The Star of Bethlehem

I thought telescopes and binoculars were the greatest. We had some of those and went to the Chicago Adler Planetarium for the biggest and best at that time.

Strangely one expert was quite upset, because fellow scientists did not like the Planetariums being used to encourage the Christian Faith. They were no longer laughing at the Star of Bethlehem. It was the wrong emphasis, I guessed.

Our society has drifted away from Creation, even though the details are quite clear at all levels. The soil contains billions if we dare to observe what is happening all the time. There is even a bonus for common sense - cut flowers, use rainwater, and watch the neighbors respond. Most physicians enjoyed them - others did not. "I am not in your league," one doctor said.

KJV Matthew 2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 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.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Thoughts about the Four Gospels - Each One Unique But Also - in Harmony

 Students and professors like to fall into combat concerning the Four Gospels, with an additional treat called the Synoptics. That Greek term (Greek for seen together) is used for Matthew, Mark, and Luke since those three Gospels are closely associated. However, most academics use the alarm weapon of What's Wrong! while missing the important points after a few hours of working over the topic.

The Gospel of John does not need to be used as wrong when it too has wonderful passages and clarifying words. Readers will understand when they are told by know-it-alls that John's Gospel can be attacked the same as Luther's works. Better to study both carefully rather than be a know-it-all. 

Here are some thoughts about the Four Gospels during this very special season.

Matthew - The Christian Faith began while fulfilling the Gospel through the works of the Old Testament. The 39 Hebrew books were waiting to be used for the whole truth when the 27 Greek New Testament books were written down and spread rapidly.

Matthew is a solid reminder that the first Gospel is foundational for the early Jewish believers, spectacular miracles in the midst of those touched by the first saints - Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men. And the Star annoys the astronomical message to this day.

Mark - Many overlook the Second Gospel, but that makes the careful readers more diligent. Annoyed by so many miracles? And similar to Matthew and Luke? Mark's readings are not a burden but a series of examples where the divinity power of Jesus the Son of God is revealed. Many students of Mark realize that the details are revealing, not tedious or repetitive. 

I have told graduate students that Jesus prayed by Himself very early before dawn. One student knew Mark well and grew quite upset about my statement. "I have never seen that in all my work on Mark!" I let him narrow it down to Mark 1. Soon he came back with Mark 1:35, when the disciples told Jesus to get to work.

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with Him followed after Him. And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek for thee.”

Episodes in Mark and the other Gospels are overlooked because of familiarity with those verses.

Luke - The Virgin Birth of Jesus in Luke 2 is a beautiful reminder - making us wonder, "Where did Luke come from? He gave us 25% of the New Testament in give us Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke by itself could be the gem of the New Testament, but add the tremendous historical study of the Acts, by itself (though alone) in historical and religious value.

John -  If Matthew and Luke are seen together, how much is greater Genesis and John? - those two books begin verses with Creation and the Trinity. In terms of harmony, both introductions unify the Bible and help us remember what matters most.