Star Gazers – The Magi & The Singing Army

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the profound significance of the Nativity story, encouraging a renewed sense of wonder and a focus on its core message amidst the often-overwhelming traditions and commercialism associated with the Christmas season. It emphasizes a shift in perspective, moving away from judgment and self-righteousness towards understanding, grace, and sharing the good news of Yeshua’s birth.

The Season of Anticipation and Remembering

The teaching begins by acknowledging the time of year, the darkest part of winter, and notes how various cultures have celebrations involving light during this season. It then introduces the Christian tradition of Advent, a period of anticipating the coming of Christ, marked by reflection on the incarnation of Yeshua in Bethlehem, His present presence, and His future return. While acknowledging that their community primarily focuses on the coming of Christ during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), the speaker expresses appreciation for the intentionality behind Advent and its focus on Christ.

The importance of remembering the birth of the “child king” is highlighted, emphasizing the story itself rather than the specific date. The teaching reflects on a personal journey away from a judgmental, “us versus them” mentality rooted in a fringe Christian background. This past perspective involved feeling superior to other Christians based on specific interpretations of the Bible, a mindset the speaker now recognizes as stemming from a desire to feel special. This led to a misuse of scripture, taking verses out of context to support preconceived notions and engaging in unproductive online arguments.

A Shift in Understanding the Nativity

A turning point came with the realization of how misrepresenting God could push people away. This prompted a commitment to serious study of scripture and history, leading to a deeper appreciation for the Nativity story. The teaching then examines the accounts of Yeshua’s birth in Matthew and Luke, noting their different focuses – Matthew on Joseph and Luke on Mary and the transition of light from John to Yeshua.

The familiar story of the nativity is often overlooked due to its frequent retelling and the commercialization of the Christmas season. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is the story of the “child king” who came to battle evil and redeem humanity, reconciling mankind with God, and who would be known as Emmanuel, “God is with us.”

The historical context of Caesar’s census requiring Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem is mentioned. The common understanding of them finding “no room at the inn” is then challenged by a more nuanced interpretation of the original Greek word, which likely referred to a packed guest room in a family home rather than a commercial inn. This reframes the scene, suggesting they might have been staying with Joseph’s family, with the only available space being in the area where animals were kept, leading to Yeshua being laid in a feeding trough, or manger. The teaching emphasizes that Luke’s gospel doesn’t specify the exact location of the birth but highlights the significance of the manger.

The Announcement and the Heavenly Response

The announcement of Yeshua’s birth to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem is recounted. Despite the previous misconception that shepherds wouldn’t be out in winter, it’s noted that shepherding occurs in that region during winter when the deserts bloom. The angel’s proclamation of good news, the birth of the Savior, Messiah (anointed king), and Lord in the town of David is emphasized. The sign given to the shepherds is a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding trough.

The teaching underscores the extraordinary nature of the heavenly hosts, the armies of heaven, breaking forth in song upon this announcement. Their declaration, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all of those on whom his favor rests,” highlights the immense significance of this event. The speaker points out that even if birthdays aren’t explicitly commanded to be celebrated in the Bible, the reaction of the heavenly army suggests the profound joy and importance of Yeshua’s arrival. This moment is presented as potentially the most exciting event in the existence of these eternal beings.

The Arrival of the Magi

Matthew’s account introduces the arrival of the Magi from the east, sometime after Yeshua’s birth. The Bible doesn’t specify their number but mentions they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. King Herod’s fear and subsequent actions to kill the children in Bethlehem are noted. The Magi’s gifts are presented as a sign of honor to the new king.

The Magi are described as mystics and stargazers, possibly from Persia (with Zoroastrianism) or Arabia, who followed a star indicating the birth of the king of the Jews. The teaching connects their arrival and gifts to a prophecy in Isaiah 60, which speaks of nations, including the descendants of Abraham through Keturah (who settled in the east), returning and bringing gifts. This interpretation adds a layer of significance to the Nativity story, showing that God’s favor and the good news are for all people, regardless of lineage or status.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Misinformation and Self-Righteousness

The teaching reflects on how easily the profound meaning of the Nativity can be overshadowed by secular distractions and a sense of weariness with the familiar story. The speaker recounts a past tendency to minimize the Nativity simply because other Christian denominations celebrated it, driven by a desire to feel different and more righteous. This led to embracing misinformation and fabricating reasons to criticize Christmas traditions, such as the false claim that December 25th was tied to pagan god’s birthdays and the winter solstice. The speaker’s research revealed that birth dates of ancient deities weren’t typically emphasized and that December 25th was not the winter solstice.

The actual history of December 25th being chosen as the date for Christmas is presented as “underwhelming,” linked to the early church’s idea that a person’s death date was related to their birth date. Tertullian’s assertion that Yeshua died on Passover (March 25th) led to the belief He was conceived on the same date, resulting in a December 25th birth. Later, in the late 4th century, the Romans established December 25th as a celebration of Sol Invictus, although the Christian tradition predates this.

Application for Everyday Life

• Remember the core story: Focus on the birth of the child king, Yeshua, His purpose of reconciliation, and the good news for all people, regardless of the time of year or surrounding traditions.
• Be a “stargazer”: Maintain excitement and wonder about the significance of Yeshua’s birth and His present and future reign.
• Audit your intentions: Examine your motivations and ensure you are using your beliefs to build up and share grace, rather than to tear down or feel superior to others.
• Extend grace and kindness: Be understanding and respectful of those who may have different opinions or traditions, especially family. Do not let minor differences become barriers to relationships.
• Shine the light: In the “darkest time of the year” and beyond, be a representative of Yeshua’s light and peace to the world. Be known for what you are for (Yeshua) rather than only what you are against.
• Embrace opportunities to share: Even within secular or commercialized contexts like Christmas, recognize opportunities to share the Nativity story with others, especially children.
• Focus on the Prince of Peace: Regardless of whether or how you celebrate specific holidays, center your life on the peace that Yeshua offers in all circumstances.

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