After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
I have read and heard these verses so many times and, yet, this year I had an epiphany. A new understanding. A fresh insight. This year I saw something in this passage I hadn't seen before.
As the Magi approached Jerusalem, they were led by light to the Source of all light. Apparently they'd had their own epiphany, for they referred to this special star as His star. The child's star. Christ's Star.
Before Jesus' birth, cruel and self-centered King Herod had to convince the Romans to name him king over the Jews. This is how he came to rule at the time of Messiah's birth. He forced his way to the throne. Herod crowned himself king.
But the question asked by the wise men from the east speaks of a different kind of kingship. A heavenly and eternal kingship.
And it speaks of an entirely different kind of King. A humble king. One who beckons strangers from afar to come and lay their crowns at His feet.
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star ... and have come to worship him."
Unlike Herod, Jesus was born king. It was His star that rose to announce His coming into the world. The Light of the world has His own Star. In fact, all the stars are His. Every one of them.
Today we celebrate the joyful epiphany of the Magi even as we anticipate our own. May we, too, recognize Christ's Star, leave everything behind and come to worship Him.
Follow the Star!
Dr Mari
