Matthew 2:2,7,9-10 “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… Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared… 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
How appropriate that a star should be prepared by God to mark the time and place of the birth of His Son. Jesus is the “Star out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). He is the “Day Star” (II Peter 1:19). He is the “Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). And He is “The Light of the World” (John 8:12). He lights the way of every person who has a desire to come to God. The wise men saw His star in the East (probably in Persia), came to Jerusalem because that is where one would expect to see the King of the Jews, and when the star reappeared, they followed it from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (six miles). This star did not behave like any ordinary star; therefore, we conclude that it was a special “star” that God had made to announce the birth of Jesus.