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To: GLDNGUN
"We, in the east, have seen his star (lit. "shining") and are come to worship him."

So said the Magi.

This was evidently the Shekaina Glory, God's own light, the same light that followed the Israelites in the desert and what illuminated the interior of the tabernacle.

Those old wise men were smarter than the average bear to recognize it.

13 posted on 12/23/2004 11:51:41 AM PST by nightdriver
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To: nightdriver
This was evidently the Shekaina Glory, God's own light, the same light that followed the Israelites in the desert and what illuminated the interior of the tabernacle.

Interesting theory, but I don't think so.

We now know much about the Star.

It signified birth. It signified kingship. It had a connection with the Jewish nation. It rose in the east, like other stars. It appeared at a precise time. Herod didn't know when it appeared. It endured over time. It was ahead of the Magi as they went south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. It stopped over Bethlehem.

I don't think the Shekaina Glory would fit all of those parameters.

15 posted on 12/23/2004 11:55:24 AM PST by GLDNGUN
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To: nightdriver

Shekinah Glory is simply a manifestation of the dwelling place of God.

Accordingly, the Star of Bethlehem is very well associated with the Shekinah Glory.

It also may take other forms.

Sometimes a cloud surrounding the Tabernacle (dwelling place).
Sometimes we associate it with a theophany such as with the Angel of the Lord or with the Burning Bush which was not consumed by the fire.

Artists from a millenia ago also depicted the halo around some saints, signifying an indwelling of God in a believer.

IMHO, there may be many phenomenon which are spiritually perceived, and are described using a mental image of what was perceived in the best language possible to the witness, in order to communicate the substance of their perception to their fellow man.

In the case of the Star of Bethlehem, I suspect it also has very real physical correlation, but may also interface with the spiritual domain.


62 posted on 11/30/2010 6:49:17 PM PST by Cvengr (Adversity in life and death is inevitable. Thru faith in Christ, stress is optional.)
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