After this interview the wise men went their way. 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! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod."
This is a popular passage. The Star of Bethlehem. Actually, this term is never used in the Bible. It's either "His star" or "the star." I've never heard a satisfactory version of what this star is. It's been suggested as either some astronomical event like a bright star or comet. Maybe. But then how could it be said: "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 was the last time a star guided you? Or you heard of someone else who was guided by one? No. That's not what God created the stars for! (That's a little clue.)
Others have said: it's the Shekinah Glory. I've never heard it in Scripture as being anywhere other than on the mercy seat. It went up to Heaven. Maybe it came down at Jesus birth. I haven't found anything for or against this. The Holy Spirit hasn't spoken to me about it either that I have heard.
Let's take a closer look now at the passage in Matthew chapter 2. The star rose in the east and we have come to worship Him. There is no mention in this part of the passage, at least, of the wise men being guided. Maybe they were but it is not mentioned. Maybe the star will only guide to Bethlehem. Maybe again the wise men didn't know about Bethlehem and needed to enquire. After all they do say, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"
We then have the passage (already mentioned above): "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." Clearly guiding them now they followed. It stopped over the place where the child was. They were filled with joy! Mission accomplished! Clearly they knew this house was where He was.
It would appear from this, it stopped on the roof! Or directly above. Wow! Definitely not a star. So why is star used? We need to look at a few Old Testament and New Testament scriptures to understand "stars."
They are angels. (Judges 5:19-24.) “The kings of Canaan came and fought, at Taanach near Megiddo’s springs, but they carried off no silver treasures. The stars fought from heaven. The stars in their orbits fought against Sisera. The Kishon River swept them away— that ancient torrent, the Kishon. March on with courage, my soul! Then the horses’ hooves hammered the ground, the galloping, galloping of Sisera’s mighty steeds. ‘Let the people of Meroz be cursed,’ said the angel of the Lord. ‘Let them be utterly cursed, because they did not come to help the Lord — to help the Lord against the mighty warriors. ’ “Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. May she be blessed above all women who live in tents." The stars fought from Heaven. Also, "The stars in their orbits fought against Sisera." Angels are often called stars. Further passages to follow. Notice also how the people of Meroz were cursed for not participating. Then, the angel (pause) of The Lord spoke: curse Meroz. What is your town doing for the LORD? There may not be war but God still has a purpose. The churches need to come together and hear from Him. Do they want that? Revive us once more Messiah Yeshua that we may stand before You. I said it elsewhere but will ya it again: we need to change, not just repent. Will repentance make a difference if we remain in our rebellion and do what we want to do? No.
Luke 2:9-12. "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you:You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Here he is again. Clearly the Messiah is in a manger.
Here are a few more passages:
Revelation 1:1-2. "The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Revelation 1:20. "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this:The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."
Job 38:7. "While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" The stars sing too! All of creation sings His praises! When the curse of the fall is lifted during Messiah's millennial reign on earth we will see and understand this much better.
What can we conclude? Stars are angels. They fight with us. Discern how to work together. These are the end-times and the need to listen for His voice is even more important now. Amen.