First, let's understand the setting. The "Magi" were a group of ancient star-gazers or astrologers, probably working for the king of their nation. They were "wise men," spiritual and philosophical advisers, basing their wisdom on their reading of the skies. This story of their coming to worship a new king based on a star is entirely plausible--they did this sort of thing frequently.

Now, what does God's word tell us about the object of their star-gazing exploration?

First, the account is told in historic fashion. Nothing here suggests that the star is a myth or poem. From the earliest times, the church has taken this text as the description of an event in history.

Second, the star rose en anatole, "in the east." This was the ancient term for an "acronical" rising, when an object rises at sunset and is visible all night.

Third, this event was not so spectacular as to elicit wide attention. Herod and his court advisers missed it, as did other ancient historians and records.

Fourth, there is no indication in the text that the star actually led the Magi to Jerusalem. When they saw it, they knew somehow that the star meant the birth of a king, and that they should go to Jerusalem to find him. But nothing in Matthew's account says that the star actually led the Wise Men to King Herod.

Until now the star of Christmas would be interesting, but explainable in normal terms--a star rises on the horizon, somehow indicating to ancient star-gazers the birth of a new king in Israel. But now the star goes from natural to supernatural: "the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him" (vs. 9-11).

A star appears in the eastern sky, telling a group of Magi that a King of the Jews has been born. It then reappears and guides them to his house and worship. These are the facts as we have them in Scripture.