Chasing the Star of Bethlehem across Sheffield

I drove with my three kids up to the hills above Sheffield in the hope that we would see what has been called ‘the great conjunction’ as Jupiter and Saturn crossed paths in the night sky.

Across the world people have looked in wonder because these ancient planets have not been so close and seen at night by the naked eye for 800 years.

Even more spine-tingling is the possibility from scientists that this phenomenon might also have occurred around two thousand years ago and formed the famous ‘Star of Bethlehem.’

Stargazers could spot a bright light in the sky days before Christmas, similar to that which is said to have led the three wise men to the nativity scene, according to an astronomer. photo: International Dark Sky Association/PA Wire.

That is what has captured my heart: the chance to look back into history and share in something that earth has remembered for two millennia.

The famous bible account in Matthew’s gospel says, “the wise men went their way.

And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem.

It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

It made me think what a huge decision those Magi took to leave their homeland behind and take a journey for many months into the unknown.

They followed a heart-hunch that God was calling them to follow his star towards Jesus.

They knew it was a significant invitation, but I bet they didn’t know the details.

I bet they were as surprised everybody else to meet this baby boy, and yet they were willing to present their valuable gifts.

This Christmas time holds within it a similar invitation to you and me, to take a journey in our hearts towards Jesus.

For two millennia his name and life has captured people’s attention.

We see in Jesus something deep and true that is worth following.

We don’t know all the details, it can be costly, yet following Jesus is always fulfilling – just as those Magi.