For the Magi, the reappearance of the star, somehow leading them directly to the place where the child was
(Matthew 2:9), confirmed that they had indeed been led to the Christ, despite Jerusalem’s disinterest and Herod’s failure to join them.
Upon seeing the star the wise men are filled with joy, for they have now received confirmation that the Child has indeed been born and that they have truly been guided by a divine sign.1
When they leave Jerusalem (Matthew 2:9) the Magi travel alone by themselves—unaccompanied by anyone. The matter was dropped in Jerusalem once Herod was satisfied. Was their journey a mistake? At this point God once again displays the star for them. We do not know exactly how this happened, but what is clear is that they saw what can only be described as a very unusual phenomenon in the heavens: a star which guided them, allowing them to determine precisely where the Child was. The Magi rejoiced exceedingly with great joy
(Matthew 2:10), for the very unique event of the star guiding them fully convinced them that the birth of the King of the Jews had become a reality, showing them how Jerusalem’s complete lack of interest in Bethlehem was misplaced.2
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.