Star of Bethlehem (Christmas Star)

OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, Star of Bethlehem

STAR OF BETHLEHEM (CHRISTMAS STAR) -  The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, revealed the birth of Jesus to the Biblical Magi (wise men), and later led them to Bethlehem.  The star appears only in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where astrologers from the east are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem.  There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask where the king of the Jews had been born.   Herod, following a verse from the Book of Micah interpreted as a prophecy, directs them to Bethlehem, to the south of Jerusalem.  The star leads them to Jesus' home in the town, where they worship him and give him gifts.  The wise men are then given a divine warning not to return to Herod so they return home by a different route. (Matthew 2:1-12)

Many Christians see the star as a miraculous sign to mark the birth of the Christ (or Messiah). Some theologians claimed that the star fulfilled a prophecy, known as the Star Prophecy.   The Star of Bethlehem is traditionally linked to the Star Prophecy in the Book of Numbers.

(KJV Numbers 24:17) - I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.