Star of Bethlehem Identified!
NEWSFLASH!
BETHLEHEM (ADP Wire Services) — The puzzling passage regarding the so-called “Star of Bethlehem” in the Gospel of Matthew has mystified scientists, scholars and researchers for centuries. Many today do not believe that the Star actually existed or, if it did, whether it was a special conjunction of planets, a supernova, or, perhaps, some other manifestation of a natural object such as a comet.
But for this recent discovery to be made, which this exclusive report for ADP documents, several sources hitherto never utilized were used to assist those who were seeking the answer to this puzzling mystery.
As we know, each year, scientists from around the world trudge out the same old tired data and astronomical calculations to convince believers and non-believers alike that the Star of Bethlehem may have been nothing more than a natural phenomenon misinterpreted by the so-called “Wise Men” of that era. The Wise Men, they say, did not have enough knowledge of the Universe to understand these matters.
Or, they speculate, if the Star was truly something special, it certainly could not have been in the sky during the season Christians celebrate the Birth of Jesus because they have no record (outside the Bible) of any unusual astronomical activity during the month of December at the time in question.
In addition, they claim the story of the shepherds tending the sheep makes researchers and scholars inclined to believe that the Birth of Jesus could not have occurred during the winter, but instead was in the spring.
This leads the scientists, scholars and researchers of the world to hold the firm opinion that the writer of the Gospel (Matthew) either made up the story of the Star after the fact, or was mistaken about the time frame in which the Star appeared.
As the “wise men” of this era, they say no other conclusions can be drawn.
Sources, who wish to remain anonymous but are close to this story, revealed to us, however, that, as usual, the so-called “wise men” of today do not understand the power of God and what the word “miracle” really means. In fact, these sources stated it is not “wise” to take a word at its face value.
For instance, they pointed out, the word “bar” has many connotations to it. If one said today that they were going to the “bar,” every one would immediately comprehend that this person was going to a place where alcoholic beverages are served. However, if another person said they were a member of the “bar,” it does not mean that they are an alcoholic. They are in actuality an attorney, or lawyer, and part of an association as such.
Interestingly, the word’s spelling or pronunciation does not change. It remains the same so that if it were said instead of spelt, no one would know the difference unless one understood the context of the sentence.
This, our sources revealed, is the problem with the Star of Bethlehem. While many today seek a rational celestial explanation, it cannot be found.
One must expand the context of the word “star” to reveal its true Gospel meaning. This is not to say that an astronomical phenomenon did not occur during what many believe is the miraculous Birth of Jesus; but, our sources said, it must be put into perspective to comprehend the true nature of the Bethlehem Star. To do so, they suggested we explore several key names and words, and their various definitions.
First, they noted, the name of the village of Bethlehem, five miles south of Jerusalem, means “House of Bread.” That was a major key to those sources who discovered the true meaning of the Star.
A second clue, they said, was the fact that the town, known as the “City of David,” after the famous King of Israel who was born there also, was where the Lord had the prophet Samuel anoint this shepherd boy for his future role as the ruler of God’s Chosen People.
Third, and most importantly, they pointed out, Bethlehem was the place where the prophet Micheas predicted the Messiah of Israel would be born: “And thou Bethlehem Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Juda: out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be the Ruler of Israel: and His going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity” Micheas 5:2.
These facts about Bethlehem, they stated, must then be coupled with the various meanings of the word “star.” While our first inclination is to associate it with an astronomical body, our sources were emphatic that the word clearly has more relevant meanings than this.
Among the many meanings of this word pointed out to us by our sources are these reflections. A star can mean:
-- to present the principal in a leading role.
-- to play the hero’s role in a production.
-- to be the main attraction; the “headliner.”
-- to be the superior performer.
-- to be a prominent figure; a famous person.
-- to perform in an outstanding manner.
-- etc., or as our sources, said, “You get the idea.”
And when, as our sources indicate, we put these two major factors together, we can begin to comprehend that some One is coming to the House of Bread to play the Leading Role as the Hero by being a superior Performer that will thus make this Person a prominent figure and famous due to their performance in an outstanding manner — well, you get the idea.
There is, as they say, only One Candidate that can fill this bill. And that some One is a celestial Body! For it is the heavenly Body of the Glorified Son of God whose countenance can shine like the sun in the night sky!
“Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His Star in the East, and are come to adore Him! … And behold the Star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And seeing the Star they rejoiced with exceeding joy. And entering the house, they found the Child with Mary His Mother, and falling down they adored Him” Matthew 2:2, 9-11.
“Can’t you just see it?” our sources exclaimed. The Wise Men of the world at that time, they explained, were inspired to be looking for a sign while others went about their business.
Then, at the Birth of Christ, the Wise Men, who had no telescopes or binoculars, view as a “star” what the shepherds could clearly see in Bethlehem that evening: the “multitude of the heavenly Army, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest … ’ ”
Luke 2:13-14.
“How did no one else see it?” we asked. Easy, our sources explained. From all eternity and at His Birth, Death and Resurrection, the Lord’s “life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” John 1:4-5.
And, our sources tell us, as we live in an increasingly disbelieving, secular and pagan world, the darkness continues to not comprehend the Star of Bethlehem.
For there is only one Star, whether astronomical, heavenly or terrestrial.
It is Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God.
He is the Star of Bethlehem: the Leading Performer who is the Hero that gave a superior performance that not only makes Him a prominent figure and famous Person due to His outstanding Light that shines in the darkness, but also because He is the Bread that came down from Heaven to give us eternal life.
Here, our sources said, is the Secret of the Star of Bethlehem revealed to those who wish to know! It is none other than the Holy Child lighting up the House of Bread (Bethlehem) with His heavenly countenance as He will later do on Mount Tabor when He transfigures Himself before John, Peter and James (Matthew 17:2).
Then, we inquired, why are all these scientists, scholars and researchers confused about this point year after year while they continually chase the elusive celestial body they believe might fit the description of the Star of Bethlehem?
Because, our sources retorted, the “darkness” does not comprehend.
That is why, they explained, the Lord, who loves secrets, has made the Star of Bethlehem such a yearly secret for 2,000 years! But while He can hide the knowledge of the Star from today’s “wise men,” He did not wish to contain His glorified countenance when He was born. For the Holy Child is the “Aphikoman” (the Hidden Bread at the Passover seder).
And while the Holy Child can hide, our sources exclaimed, it’s tough to be a secret when you’re God!
As we head into the 3rd year of the 3rd Millennium, we end our exclusive newsflash with this prayer: may the Lord, the Aphikoman who is the Bread of Life, take up residence again not only in Bethlehem (the House of Bread) and in the hearts of all believers, but as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords on His Throne in Jerusalem ruling over His creation!
Until then, may we, like wise men without binoculars or telescopes, diligently watch for the brilliant supernova — the multitude of the heavenly Army — that will herald His return to reign as the Star of Bethlehem!
Merry Christmas to all!
© 2002 Agnus Dei Presents!
greatspiritualbattle.com
tough
to be a
secret
when
You’re
God!’
— Agnus Dei