Meteors and Comets: Plausible Celestial Phenomena for the Star of Bethlehem
December 10th, 2009
Which consequence is most likely as an account of the Star of Bethlehem counts on which year is granted as the year Jesus was born. Matthew wrote that Jesus was born during the time of Herod. According to Josephus, Herod passed away shortly after a lunar eclipse. This is ordinarily known as the eclipse of March 13, 4 BC. Coins released by Herod’s replacements record that they dated their reigns as beginning in 4 BC.
Corresponding to Matthew’s story, Jesus must have been born sometime between the beginning appearance of the Star of Bethlehem and the time the magi came in Herod’s court. As Herod prescribed the execution of boys age 2 and subordinate, the star must have caused its initial appearance within the previous two years. There was, however, no Roman census in 64 BC.
The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is a star in Christian custom that purportedly unveiled the birth of Jesus to the magi (or “wise men”) and later led them to Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi were gentlemen “from the east” who were inspired by the appearance of the star to journey to Jerusalem in search of a king of the Jews. There they touched King Herod of Judea, who educated them that the child they sought was in Bethlehem, a nearby village. While the magi traveled to Bethlehem, the star came along again. Following the star, it arrived this time above the place where Jesus was born. The magi acquired Jesus with his mother, consecrated him homage, revered him and gave gifts. They then returned to their “own country”.
The episode is especially appreciated at planetarium shows during the Christmas holiday season, although the Biblical account suggests that the visit of the magi took place at least several months after Jesus was born.
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