…..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,
…..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.
Matthew 2:1, 2
Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas!
The word for “wise” in Greek is magos, which is why we sometimes hear the wise men referred to as the magi (plural). Many believe they were astronomers who were part of a school that was set up by Daniel the prophet, which taught and passed down his knowledge from the sixth century BC. They were therefore very learned and adept at tracking the movements of the stars. The prophecy of the star was given in Numbers 24:17: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel. The magi were not only well-versed in astronomy, but in the Scriptures as well.
Daniel was noted for his wisdom by both God (Ez 28:3) and man (Dan 5:11). As careful students of Daniel’s teachings, the magi recognized the monumental importance of the star’s appearance. They therefore made their journey to find and worship the King that Daniel spoke of, Messiah the Prince, the King of the Jews. You have probably heard about the so-called ‘Christmas star’ that will be visible from anywhere on earth on December 21, but only with binoculars or by telescope. An alignment of Jupiter and Saturn that is visible worldwide is an event so rare that it has not occurred since 1226 AD. The fact that it is happening on December 21, the winter solstice, makes it all the more conspicuous.
I have heard all manner of claims from folks who say they know when the rapture will happen because of what they see in the constellations. I believe such studies may point to the seasons (Gen 1:14; cf 1 Thess 5:1) of prophetic events like the second coming, but I am not claiming the Christmas star coincides with the rapture. Jesus told us that no man knows the day or the hour. He said He is coming in an hour such as we think not. Furthermore, I suspect the rapture will occur on a Jewish calendar day that has a trumpet connected to it. Having said all that, when Jesus made the stars, or lights, He said let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: (Gen 1:14) Jesus also said And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; without offering further explanation. What did He mean by that? I would say it’s something to think about. Job 38:32 tells us God guides the Mazzaroth (the zodiac) in his season. The origin of the Mazzaorth is unknown, but it is found in cultures around the globe, always with the same twelve constellations in the same order. Although they were later perverted by mythology and occultic practices, the twelve constellation symbols were originally created to tell the story of the gospel. Not for evangelizing, as critics seem to think some say, but to declare the glory of God. The calendar of the Mazzaroth changes constellations approximately every 2000 years. The Mazzaroth is currently transitioning from Pisces the fish to Aquarius water bearer, even as students of Bible prophecy everywhere are anticipating the imminent return of Christ. The fish, of course, is a common Christian symbol, pointing to the church age. The water that the water bearer pours out is, of course, a type of the Holy Spirit. This points to the kingdom age when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Isa 11:9). Here is something else to think about: The founder of the school that the Magi presumably followed, Daniel, wrote this concerning the end-times: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. … And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
In closing, the only hope for this world is the Lord Jesus Christ. A star heralded his first coming and wise men took notice. Jesus said that signs in the stars will have something to do with his second coming, and there has been more rare astronomical activity in the last few years than anyone could imagine. God is telling us something. If we are wise, we will listen and prepare ourselves accordingly. The magi did not just look at the star in awe. They took a long journey to find Jesus; they brought gifts. What about us? Are you seeking Him daily? (Acts 17:11) Have you thought about what sort of gift Jesus may like to receive from you? Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
According to chabod.org, the next Shemitah year is 5782, which runs from September 7, 2021 – September 25, 2022. I believe the seven-year tribulation period quite likely corresponds with one of the seven-year Shemitah cycles. Therefore, 5782 points to a possible season for the rapture. In other words, the rapture could occur on or around 5782, but we see through a glass, darkly. The rapture could happen seven years later, or at any time. (Matt 24:44)
Father, thank You for giving us riddles to contemplate, a vast universe to ponder, and eternity to solve such mysteries. We know and believe that You will send your Son for us sometime soon. Give us wisdom. Help us to walk wisely and redeem the time while we wait for Him. We love You Father; We love You Spirit, We love You Jesus. Amen.
The Great Orion Nebula
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1
