The Star of Bethlehem

The famous star that guided the Wise Men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem was in itself a representation of the Savior, who is called in biblical prophecy “the Star out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17), referring to the Savior’s role and lineage.

The Star of Bethlehem is spoken of in the scriptures as being a
new star that appeared to herald the holy advent of Christ’s birth (see
Scriptural Account of the Birth of Jesus Christ). Astronomers have tried to determine the possible sources of this new star. From Chinese astronomical records, three comets have been identified that would have been visible in both the Far and Middle East in the years 6, 5 and 4 BC (see Date of Christ’s Birth). A comet can have the appearance of a star, and would give the feel of moving across the sky over a period of time. Although positive scientific identification has not been possible, one of these comets could have been the star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem.

Another theory comes from modern astrologers who point to the conjunction in the eastern sky of Jupiter with the bright star known as Regulus (which in Latin means “the King’s star), which would have shown the brightest between the dates of February 17 and May 8, 2 B.C. Five weeks later, on June 17th, an almost unheard of celestial event occurred when Jupiter then aligned with Venus. According to American astronomer Roger Sinnott, at around 9 p.m. that night the two planets would have appeared to kiss each other, fusing into a brilliant star in the western sky, as if to point the direction to Bethlehem.

A favorite Christmas symbol and decoration, stars adorn the tops as well as the branches of Christmas trees, shine in windows and on roof tops, and are represented in the millions of twinkling lights on houses and trees everywhere at Christmas time.