The Mystery of Epiphany and The Star of Bethlehem
What was it that led the Magi to Jesus?
As the Church celebrates Epiphany, we reflect on the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, guided by a star — a sign of God’s revelation to the nations. This story, steeped in wonder and mystery, has sparked fascination for centuries. What was this “Star of Bethlehem” that led the wise men to Jesus? Was it a miraculous light, or could it have been a natural astronomical event designed by the Creator to herald the birth of the King of Kings?
The Great Conjunction
In December 2020, the world witnessed a rare astronomical event called a “great conjunction.” Jupiter and Saturn appeared so close in the night sky that they seemed to merge into a single brilliant light. Such conjunctions are infrequent, occurring roughly every 20 years, but the alignment of 2020 was the closest in nearly 800 years.
These celestial phenomena prompt awe and wonder, reminding us of Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God.” They also offer an opportunity to consider how the natural world might point us to the divine. Could a similar conjunction have been the famed “Star of Bethlehem”?
Astronomy and the Magi
The Magi, often referred to as “wise men from the East,” were likely Persian astrologers skilled in interpreting the stars. Around 7 BC, a triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurred in the constellation Pisces. To the Magi, this alignment carried profound symbolism.
Jupiter, the planet of kingship, coronations, and the birth of kings. In Hebrew, Jupiter was known as Sedeq or “Righteousness,” a term also used for the Messiah.
Saturn, associated with divine protection
Pisces, later linked to the birth of Jesus as the “fisher of men”
In September of 3 B.C., Jupiter came into conjunction with Regulus, the star of kingship, the brightest star in the constellation of Leo. Leo was the constellation of kings, and it was associated with the Lion of Judah.
Together, these signs might have suggested the birth of a royal figure in Israel. Compelled by this celestial message, the Magi embarked on their long journey, seeking the child born to be King.
Following the Star
The journey of the Magi culminates in Bethlehem, where the star appears to “stop” over the place where the child was. This detail aligns with the phenomenon of retrograde motion, where planets appear stationary in the night sky due to their orbits. Could Jupiter have been this “star,” guiding the Magi at just the right moment?
In December, 2 BC, the Magi arrived and visited Jesus in Bethlehem. At this point, Jesus may have been about a year or two old — toddler age. The verse in Matthew 1:11 suggests Jesus was no longer a baby at this point based on the Greek word used: παιδίον (paidion) meaning a young child. Jupiter was then right above Bethlehem when viewed from Jerusalem due to its paused retrograde motion, which lasted for about six days, which aligns with the Biblical text:
Matthew 2:9
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
A Sign of Revelation
Epiphany invites us to marvel not only at the star but at the God who uses creation to reveal His glory. Whether the Star of Bethlehem was a miraculous light or an astronomical event, it points to Jesus, the true Light of the World. In Jesus, God’s love is made manifest — not just to Israel but to all nations.
The Magi’s journey reminds us of our own pilgrimage of faith. Like them, we are invited to seek Christ, to bow in worship, and to offer Him our treasures: our hearts, our lives, our devotion, as “living sacrifices” (Rom 12:1).
Jesus, the True Star
As we celebrate Epiphany, let us remember that the ultimate revelation is not in the heavens but in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the fulfilment of God’s promise, the King who brings hope, peace, and salvation to all who follow Him.
Whether we gaze at the stars or reflect on the scriptures, may we be drawn to worship the King of Kings, born in humility yet reigning in glory. This is the message of Epiphany: the Light has come, and the nations are drawn to its splendour.