Just what was the star in the East? The old charts and wisdom and folklore only take us so far with any certainty.

Why? Because we don’t know precisely when Jesus was born.  December 25^th? Highly suspect. It was Emperor Constantine’s decree that gave us the now-accepted date.

Maybe the star was a supernova, a white dwarf star that shattered and was a mind-blowing 50,000 times brighter than our sun, making it visible even in daylight for as long as a year.

As for the astrologers, those wise men three, their home countries are not significant to the story. However, that sick feeling of dread they carried with them to Bethlehem was crucial. Even though the gifts helped the family of three financially in the early going, it was the escape impetus that mattered most.

How good it is, how extra-special, to still be in the season of Christmas! Closing the chapter of 2024 in our Lord’s story, whether the A.D. (anno domine, or year of our Lord) is accurate or not, brings a breath of hope. We know that God is in charge of all things, earthly and cosmic. The unconditional love behind the grand plan is most fully felt in this holiest of seasons. May the light of a star guide you as it did the men of old.

Pastor Art