The answer is: They saw a star in the East

Matt 2:2 - Much has been written about the star, but all we can really say for sure is there was a luminous object which appeared for a special purpose.

The arrival of the wise men, often referred to as the Magi, is a captivating part of the Jesus birth narrative in the Bible. Imagine these well-educated travelers from the East gazing at the stars, their knowledge steeped in astrology and ancient prophecy. For them, this celestial event must have been nothing short of incredible! While Matthew's Gospel mentions a singular star that guided them, it opens a door into a world of mystery and speculation.

Some scholars propose that the star was a planetary conjunction—perhaps the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn—which would have been dazzling to behold. Others suggest it could have been a supernova, an astonishing astronomical phenomenon. Regardless of its scientific explanation, the star was seen as a clear sign of the Messiah’s birth, echoing centuries of Jewish prophetic literature predicting a new ruler who would come from Bethlehem.

Interestingly, this event aligns with the Old Testament imagery—particularly from the prophetic book of Numbers, where a star coming out of Jacob is mentioned. In that sense, the star in the East isn’t merely a story but a treasure trove of deeper connections within the Biblical canon, reinforcing the unity of these narratives across time. It highlights how divine signs and wonders have crossed cultures, captivating hearts through the ages, inviting curiosity and awe about the treasure that is the hope of redemption embodied in Jesus.