“Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:1-2
The supernatural phenomena appearing in the heavens alerted and directed the Magi to the place where Jesus was. They did not arrive at the same time of the shepherds but actually much later. The prophet Balaam uttered prophesy concerning the One coming. “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.” – Numbers 24:17
While the suggested traditional birth site may not be accepted by all, the actual birth of Christ is a confirmed fact. He was born as prophesied and furthermore, the town where He was born is accurate for it matches the words of Micah. Those of us who have been to Israel did visit an alleged place where He is said to have been born. I’ll quote the Wikipedia statement. “The Grotto of the Nativity, the place where Jesus is said to have been born, is an underground space which forms the crypt of the Church of the Nativity. It is situated underneath its main altar, and it is normally accessed by two staircases on either side of the chancel. The Grotto of the Nativity, fourteen-point silver star under the main altar marking the traditional spot of Jesus’ birth.” –wikipedia.org/wiki/Church of the Nativity
I can only say, as one of many pilgrims to the Holy Land, that my heart was thrilled not so much by seeing the traditional, alleged, site of His birth but rather the fact of His birth! The star, which the Magi noticed, pointed to the “Star” born in Bethlehem! I would suggest that the “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, shines on every page of the Holy Scriptures as well as on redeemed hearts. The joy of Christmas is enhanced by the reality of eternal life, made certain by the indwelling Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people. The “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” is the “Star out of Jacob” and He gives the real Christmas glow in the hearts of those who know Him in salvation.
Chuck Peters – 12/18/2022
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