Table of Contents
What was the star when Jesus was born?
The Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is a star in the Bible and Christian tradition that let the Magi know that Jesus was born, and later helped them go to Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the star made the magi travel to Jerusalem.
Was the star of Bethlehem the North Star?
“The Star of Bethlehem is a star,” writes Frank J. So the Star of Bethlehem wasn’t the North Star, which is a bright star that’s commonly seen during the Christmas season. The North Star, called Polaris, shines over the North Pole and isn’t related to the star that shone over Bethlehem on the first Christmas.
Who sent the Magi to Jesus?
The Gospel According to Matthew relates how at Jerusalem the Magi attracted the interest of King Herod I of Judaea by announcing Jesus’ birth: “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 2:2).
What was the original Christmas star?
Explanation 1: the Christmas star was a nova or supernova explosion. The idea that the Magi saw a nova or supernova explosion was hinted at by 17th century astronomer, Johannes Kepler, and has had many supporters since. However, there is no Western record of such an event.
Where is the star of Bethlehem visible?
Those looking to see the star will want to look above the southwestern or western horizon after sunset. The best time to see them is about an hour after your local sunset. The symbolic Christmas Star will be visible anywhere in the world.
Was there really a Star of Bethlehem?
Probably not a star. As the well-known story in the Gospel of Matthew goes, three Magi, or wise men, followed the Star of Bethlehem to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. And after consulting with King Herod of Judea, the men found newborn baby Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem.
Are Magi Astrologers?
The Magi Society is an international association of astrologers. Magi Astrology is one of the various recognized techniques used by astrologers for interpreting charts.
Which way is the star of Bethlehem?
the east
According to Matthew, “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Who are the 3 Kings names?
From a wide assortment of names suggested for the Magi, those that eventually prevailed were Gaspar (or Caspar), Melchior, and Balthasar.
Was the star of Bethlehem Jupiter and Saturn?
In 1614, German astronomer Johannes Kepler determined that a series of three conjunctions of the planets Jupiter and Saturn occurred in the year 7 BC. He argued (incorrectly) that a planetary conjunction could create a nova, which he linked to the Star of Bethlehem.
How long did the Star of Bethlehem shine?
This object was observed for over seventy days, possibly with no movement recorded. Ancient writers described comets as “hanging over” specific cities, just as the Star of Bethlehem was said to have “stood over” the “place” where Jesus was (the town of Bethlehem).
What time can I see the Christmas star?
The only time to see the “Christmas Star” effect is about an hour after sunset. Look towards the southwest sky with an unobstructed view about 15 degrees from the horizon. Gering said as long as you look towards the southwest direction, they’ll be so bright you can’t miss it.
Why did the Magi see the star in the sky?
A Supernatural Light: This theory suggests that the “star” was not a natural phenomena at all, but rather was a light placed by God in the atmosphere especially for the Magi to see. Those who hold this view (which I myself lean to) point to the shekinah glory of God in the Old Testament.
How did the Holy Ghost appear to the Magi?
Wherefore some say that, as the Holy Ghost, after our Lord’s Baptism, came down on Him under the form of a dove, so did He appear to the Magi under the form of a star. While others say that the angel who, under a human form, appeared to the shepherds, under the form of a star, appeared to the Magi.
Who are the Magi and why are they called that?
* The magi were probably Persian practicers of Zoroastrianism, who themselves were called magi. ( See Wikipedia) The reference to “his star” may be the result of the Persian astrologers having some exposure to the messianic hope of the Jews, since the Jews became captives in Persia at the time Cyrus overthrew Babylon.
Why did the Magi ask Herod for directions?
(Image credit: Victor Rogus.) This leads us to one of two possibilities. The first is that the Magi were making an astrological interpretation of the sky. The fact that they needed to ask Herod for directions when they arrived suggests they were not being led to their final destination by a single bright object.