I’ve heard and read many different scenarios that explain the Christmas Star. According to some, it was a comet. According to others, it was a conjunction or gathering of planets in close proximity. And others have said that the star was a supernova, an exploding star. Historical records don’t list a comet or supernova in the possible years of Christ’s birth, which has been calculated to be around 5-7 B.C., to occur before the death of King Herod in 4 B.C. And while there was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 6 B.C., it would have been a small conjunction and not that unusual. More than that, …

Another telling moment in Mary’s life is how she responds to the shepherds, when the shepherds— who have been told by the angel where to find the Christ child— arrive on the scene. The shepherds tell their tale to Mary and Joseph. And once again, I love the insight into Mary’s thoughts. As it says, “And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2: 17-19 ESV). I think Mary knew at that point better than most what this child meant for the world.

It’s significant that the first people told of the Christ Child’s birth are shepherds tending their sheep out in the fields. Shepherds in Jesus’ day were part of the lowest level of Palestinian society. They cared for the sheep that would someday end up on someone’s plate or on the Temple’s altar as a sacrifice. And the nature of shepherds’ work kept them in the fields and out of the city and society. Because of their isolated status in the fields, they couldn’t maintain ceremonial washings or observe the religious festivals and feasts. And yet …