Chapter 6—“We Have Seen His Star”
This chapter is based on
Matthew 2
.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days
of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to
Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we
have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.”
The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged
to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and
comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation. Among
these were many who imposed on the credulity of the people. Others
were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature,
and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. Of this character
were the wise men who came to Jesus.
The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism.
As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the
mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Cre-
ator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures.
In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the
coming of a divine teacher. Balaam belonged to the magicians, though
at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the
prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophe-
cies had been handed down by tradition from century to century. But
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in the Old Testament the Saviour’s advent was more clearly revealed.
The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the
whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the
Lord.
The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon
that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As
the light faded, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the sky. It
was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the phenomenon excited the
keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels,
but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were impressed that
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