Letter 45

Isidore of PelusiumUnknown|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: An inquirer
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore explains the supernatural nature of the star that guided the Magi.

Everything about the supernatural and ineffable birth was itself supernatural. The angel's service, John's ministry before the birth, the seedless conception, the uncorrupted pregnancy — all of these had their counterpart in the star's service as it guided the Magi. The star did not follow its ordinary course but blazed a new and extraordinary path, one that astonished even the Magi, who were experts in such matters, and persuaded them to undertake a long journey. God spoke to them in the only language they understood — the stars — and through that language led them to the one who made the stars and everything else.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.