Sabbath Devotional :: Star of Bethlehem

Image by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“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).

The star of Bethlehem is one of my favorite Christmas images. I love the symbolism of light and I think the single star shining brighter than all the rest is beautiful in its simplicity.

Although, I’ve been wondering if I imagine it wrong. Herod had not noticed a star. He was not the only one who was oblivious. He gathered the learned people together, not to ask about the star, but to ask where it had been prophesied that Christ should be born. Perhaps this means that they had not noticed the star either. Herod then went back to the wise men to ask them more about the star. If the star was really as unusually bright and prominent as it often is in our modern artwork, surely the people of Bethlehem would have noticed it.

We know it was prophesied that a star would appear. In the Book of Mormon, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied, “there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Helaman 14:5). Those who believed Samuel waited and watched for the signs of Christ’s birth. Of course, for all of the Nephites and Lamanites, there were “great lights in heaven” causing the night to have no darkness, as if there was “one day and a night and a day.” Reading the stories from the Book of Mormon, it seems that there was no way to miss the signs of His coming.

However, I’m not sure that’s how things appeared on the other side of the world. I believe that a new star appeared that was apparent to those who studied the stars, knew the prophecy, and were looking for it.

In mortality, we expect things to be a certain way, but God’s way is not our way. Ancient Jews hoped the Messiah would come to overthrow the oppressive Roman government. But Jesus came humbly, going about doing good. He is the Lord of lords and King of kings, but his miraculous ministry was missed by many — if not most — decent people.

Perhaps they expected a being with such power to exercise it in the way mortal men exercise power: to control, have dominion, or gratify pride. But listen to the inspired words the Lord associates with power: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, pure knowledge, without hypocrisy or guile. (See D&C 121:37, 41-42)

We might be holding out for a hero, expecting someone who fits our mortal ideals, and miss the greatest among us as he uses his power not to overthrow and conquer, but to gently gather and persuade.

I have also considered this in relation to waiting for the Second Coming. Some signs are obvious. Although many will offer explanations unrelated to the return of Christ, no one can ignore that they are happening: wars and rumors of wars, the whole earth in commotion, love of men waxing cold, iniquity abounding, desolating sickness covering the land, earthquakes, many desolations, men taking up the sword and killing one another. (See D&C 45:26-27, 31, 33).

But like the wise men of old, the faithful today are waiting patiently on the Lord, watching, learning, and believing. The Lord said, “he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man” (D&C 45:39).

When I was young, my dad taught me that instead of focusing on the negative and terrible signs of the times, to look to the positive, especially missionary work. Interspersed with the horrors, there are miraculous and wonderful signs that will precede His return. President Nelson said, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.”

“I have sent my everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world . . . and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me” (D&C 45:9).

“[Israel] shall be gathered again” (D&C 45:25).

“A light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; But they receive it not for they perceive not the light” (D&C 45:28-29).

We see these signs happening through missionary work and as more temples become available, inviting God’s children to enter into covenants. I also see His light in the world through the good works of many people, in and out of our church, who are motivated by love to help people in need, to build bridges, to serve the downtrodden, to restore the earth, and to protect democracy.

As the angel informed Zacharias of his future son’s mission, he said John would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). This phrase has taken a great hold on me. I think of it in terms of preparing for the Second Coming. Rather than wringing my hands as I watch the negative signs unfolding, the Lord expects me to participate in preparation, in making ready a people who are prepared to welcome the Lord. We promote peace, hope, and joy. We seek the light of the everlasting covenant and we share it. We participate in gathering. We work together to create a better world, one that is prepared to welcome the Lord when He comes.

The wise men were watching, and they found the Savior: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). They were incredibly blessed to meet the young child, worship him, and present him with gifts.

It can be so for us: “And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come” (D&C 45:44). He will come. In the meantime, we can find His light in the work we participate in and in the hearts of His children everywhere.