It’s a familiar part of the Christmas story, acted out in countless reenactments -the three wise men or magi, following the star to the site of the birth of Christ. It is also one of the most challenged elements by the science community.

Was it a star, or a comet? Was this star actually a conjunction of several planets? Was it a meteor? Could it have been a rare atmospheric event similar to the Northern Lights?

From a scientific viewpoint, there are problems with any of the explanations. Most of the explanations are handicapped by the element of time. Most of the possibilities could not have lasted long enough to guide the wise men on such a long journey.

So, what is left?

Perhaps the most probable explanation is that of a supernova – an exploding star. It is estimated that such an event would create a star with increased brilliance over the course of several months before it began to diminish. And that scenario sounds entirely compatible with the Christmas story.

So, what has this to do with faith, science, and logic?

We know from Biblical texts that the birth of Jesus was predicted hundreds of years before the event. We also know that light from distant stars requires years to reach earth. Light from some of the more distant stars might require centuries to reach earth. It is reasonable to assume that a supernova event large enough to inspire the wise men to undertake such a quest, would be extraordinarily powerful, yet far enough away that the earth was safe from any harmful effects.

When we consider the precise timing of the Christmas star appearing at the exact moment of Jesus’ birth, we must recognize that putting such events into motion hundreds of years ahead of the culmination could only be accomplished by the Higher Power we call God.