The very same God that created you and I also flung every star into place. He knows each one of them by name (Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 40:26-27) and they each carry a unique sound (according to astronomers). That in itself is amazing but did you know that some of the constellations actually tell part of the gospel message? (The Gospel in the Stars by Joseph Seiss) “God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” — Martin Luther

Creation has fascinated me for years. Astronomy has been a part of that fascination even before I was saved. In junior high school I was the only female in the astronomy club. Our science teacher brought to life the constellations as we gazed through (almost 60 years ago) what is now probably a very basic telescope but with enough magnification for him to bring those different constellations and even galaxies to our attention.

I realize that our enemy has counterfeited (Deuteronomy 4:19) these facts with the perverted astrology charts that even many Christians follow. Nevertheless, like everything else that he has perverted for his own cause, for every counterfeit there is always the real, the legitimate. Don’t be afraid to explore the many facets of science that point to our Creator God. Although so much of what is taught in our schools leaves out original design and creationism, nevertheless it is true and will ultimately be proved so.

More than 2,000 years ago three “wise men” who were very likely astronomers saw an unusual star in the sky. Because they were learned in many areas, they had obviously studied Hebrew literature and realized even more than most of the religious Jews at the time that this star was foretelling the birth of Israel’s Messiah/King. Only Matthew’s gospel records the event of these wise men who came to worship this infant king. The word “magos” (magi) comes from the ancient Persian language and means spiritual advisors or priests. These particular advisors could have even been descendants of Daniel’s contemporaries as he was appointed by several Persian kings to fill this role. Perhaps that is why they were familiar with the prophecies concerning this king.

I feel quite certain that star drew the attention of more than these three men who had to travel a very great distance to pay their homage to this king. We know that the shepherds who were tending the flocks nearby were aware of that star because after they encountered an angel who announced His birth and then heard the angelic choir singing praises to God, they made haste to Bethlehem to see this Babe in a lowly manger. But when King Herod heard from these three foreigners, he called in the Jewish priests who confirmed that it was Bethlehem where the Messiah was to be born. The Passion translation says: “King Herod was shaken to the core when he heard this and not only him, but all of Jerusalem was disturbed when they heard this news.” (Matt.2:3) They were “shaken” and “disturbed,” not rejoicing and excited. This same translation says of these three foreigners “and when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.” (Matt. 2:10)

Although we no longer can see this star, the stars are still singing and telling of the wonders of our awesome God. In fact all of creation is currently “groaning” for a manifestation of mature sons and daughters of God who will declare His goodness and love for all of mankind. This time of year, most people, even those with little or no faith, seem to put on their best behavior. They are more understanding and compassionate, more generous to those who are less fortunate. But once the season is over, most go back to their normal way of life without giving the Lord much thought.

The Christmas story has become so familiar to most of us who call ourselves Christian. We each celebrate the holiday in different ways and enjoy our family times, the children’s play, gift giving, etc. But most of us have lost the wonder of what actually took place when the God-man Jesus entered this world with only one mission. He was to become the spotless Lamb of God who would pay the price and be sacrificed for our sins so that we could be redeemed back to the Father. Oh, what wonder, that our God could love us that much. Let us sing with those who have gone before us, who make up that great cloud of witnesses — “Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” Wise men still seek Him!