke again to the people and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV.
God desires to be our guide, giving us hope even in times of darkness, calling us into His presence and despite the circumstances, to worship. Isaiah prophesied, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them” (Isaiah 9:2), as he foresaw the birth of the Prince of Peace (9:6). The Star was a call to come, celebrate, and worship the arrival of the newborn King—a Messiah who would remove every barrier between God and man and usher in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that guiding is the number one job of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” God’s presence directs us just as it did for Israel who followed the cloud and fire through the wilderness.
In Psalm 37:23, God promises to guide us “in the way we should go.” Like all of God’s promises, the fulfillment of His promise to guide us is in the context of seeking Him, of being in a continual state of fellowship with Him. The magi, or wise men, were drawn to the Star of Bethlehem because they were seeking Him. These men were likely well-versed in the writings and prophecies of Daniel, from his time in Babylon. They were God-seekers and God promises that if we seek him, we will find him (Jeremiah 29:13).
The Star was God’s response to guide those who were seeking him. If you find yourself in a time of darkness, not knowing which way to turn, the light of God’s presence and his gentle guidance is offered to all who call on His name. Psalm 18:48 promises, “For You, O Lord, are my lamp; you light up my darkness.” Go ahead and make the call. Just as the wise men were likely surprised to learn their promised King was a baby, you may be surprised at how he reveals himself to you.
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Gary and Sandy Anthony
Exodus 13:21 NLT The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.
Galatians 5:16 NLT So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
Isaiah 42:16 TPT I will walk the blind through an unknown way and guide them on paths they’ve never traveled. I will smooth their difficult road and make their dark mysteries bright with light. These are things I will do for them, for I will never abandon my beloved ones.
Proverbs 3:13-17 NLT Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
Psalms 73:23-26 NLT I belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalms 139:7-10 NLT I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
Psalms 119:105 NLT Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Exodus 15:13 NIV In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
Psalms 48:14 NIV For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Luke 1:78-79 NLT Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.
Psalms 43:3 NLT Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.
Psalms 25:5 NLT Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Isaiah 48:17 NLT This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and guides you along the paths you should follow.