What was the Star?
The simplest answer to the mystery of the Christmas 'star' is that it was simply the miraculous placement and movement of a glowing orb. In other words, this view says that God didn't use any existing or natural phenomena to get the attention of the wise men. Certain parts of the story make this explanation appealing. For instance, Matthew records that the star "went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was." That seems far from natural to many.
Others, however, argue that God probably used some natural phenomena providentially to accomplish His purpose to bring the wise men to the baby and his mother. There are a few possibilities: First, it could have been a unique planetary alignment. According to Paul Maier, every 805 years Jupiter and Saturn come into extraordinary repeated conjunction. This occured for 10 months in 7BC. Even more interesting, though, is what this conjunction represented to many eastern minds. The giant planet Jupitar was symbolic for great kings and the ringed planet Saturn represented a shield of Palestine. In other words, it's possible the star-watching wise men could have interpreted this event as predicting a King to be born in Palestine.
A Second speculation is that the 'star' was actually a comet (since the greek word for star is broad enough to include any heavenly body). The appeal to this theory is, obviously, the movement of a comment and how that fits with Matthew 2:9. Comet #52 from the Chinese celestial anals appeared for about 70 days in 5BC. Could it have been the Christmas Star?
Some suggest a third theory, namely, a supernova (exploding star). Comet #53 from the Chinese anals was such an explosion (they didn't have a seperate name for supernovas) and occured in 4BC. Perhaps a bit late for the event we're looking for.
So which was it? I don't know. Maybe a combination of any 2 of the above? Whatever the case, more and more people are becoming interested in the Christmas star, as indicated by recent books (1) (2) and articles (1) (2).
1 comment:
Hi Matt. I found your blog via your link in your signature on Steve Gregg's forum. I like the writing on your blog. I know this is an older post so maybe this subject doesn't hold as much interest for you as it may have at the time. However, the one article you mention cites the work of Dr. Ernest L. Martin and your post touches on some on his theories but I notice you don't mention his book "The Star that Astonished the World". Have you ever read it? If so, what are some of your thoughts on the other historical mysteries it claims to clear up, besides the Star of Bethlehem. Like the year of Herod's death and the lost War of Varus? Thanks in advance.
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