This interpretation is so appropriate that the physical and symbolic meaning of the Star were accepted among Christians in early times. Ephraim Syrus (or Ephraim the Syrian, c. 300-73), in his 'Hymns For the Feast of the Epiphany' wrote: John cried, 'Who comes after me, He is before me: I am the Voice but not the Word; I am the torch but not the Light; the Star that rises before the Sun of Righteousness'.
(197:3)