The peculiar bright light in the sky prompted Magi to search for a new king. This happened over two thousand years ago. And people today are still seeking to understand this bright light, and even more importantly, this king!
In Matthew chapter two, we read about the Magi (“Wise Men”) asking King Herod for directions. They had already traveled a far distance from the east, and they wanted clarification about locating the one “who has been born king of the Jews (verse 2).” They had noticed the king’s star when it rose in the east. But just what did they see?
Modern day astronomers have opined on the matter. Looking at historic planetary movement, particularly during the reign of King Herod, no obvious answers appear. From an astronomer’s perspective, perhaps the Magi mistook another phenomenon for the star. Could it have been an unusually bright meteor streaking across the sky? Likely not, because those meteors disappear in a matter of seconds, not long enough to lead the Magi from the east to Bethlehem. Could it have been a bright comet, with its bright front a long tail? Or maybe a supernova, or even bright planets aligning just right?
Astronomer Michael Molnar might have the most intriguing proposition. In his book, The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi, Molnar claims that the biblical Greek phrase for “in the east” was a technical term used in ancient mathematical astronomy. Molnar pieces together clues from astrology symbols he found on an ancient coin: the image of Aries looking back at a star. Aries, it seems, was an ancient symbol for Judea, and that ancient astrologers believed that a new king would be born when the moon passed in front of Jupiter. That technical astrology term (yielding “in the east”) described a planet rising above the eastern horizon just before the sun’s appearance. Keeping in mind the story of Matthew chapter two, Molnar was able to connect his findings to chart an eclipse of Jupiter in Aries on April 17, 6 B.C., a day when Jupiter was precisely “in the east.”
Whatever the cosmic sight was, however science wants to describe, here is what we claim to be true: God used an amazing light to lead wise & powerful men half way around the world to discover the Light of the World!
During the season of Advent, we will “Follow the Star.” Everything during Advent – from our worship opportunities, adult seminars, activities for children & youth, to our music concerts and mission opportunities – prompts us to follow the star. Look for these opportunities to grow in discipleship!
May we humbly follow all the way to Bethlehem.