Symbols of Christmas: the Star

When we think of the Christmas star, we usually think of it as a historical event. But what if we look at it as a symbol? What if we consider what stars meant to the gospel readers in the early church? Can such an approach give it meaning for us today? Perhaps this sermon will help you do just that.

You may be shocked to learn that we really don’t know when Jesus was born. Oh, we celebrate his birthday on December 25, and there’s a very good reason for that. But what day was he was really born? We don’t have a clue. After all, the gospels don’t give us a date. Luke tells us that Jesus was born during the time that Quirinius was the Roman governor of Syria; but that only gives us a range of years. Luke also tells us that Jesus was born during a Roman census, forcing Mary and Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. But we can’t pinpoint Jesus’ birthday from that, either. News of any official Roman action – like a census – would have taken months to reach Judea. Who knows how long it would have taken to filter down to all the little towns and villages in the countryside; and then we have to allow for the time required to make preparations for it. No, the exact date of Jesus’ birth is probably lost forever.

So, why do we celebrate on December 25? Why not May 14 or October 23? Well, as it happens, when the early church became interested in celebrating the birth of their Messiah, several popular celebrations were already in place at just that time of year. One of those celebrations honored “the god of the unconquerable sun” (sun with a “u”). Just a small step was needed for Christians to change sun (with a “u”) to Son (with an “o”), and to change the birthday of a pagan god to the birthday of the Son of God. And why was the birthday of “the unconquerable sun” celebrated in late December? Why, because late December is the time of the winter solstice, when nights are the longest and it appears that the darkness will never end. You can’t miss the symbolism! Jesus the Christ brings light into our darkness.

But, I’m supposed to be talking about a star this morning. What does a star have to do with all this talk of light and darkness? That answer, too, can be found in ancient traditions. A star – especially a large, bright star – has always signified that a wondrous event has taken place. Specifically, a star appeared when an important person was born – a king or a priest. So, of course, we would expect that a star would appear when the King of kings was born, the One who was destined to rule everyone and everything!

But that still begs the question – Why a star? To answer that question, we need to move from history to symbolism. What do we think of when we see a star? What images does it bring to our mind? These days, we might answer “someone famous” – a movie “star” or a football “star.” But in biblical times, a star symbolized light – the light of wisdom and the light of justice. Stars symbolized characteristics that kings were supposed to use on behalf of the people they ruled. When a new king was born, a star appeared – a star that embodied the light of wisdom, justice, and compassion that the king would bring to his people.

Every now and then, I hear about some scientist who is trying to figure out what the Star of Bethlehem really was. These folks show up on National Geographic specials claiming to have discovered the Star’s identity. Some say that it was a comet. Others say that it was a supernova. Some even say that it wasn’t a star at all, but a conjunction of planets that were so close together that they appeared to be a star. And maybe one of these theories is correct. But in the end, this kind of investigation is missing the point. The Star of Bethlehem is not so much a puzzle that we solve, but a symbol of a mystery that we ponder.

By placing the appearance of that star on December 25, here’s what Christian tradition claims. In the darkness of the longest night of the year, a star appeared. It was summoned not by a human being, but by God – the only God, who had claimed the people of Israel as his own. It announced the birth of a king – the unconquerable Son of that very same God. It shone brightly enough to guide people to that king; and its position in the sky told them where that king had been born. It promised wisdom, justice, and compassion. It brought light where there was no light. The gospel of John says in poetry what gospel of Matthew tells us through his story of the star: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light still shines in the darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Stars still point the way to the Christ child, stars that we can see today. Let’s face it, we still live in a dark world, and sometimes we still need a star to help us find him. What are those stars that point the way? They aren’t stars in the sky; not today. No, today they are men and women whose lives reflect the light that the unconquerable Son came to bring to us – the light of compassion, justice, and wisdom. They aren’t celebrities who grace the pages of People magazine. No, they’re your friends and your neighbors! They live down the road from you, and they stand in line with you at Kroger’s. They lead Boy Scout troops and volunteer to be room mothers at school. They might even sit right next to you in the pew on Sunday morning! Their lives point to Jesus in all kinds of ways.

·         They forgive when forgiving is difficult.

·         They listen with their hearts, and you know that they care about your problems.

·         They are always more ready to love than to judge.

·         When they see a need, they do what they can to meet it.

·         They give of their time, their resources, and their lives.

·         They’re not perfect – but they reflect the life of the One who is.

They are stars who embody the mystery of love; and on the darkest night, they shine brightly to remind us that the Child of Bethlehem has come into the world to love it, to teach it, and to save it.

May a star shine brightly for you this year. May it light your way to the Child who was laid in a manger on Christmas Eve, and who lives with us forever. His light still shines in the darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it. Thanks be to God!