Quick Summary:

Could the astronomical sign seen by the Magi of Matthew's gospel have been a comet? A supernova? An unusual conjunction of two or more of the most visible planets? While evidence has been explored for many scenarios, all that astronomers can offer are possibilities; the mystery remains. And mystery is an essential part of these texts.

The incredible excitement generated by the New Horizons spacecraft’s fly-by of Pluto last July and the success of films like THE MARTIAN shows how great the human appetite is for exploring the planets and stars beyond our own. We want to see more, to know more about these worlds. I wonder if this isn’t part of the reason Epiphany–the manifestation of Jesus through the Bethlehem Star–continues to attract us.

While mysteries closer to home have us wondering what the new year will hold, the greatest gift the Magi may offer us is the encouragement to search for God’s presence and involvement in the larger movements unfolding in the world; to lift our gaze beyond immediate goals and questions about personal destinies.