THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1924, Page 7 (Supplement)

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM

(By

Rev. Oscar Blundell.)

“The planet Earth was lost in the vastness of space, so at the first Christ-mas-time God sent a star to look for it, and ever since then our once-lost Earth has been treading homewards through the heavens.” (Dr. Talmage'). Far to the east of Jordan, where the mighty Euphrates rolls by the plains of Shina, dwelt certain members of the ancient cult of astrologers and soothsayers, known as the Magians. In their day and time they were regarded as learned men, the repositories of science, philosophy, medical skill and religious mysteries. From their station beneath the clear skies of Babylonia they nightly sought to read in the constellations the destinies of nations. Strange writings from their own and from distant lands came into their possession and were studied by them. Among these were certain precious m.s.s. conveyed to Babylon by the exiled Jews of Palestine. One, called

“T he Book of Numbers,” . contained a prophecy spoken by a seer of Pethor named Balaam, many centuries previously. Thus it ran: “I shall see Him, but not now; I shall behold Him, but not nigh; there shall come a star out of Jacob, and a septre shall arise out of Israel.’ 5

Far oft’ in the westerh region, where Rome ruled as mistress of the world, philosophers like Plato and Seneca and poets like Virgil and Horace had bemoahed the condition of society as. then constituted, and had acknowledged the universal need of a moral ideal; a pattern by which men could shape their conduct. . Their writings, inform us that, amidst the despondency which reigned in the minds of thoughtful men as they noted the once invincible Roman Empire tottering to its fall; in the vague yearning they felt for some anchor to hold the human race in the dark and troubled sea, there was an inclination to turn their eyes to the east, the seat of ancient and mysterious religions, in the hope of finding there light and help. One night, as the Magian astrologers were keeping their usual watch upon the heavenly bodies, keen eyes noted a new And unknown star gleaming among the constellations in the west. They at once connected its appearance with the star spoken of in the prophecy of Balaam. To them it was the star of the new King who was t > arise as ruler over Israel. So convincing was. the celestial outburst to them, that they decided to satisfy themselves with a sight .of the King Himself, and for that purpose they journeyed westward into Judga, being nightly cheered by the sight of the new star. As it sank each night of their journey to its setting, it appeared to go before them and to beckon them onward.

“From th© eastern mountains. Pressing on they come; Wise men in their wisdom, Tq His humble home. Filled with deep devotion, Hasting from afar, Nightly journeying onward, Guided by a star.”

Having passed the mountains of Moab and crossed the Jordan Valley, they came to Jerusalem, and, with naive simplicity and assurance, inquired where the new-born King was to be seen. But nobody was expecting or had knowledge of the arrival of any King, and only that the jealousy of the reigning monarch Herod was aroused, the Magians had like to have inquired in vain. To Herod the idea of anyone arising to take ]iis throne and'kingdom was most objectionable, so, with cunning duplicity he proceeded to discover the whereabouts of the new King. Learning from the priests and scribes that a prophecy of Micah had foretold Bethlehem as the birthplace of the promised Messiah, and being told by the visiting Magians that the recent appearance of the star indicated the extreme infancy of the arrived King, Herod sent them to Bethlehem, requesting that he might be informed when and where they discovered the Holy Child. “That I,” he said, “may come ami worship Him also.”

j All unheeding the sinister intention hidden in Herod’s words, the worthy Magians fared forth again. It was even-ing-time and over the south-west hung the bright star which had so attracted them. As they journeyed southward their hearts filled with great joy. for again it appeared to go before them, and when they arrived at Bethlehem it hung low in the west, and, apparently, right over the little town. Nay, as they entered the caravanseri where the young child lay, they noted the star as if it were gleaming just above the roof, and they felt assured that the King indeed lay within. And there, sure enough, cradled in a manger, in the courtyard, lay a tiny, new-born baby, and those simplehearted men, faithful to the light they had received, kneeled in worship and presented the gifts they had brought.

In that child the longings of western philosophers and eastern seers alike found satisfaction. Of Him the star of Bethlehem was a type, guiding towards truth, towards righteousness and peace, leading earnest, seeking hearts to where their every worthy aspiration has its fulfilment.

<f onward through the darkness, Of the lonely night, Shining still before us, With Thy kindly light. Guide us, Jew or Gentile, Homeward from afar, Ever journeying onward, 1 Guided by Thy star.”