“… 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 2:9-10

Have you ever gazed at the stars in the sky and wondered what Christ’s star—the star of Bethlehem—looked like? What a magnificent star it must have been for the wise men to pack up and take off after it. They left everything to follow that star.

Many people have speculated about the exact physical nature of that star, but in the end, all speculations are merely guesses. But we do know that this star heralded Christ’s coming, and as it did so, it communicated His nature to us.

The star of Bethlehem was a star of love that pointed to the incarnate yet divine love of Jesus Christ, God’s perfect love that had come to earth in human form.

The star of Bethlehem was a star of hope that led the wise men to the fulfillment of their expectations, the success of their expedition. Nothing in this world is more fundamental for success in life than hope, and this star pointed to our only source for true hope: Jesus Christ.

The star of Bethlehem was a star of joy. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” All true joy comes from Him. From deep within the well of our souls, Christ’s joy bubbles up and overflows. Those who know Jesus the best rejoice the most.

The star of Bethlehem was also a star of witness. It witnessed about the one true King and Messiah Who came to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles.

But most of all, the star of Bethlehem was a star of guidance. The star guided the wise men through the desert and across great distances. It guided them to the Lord Jesus Christ. We also are guided by our Star—God’s Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As pilgrims through this barren land, God’s Word guides us to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Today thank God for the love, hope, joy, witness, and guidance we gained when Jesus Christ was born under that star. May the light of His star guide you this day and every day until together we bow down and worship Jesus with the wise men in Heaven.

“Wise men still seek Him.”
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