The Bethlehem Star

Examiner.com (New Orleans) 12/11/09

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Bethlehem Star

Psalm 19:1KJV

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Supernatural Star

- Not a supernova, a comet, a massing of planets

- v.2 “the East” most likely modern day Iran

- Celestial bodies normally move from east to west due to the earth’s rotation

- Wisemen were in the east & went to the west

- v.9 The star “went ahead of” the wisemen

- v. 2 - Disappeared by the time the magi reached Jerusalem

- Herod had to ask the magi when the star had appeared

- v.9 - Reappeared when they went from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (6 miles)

- v.9 “stood over where the child was.

- Led them to the very house that Jesus was in

Shekinah

- The star was uniquely designed, made by God for a very special purpose

- Numbers 24:17 - Gentile Balaam’s prophecy

- Daniel in the Persian court - 9:24-27

- Alfred Edersheim a Jewish convert to Christianity and a Biblical scholar known especially for his book The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

- He points out that the Greek word translated "star" can mean "radiance."

- "Shekinah" not found in bible

- A physical manifestation of the glory of God in the form of a supernatural radiance.

+ Ex. 13:21-22 a pillar of cloud in the day that became a pillar of fire by night

+ 2 Chron. 7:1-3 - Temple of Solomon

- Lk 2:9 - At the birth of Jesus

- Mt 17:5 - At His transfiguration

- Acts 1:9 - At His ascension

Why Magi From the East

Luke 2:10-11KJV

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

- Simeon

Luke 2:30-32KJV

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

The Star of Our Lives

2 Peter 1:19KJV

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

- Jesus will soon return as "the bright and morning star"

Revelation 22:16KJV

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

The darkness in our lives

Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Source of Light

Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Light = Lifr

John 1:4-5In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Confirmed It Himself

John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.