The four-pointed star symbol in Christianity is usually styled to resemble a cross.
Also known as the Star of Bethlehem or natal star, this star represents both Jesus' birth and the purpose for which he was born.
It is used especially for church decoration during the Advent and Christmas seasons.
Related Bible Verses I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. (Numbers 24:17, NIV)
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." (Matthew 2:1-2, NRSV)
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (Matthew 2:7-10, NRSV)
See also: 5-point star, 6-point star (right), 8-point star (right), and 9-point star, and 12-point star. References
- - Most color illustrations on this page are the work of Walter E. Gast.
- Carolle E. Whittenmore, ed., Symbols of the Church.
- W.E. Post, Saints, Signs, and Symbols.
- George Wells Ferguson, Signs & Symbols in Christian Art.
- Frederick Rest, Our Christian Symbols.