The Wise Man Who Followed Jesus

What Did The Wise Men Follow?

Every year around Christmas time, millions of people all around the world read the story of Jesus’ birth as well as the story of the three kings of Babylon. When it came to finding Jesus, what path did they take? Continue reading for more information about the Star of Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1-9: Matthew 2:1-9: Matthew 2:1-9: Matthew 2:1-9: Matthew 2:1-9: “Where is He who has been born Ruler of the Jews?” the wise men asked when they arrived in Jerusalem following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of Herod, the king of the Jews.

Was it a planet, or something else?

The’star in the East’ has been sought after by scientists and astronomers who have explored old manuscripts and run computer programs in their pursuit of it.

A Comet Overhead?

The sky does occasionally become filled with bright comets, some of which have been reported as “hanging above” certain towns or regions. The Star of Bethlehem remained over Bethlehem, according to Matthew’s account. In the year 12 BC, Halley’s comet was visible in the region. It was most likely luminous enough to be classified as a star based on its brightness. The birth of Jesus is estimated to have occurred between 5 and 7 B.C. The distinction between a comet and a star, on the other hand, is certainly something Matthew would have recognized.

Furthermore, comets were frequently seen as omens of doom.

A Gathering of Planets?

Planetary conjunctions or gatherings, according to astronomers, are what caused the Star of Bethlehem to be seen in the night sky. A conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is described in ancient manuscripts dating back to 6 B.C. A phenomenon known as near approach occurs when planets orbit the sun at various speeds and distances, giving the impression that they are approaching each other. This was the point of view held by Johannes Kepler (1571-1630). Multiple planets, on the other hand, do not appear to be a single light source, as indicated in Scripture.

An alignment of the planets would not have been out of the norm at the time.

A Heliacal Rising

The stars themselves were not the emphasis of the astrology of the period. Historically, astronomers were aware that the stars stayed fixed in the night sky. As an alternative, astrology was concerned with astronomical phenomena, such as the last glimpse of a certain star before sunrise. It also looked for conjunctions of stars and planets, which are rare occurrences. One hint can be found in the passage itself, where the phrase “in the east” might alternatively be translated as “at the rise of the sun.” Is it possible that Matthew described a heliacal rising?

Examples include the first apparition of Venus as the morning star in the year 2000.

Venus would have been well-known to the wise men. Were they able to observe Venus in conjunction with another bright planet, such as Jupiter? Were they to believe that this combination was significant enough to make them quit everything and travel to Bethlehem?

A Supernova?

What if they happened to see a Supernova? These appear in the sky as “new stars,” and they can be as brilliant as or brighter than even the brightest stars in the night sky, such as Venus or Jupiter. According to the Biblical account, this may have been considered as a positive omen. Five thousand years ago, Chinese and Korean astronomers saw the arrival of a nova, which would put them roughly in the appropriate time range. This Nova, on the other hand, was not observed by astronomers in other parts of the world, indicating that it was not exceptionally brilliant.

It’s possible that a supernova occurred in the Andromeda galaxy or the Magellanic Clouds, but there is no evidence of such an event in the astronomical record.
There are no known physical objects that can explain it, no clear historical record, and only an untestable supernatural appearance in the religions that claim to understand it.
“.on earth peace, good will toward mankind,” the Christmas star announced.
Craig Chester is the author of this work.

Who Were the “Three Wise Men”? Did They Follow the “Star” of Bethlehem?

Although popular Christmas custom refers to three wise men or three kings as visiting Jesus after his birth, the Bible does not use such names to describe the travelers who came to see him after his birth. Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:1) Instead, the Greek wordma’goi was used by the Gospel writer Matthew to describe the people who came to see Jesus. Experts in astrology and other occult disciplines are most usually referred to by the term. They are referred to as “astrologers” or “magi” in some Bible translations.

What was the number of “wise men” in attendance
They were the rulers known as the “wise men”
The names of the “wise men” were not revealed. When did the “wise men” pay a visit to Jesus Christ? Is it possible that God directed the “wise men” to follow the “star” of Bethlehem?

How many “wise men” were there?

The Bible does not specify how many there are, and traditions differ on the subject. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Eastern tradition assigns the number of Magi to 12, whereas Western tradition assigns the number to three, most likely in recognition of the three gifts of ‘gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ (Matthew 2:11) that were given to the child.”

Were the “wise men” kings?

Despite the fact that the guests are sometimes represented as kings in Christmas tradition, the Bible never refers to them as such.

In the words of the Encyclopedia Britannica, that label was added centuries later as part of the traditions that “embellished the tale,” rather than as a result of the events themselves.

What were the names of the “wise men”?

The identities of the astrologers are not revealed in the Bible. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states that “attempts to name them (for example, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar) are based on tales.”

When did the “wise men” visit Jesus?

It’s possible that the astrologers paid a visit to Jesus a few months after his birth. This is demonstrated by the fact that King Herod, who desired to have Jesus slain, ordered the death of boys who were two years old or younger. Based on the information he had gotten from the astrologers, he determined that age range. Matthew 2:16 (KJV). The astrologers did not pay a visit to Jesus on the night of his birth, according to tradition. “When they entered the home, they saw the little infant with Mary, his mother,” the Bible reads.

— Luke 2:16 (KJV).

Did God have the “wise men” follow the “star” of Bethlehem?

Some people believe that God sent the so-called star of Bethlehem to direct the astrologers to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Consider the reasons why this isn’t possible.

The astrologers were directed first to Jerusalem by what looked to be a star. As recorded in the Bible, “Astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem, asking: ‘Where has been the one born king of the Jews?'” Because we spotted his star while traveling through the East, and we have come to pay our respects to him.” — Matthew 2:1, 2
1 Peter 5:8
It was King Herod, not the “star,” who was the first to guide the astrologers to Bethlehem, according to tradition. When Herod learned of a rival “king of the Jews,” he went on a search for the location where the prophesied Christ would be born. (Matthew 2:3-6
Luke 2:35-39) When he learned that the child would be born in Bethlehem, he sent the astrologers to travel to the city and search for the kid before reporting back to him. It was only after that that the astrologers traveled to Bethlehem. Following the king’s instructions, they proceeded on their route, and look! The star they had seen while they were in the East had moved ahead of them until it came to a complete halt above where the tiny kid was. — Matthew 2:9
The emergence of the “star” triggered a chain of events that jeopardized Jesus’ life and culminated in the massacre of innocent infants. After leaving Bethlehem, God issued a warning to the astrologers, advising them not to return to Herod. — Matthew 2:12
Revelation 22:18

What was Herod’s response? Seeing that he had been outfoxed by the astrologers, Herod became furious and sent out an army to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and all of its surrounding districts, starting at the age of two and continuing until they were killed according to the time that he had carefully calculated from the astrologers, according to the Bible. (Matthew 2:16; Mark 2:16) In the case of Job 34:10, God would not have permitted such an evil act to take place.

What did the wise men follow to find Jesus?

Asked in the following category: General The most recent update was on April 17, 2020. The Star of Bethlehem, often known as the Christmas Star, occurs just once in the Gospel of Matthew’s birth tale, when “wise men from the East” (Magi) are encouraged to journey to Jerusalem by the star’s illumination. The star directs them to Jesus’ house in the town, where they worship him and present him with presents, respectively. When the Wise Men discovered Jesus and Mary, they would have been living in a typical dwelling, most likely in Bethlehem or Jerusalem, because Jesus would have been between the ages of one and two when they were discovered.

Who was it that led the Three Wise Men to Jesus?
During Christmastime, the devout sing about the “Star of Wonder,” which directed the wise men to a manger in the little town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
As a result, what did the three wise men deliver to Jesus?
Is it possible that the Three Kings followed the North Star?

Because of this ” star in the east,” they proceeded to Jerusalem and informed King Herod of the prophesy predicting the birth of a new ruler over the people of Israel, which he accepted.

The Christmas Story – All About The Wise Men

The arrival of the Three Wise Men; trips, political intrigue, and not a stable in sight.

The Story in the Bible

“Where is he who is born King of the Jews?” they inquired after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during Herod the king’s reign. Look, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem to inquire. Because we saw his star in the east and have came to adore him,” says the author. And when King Herod learned of it, he was concerned, as was the entire city of Jerusalem. And after collecting all of the top priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them as to where the Messiah would be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea, for it is stated via the prophet, ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come out a ruler who will shepherd my people, Israel,'” they explained.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, he told them to go and look for the tiny boy with diligence, and when they found him to bring me news so that I too might come and adore him.
And when they saw the star, they were filled with a tremendous amount of happiness.
They then presented him with presents, which included gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which they had opened from their riches.
Matthew 2:12 – 12:12

The History behind the Three Kings/Wise Men/Magi in the Christmas Story

Wise Men traveled to find Jesus after His birth, most likely from a territory that is now either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia or Yemen, or from an area that is now southern Turkey and northern Syria, to seek for Him after His birth. Despite the fact that they are commonly referred to as the “Three Kings,” the Bible does not specify how many there were or that they were kings. One possibility is that they were the Kings of Yemen, which would make sense given that the Kings of Yemen were Jews at the period.

They were, without a doubt, guys of considerable intellect.
‘ Magos is derived from the ancient Persian term ‘Magupati,’ which means “magupati’s throne.” A priest of a sect of ancient Persian faiths such as Zoroastrianism was known by this title, which was awarded to him by his peers.
In those days, both astronomy and astrology were considered to be part of the same overarching study (and’science,’ as it were), and they went hand in hand with one another.
They would have also been extremely wealthy and well-regarded in their own community as well as by individuals from other countries and religions who did not share their beliefs.
The origin of the new star in the sky is still a mystery, and there are several possibilities, including comets, supernovae, planets colliding, and even something supernatural!
The Magi would have become familiar with the predictions of an unique Jewish Savior (also known as the Messiah) from their time as captives in ancient Babylon some hundred years before the birth of Jesus.

They have been the subject of legends, and they have been given names. They are frequently described in the following ways:

He has brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) and wears a green robe with green gems on it. Gaspar (or Caspar) also has brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) He is known as the “King of Sheba.” Gaspar represents the Frankincense that was given to Jesus, and Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold mantle, represents the frankincense that was presented to Jesus. He is known as the “King of Arabia.” Melchior represents the gold that was presented to Jesus, while Balthazar, who has dark complexion, a black beard (or no beard!) and a purple cloak, depicts the silver that was brought to Jesus. He is the King of Tarsus/Macedonia as well as the King of Egypt. When Balthazar is presented before Jesus, he represents the gift of Myrrh that was delivered to Jesus.

Herod requested that the Wise Men locate Jesus and inform him of his whereabouts, not so that he might go and honor him as he had stated, but so that he could murder him! He interpreted Jesus’ words as if he were a new King who could come and usurp his position of authority. Because Jesus would have been between the ages of one and two when the Wise Men discovered them, it is likely that they were living in a typical dwelling, most likely in Bethlehem or Jerusalem, when the Wise Men discovered them.

Although the presents appear to be weird to give to a baby, Christians believe that they had the following symbolic meanings:

Historically, gold has been connected with kings, and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. Frankincense is a fragrant oil that is occasionally used in church services to indicate that people are willing to worship Jesus. It is a perfume that is applied to dead bodies in order to make them smell pleasant. According to Christian belief, it demonstrated that Jesus would suffer and die.

All of the presents are also from the Arabian Peninsula, which is located east of Israel. A dream forewarned the wise men that they should not go to Herod and inform him where Jesus was, preventing Herod from carrying out his heinous plot to kidnap and kill Jesus.

Here’s What History Can Tell Us About the Magi

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, but the tale of Christmas does not end there. In many Western Christian traditions, Christmas is celebrated over 12 days, with the feast of the Epiphany falling on January 6, the culmination of the season. Many people think that’s when the “Magi,” or “wise men,” or “three kings,” came to view the newborn infant Jesus for the first time. But were any of these individuals influenced by real-life historical figures? It is difficult to link their depictions to specific individuals, but their descriptions in the Gospel of Matthew, which are only a few sentences long, do correspond to current understandings of the world at the time the Gospel was written, which is thought to have occurred sometime between 70 CE and 85 CE.

Also absent from the record is any indication of the number of males in attendance.

Immediately after Jesus’ birth at the town of Bethlehem in Judea, which was then under the reign of the Roman King Herod, according to Matthew’s Gospel, “certain men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem and inquired, ‘Where is the infant born to be the king of the Jews?'” Our attention was drawn to his star as it rose in the East, and we have come to adore him.” They arrived at Jesus and Mary’s home after following the light of a star, and they brought presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh to them, as described in the Gospel.

Gold was then, as it is now, a symbol of riches and power.

According to Kristin Swenson, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and author of the forthcomingA Most Peculiar Book: The Inherent Strangeness of the Bible, myrrh is a “outlier” in the Bible.

Swenson explains that Jesus is served wine with myrrh before his crucifixion because it is a painkiller in Mark 15:23, and this is because myrrh is a natural analgesic.

It is clear from the lavish presents that these Eastern guests are “people of immense money and power,” as Swenson puts it, since they “bring things that are kind of evident based on the things they bring.” “They are referred to as Magi in Greek, which was a title that referred to a category of Persian priests at the time of the Greek invasion.

“Their orientation was considerably more in the direction of what we would today characterize as scientific.” Looking to a star is “very much in keeping with the religious tradition of this place at the time of looking to the heavens, the stars, and the planets for information about the gods’ wishes and doings, and some stars or planets were identified with God.” Looking to a star is “very much in keeping with the religious tradition of this place at the time of looking to the heavens, the stars, and the planets for information about the gods’ wishes and doings” The author of the Gospel of Matthew also points out that the Gospel of Matthew portrays a prophecy from hundreds of years earlier, found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, in which the nations of the world recognize Israel as the light of the world and celebrate this recognition with gifts of gold, frankincense, and other valuable gifts.

TIME magazine’s cover article “Secrets of the Nativity,” published on December 13, 2004, highlighted decades of efforts to make sense of the Magi, as well as the numerous futile searches for tangible proof of the nativity scene: After all, from whence exactly in the Orient (which literally translates as “East”) were they coming from?

It is possible that the presents they carried–gold, frankincense, and myrrh–were brought by camel trains from Arabia, as described in unrelated Bible accounts from Sheba and Midian, both of which are located on the peninsula.
The most fortunate of all the guesses turned out to be the one made in the 4th century by the designers of the Church of the Nativity in Palestine, whose golden entrance mosaic showed the Magi clothed as Persians, who were also well-known stargazers at the time.
The Magi enjoyed a long and fruitful postbiblical existence.
Their number, which fluctuated from two to twelve in different tales, finally settled on three, most likely as a result of their three gifts.
This is how a medieval Irish account of the guy described him: “The first is supposed to have been.
beardless and ruddy-complexioned.
Researchers have speculated that the combination was either intended to emphasize Christianity’s global ambitions or pointed back to an earlier varied threesome, Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, as a point of reference.

Melchior died on January 1st, at the age of 116; St.

Gaspar died on January 11th, at the age of 109.” Many modern Christmas customs depict these three wise men in a way that is influenced by medieval art.

In popular imagination, paintings by painters such as Botticelli, Peter Paul Rubens, and Hieronymus Bosch (as seen above) contributed to solidifying the idea of the Magi as a varied bunch of men.

in 1857, is perhaps the most famous musical depiction of the three men.

And, just as interpretations of the Magi evolved over time in response to events in the world, so too will current events influence how individuals find meaning in the Bible in order to make sense of their own lives.

While doing so, it is critical to remember and acknowledge that we are reimagining for our times texts that, in some cases, defy our expectations, at times confound us with contradictions, and, unless we read them in their ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek originals, rely on translations that are themselves interpreted.” TIME Magazine has more must-read stories.

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Who Were the Three Wise Men of the Christmas Story?

Without the three wise men bringing their gifts to infant Jesus, as well as a colossal star floating over a stable, illuminating the scene, no nativity scene would be complete. I think it’s an absolutely stunning image: magnificent monarchs kneeling in the hay with the shepherds amid the oxen and livestock, all gazing lovingly at the infant in a manger. That, however, was not the case in this instance. Who exactly were the three wise men? I’m not sure where these came from. Did they ever get a glimpse of the stable?

It’s possible that the solutions are not what you expect.

What Does the Bible Say about the Wise Men and the Christmas Story?

The wise men are referenced in Matthew 2, and they are described as follows: In the years following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?’ We saw his star as it rose and have come to adore him’” (Matthew 2:1-2). (Matthew 2:1-2). In the following chapters, Matthew describes their quest for Jesus. Their journey took them to King Herod’s palace where they inquired as to where they may locate “the king of the Jews,” who had recently been born.

Who Were the Wise Man/Magi in the Christmas Story?

The Greek word o (mgoi) can be translated as “wise men” or “magi,” depending on how the term is rendered in the English language. According to the original meaning of the word, it was intended to allude to a class of Persian wise men who served in a similar capacity to priests in terms of interpretation of specific signs, and particularly astrology. Eventually, the term “magician” evolved to refer to anybody who possessed supernatural knowledge or aptitude, as well as to a magician himself. The same term is used in Acts 13:6 to characterize the false prophet Bar-Jesus, who is also referred to as Bar-Jesus.

The term Mgoi, as it is used to refer to the wise men, is most likely consistent with the first definition.

The magi are sometimes described to as kings, although this is not what the Bible says about them.

How Many Wise Men Were There in the Christmas Story?

The Bible does not specify how many magi were present. There were at least two of them, but there is no evidence to suggest anything else.

The notion of three wise men is most likely derived from the fact that they gave three gifts to the infant Jesus. There were twelve wise men, according to early church traditions; however, we have no way of knowing how many there were.

What Was the Star They Followed in the Christmas Story?

No one knows for certain which star the three wise men followed, or even if it was a “star” in the traditional meaning of the word. Some have speculated that it may be a supernova. Others have speculated that it may be a comet. One of the most popular hypotheses involves a specific concentration of planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, within meaningful constellations, such as Pisces. Because of the symbolic implications that planets and constellations had for ancient astrologers, there are several astrological events that may potentially meet the description.

Some researchers believe that when these three got together in 7 B.C., they may have seen something similar to what the magi witnessed.

You may learn more about some of them by visiting this page.

The most essential point is that the star directed the wise men to Jesus, regardless of what it looked like.

Why Did the Wise Men Bring Jesus Gifts in the Christmas Story?

The wise men thought that Jesus was “the king of the Jews,” and that his birth had been foreshadowed by a great sign in the sky before his conception. They expressed a desire to come before Him and adore Him (Matthew 2:2). We don’t know enough about the wise men to be able to say with certainty why they thought a Jewish monarch was so crucial. The sky must have held a tremendous amount of power. Had they heard anything about the Messiah’s significance from Eastern Jews? The Babylonian exile in the sixth century B.C.

Since God subsequently appeared to them in a dream, did they have any other knowledge of Him before that time?

Why Did the Wise Men Bring Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh in the Christmas Story?

These three presents were extremely expensive, and as a result, they were the best possible, suited for a king. The wise men were also historically imported from the Arabian peninsula or Africa, which implies they brought the finest of their respective homelands with them to the United States. Christians today appeal to other symbolic explanations, which the wise men may or may not have meant when they made their journey. Gold is a sign of divinity, and it refers to Christ’s status as theSon of God by referring to his divinity.

This might be interpreted as a representation of Jesus’ willingness to offer Himself as a sacrifice. Myrrh was a spice that was used in the embalming process. It is a representation of bitterness and pain. This may serve as a metaphor for how Jesus would grow up to suffer and die on the cross.

How Old Was Jesus When the Wise Men Came in the Christmas Story?

According to traditional nativity scenes and Christmas pageants, the wise men did not come to view Jesus in the manger as they are depicted in these representations. The wise men came to visit Jesus when he was around a year or two old, according to the majority of academics. Given that the angelic announcement to the shepherds implies that Jesus was born at night, it is highly unlikely that the wise men obtained an audience with Herod, followed by an audience with the chief priests and teachers of the law, in the middle of the night.

Then there was the matter of traveling the six miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where they would eventually come upon Mary and Jesus in a home.

When the three kings arrive at the home in Bethlehem, the word Luke uses to describe Jesus is “young kid,” which suggests that He may no longer have been a baby at that point in time.

The only reason Jesus was able to flee was because an angel instructed Joseph to send the family to Egypt to hide.

Why Was the Wise Men’s Visit Significant for Jesus’ Birth in the Christmas Story?

The wise men, regardless of where they came from exactly, came from a long distance away to help. Jesus’ birth was significant not just for the Jews, but also for the rest of the world as a whole. The three wise men recognized and acknowledged Jesus’ kingdom and dominion long before the majority of people knew who He was. The angels appearing to shepherds demonstrated that God was concerned about the poor; the magi from the east honored Jesus as a king, revealing a glimpse of His grandeur; and the shepherds demonstrated that God was concerned about the lowest.

The wise guys were on the lookout.
They searched for Him with all their hearts, and when they finally found Him, they adored Him.
Photograph courtesy of Getty Images /kevron2001 Alyssa Roat attended Taylor University, where she majored in literature, theology, and the Bible.
Literary Agency, as the PR manager for Mountain Brook Ink, and as a freelance editor for Sherpa Editing Services, among other positions.
More information about her may be found here, as well as on social media at @alyssawrote.
It is our goal that these articles will assist you in understanding the significance and historical background of major Christian festivals and events, and that they will also encourage you as you take time to think on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!

Who Were the Christmas Angels, and What Did They Do? Listen to our podcast, which is completely free! The Christmas Characters are as follows: People in Jesus’ Family Who Are Surprising to You:

Biblical Magi

Lucas Emil Vorsterman’s The Adoration of the Magi, after Sir Peter Paul Rubens, was published in 1620 as an engraving on lay paper. The National Gallery of Art is located in Washington, D.C. Ailsa Mellon is a woman who lives in Ireland. Bruce Fund is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families. The Magi, also known as wise men, are mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew (2:1–12) as having traveled from the East to Bethlehem in pursuit of a newborn king.

The Magi, who were gentiles who recognized Christ’s divinity, say that they played a crucial part in the Epiphany, the manifestation of God to the world, and that they deserve to be remembered as such.
During the Middle Periods, the vast majority of people thought that three Magi came to see the Christ child and that they were monarchs who represented the three ages of mankind.
Later observers speculated that they represented the three known continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa, which they claimed to have depicted.
However, the names, like the countries of origin, were never continuously allocated to a single ruler over a period of time.
Although the coming of the Magi to honor the infant Christ was the most popular scene from the Gospel of Matthew, artists sometimes mixed the event with the account of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Luke, which does not feature the Magi but does have the attractive detail of a manger.

What was the Star of Bethlehem?

Was the Star of Bethlehem indeed a star, or was it something else entirely? (Photo courtesy of Marcia Straub/Getty Images. ) ) According to the well-known tale in the Gospel of Matthew, three Magi, or wise men, traveled to Jerusalem approximately 2,000 years ago after following the Star of Bethlehem from Bethlehem. After checking with King Herod of Judea, the men were able to locate the newborn babyJesus in the little town of Bethlehem, which they named after him. It is impossible to determine whether or not such an occurrence occurred in historical times, but if it did, what was the Star of Bethlehem entail?

A number of hypotheses have been advanced, ranging from an astronomical event to an astrological horoscope, but contemporary astronomy is bringing scientists closer to a solution.

For an astronomer, the best answer is one that is grounded in the sciences. Related:With the convergence of heavenly bodies, many people wonder if the Star of Bethlehem is making a reappearance.

The Star of Bethlehem wasn’t a comet or a supernova

We know that Halley’s Comet was visible in the sky in 11 B.C., but we don’t know when. Although it is possible that the Magi followed a comet as they traveled toward Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem, it is doubtful that they did so since the comet’s location would have varied as the Earth revolved, making it impossible for the comet to have guided them in a single route. Furthermore, in the ancient world, comets were frequently seen as omens of doom. A comet and its tail make for an attractive image for Christmas cards, but in those days, comets visible high in the sky were considered a sign of impending doom, according to Grant Mathews, professor of theoretical astrophysics and cosmology at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, who spoke with All About Space via email.

We can also rule out the possibility of novae and supernovae.
Furthermore, if the Magi had followed one of them, it is likely that they would have traveled in a circle.
“Stars don’t behave in this manner.
In spite of the fact that novas are thought to be extremely rare, you would expect to discover additional historical reports of a massive, bright event in the sky.
It would not have been able to view a star going supernova and exploding within a galaxy without the use of a telescope, even with the aid of a powerful telescope.
The Best Astrophoto Award was presented in the August 1986 issue of Astronomy Magazine.

srcset=” 320w,650w,970w”>Halley’s Comet was a sight to behold in 1986. The image is courtesy of Victor Rogus.

The “star” could have been an entire sky of stars

One of two options becomes available to us as a result of this. The first is that the Magi were attempting to interpret the sky in accordance with astrological principles. It is possible that they were not guided to their final destination by a single light object, as evidenced by the fact that they needed to ask Herod for directions when they arrived. Astrology was commonly practiced at the period, and given that the Magi came from Babylon, it is reasonable to assume that they were astrologers as well.

Or, the “star” could have been a conjunction

An other hypothesis that is more astronomical in nature is that there was a brilliant object in the sky, maybe caused by a conjunction of planets and stars. From our vantage point on the planet, a conjunction happens when two or more celestial bodies appear to come together in the night sky. These occurrences can occur every night in the same spot for days or even weeks at a time. It’s probable that the wise men would have been guided in a certain route if they had followed the moment of confluence.

In his book “The Star of Bethlehem,” astronomer Michael Molnar speculated that the conjunction hypothesis may be valid (Rutgers University Press, 1999).
Perhaps the most promising, and the one chosen by Mathews, is an alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, the moon, and the sun in the constellation of Aries on April 17, 6 B.C., which occurs on April 17, 6 B.C.
On top of all that, this conjunction occurred in the wee hours of the morning, which is consistent with the Gospel’s portrayal of the Star of Bethlehem as a rising morning star.
Perhaps this was caused by Jupiter’s retrograde motion, which means that it seems to shift direction in the night sky when Earth’s orbit passes in front of its orbit.
“But when planets go through retrograde motion, they turn around and move in the opposite direction from which stars rise and set at night,” he added.
Two notable events occurred on June 17, 2 B.C., when the planets Jupiter, Venus, and the star Regulus came together in the constellation of Leoon.
The constellation of Pisces was the site of another planetary conjunction in 6 B.C., this time involving Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

However, neither of these later two conjunctures corresponds as closely to the account given in the New Testament as the conjuncture that happened on April 17, 6 B.C. on the other hand.

The mystery persists

Although scientists have ruled out various possibilities, we may never know for certain what the Star of Bethlehem was, or even whether it really existed, unless some extraordinary archaeological discovery reveals the truth about it. The subject, however, continues to be raised year after year, and it is likely to continue to spark the curiosity of scientists and historians alike for many more years in the future. “Nothing in science, and certainly nothing in history, is ever a closed case,” Mathews added.

Maybe it was just a stroke of luck.” Additional materials are available at:

Read more about astronomers’ theories on the Star of Bethlehem onThe Conversation
Learn how ancient Babylonian astronomers tracked Jupiter, fromSpace.com
Here are some fun facts about 2020’sgreat conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

A previous version of this article appeared in All About Spacemagazine, a Future Ltd. product, and has been altered for this publication. Join our Space Forums to remain up to date on the newest space missions, the night sky, and other topics! And if you have a news tip, a correction, or a remark, please send it to us at: [email protected]. Thank you. Jonathan O’Callaghan is a freelance space and science writer from in the United Kingdom who contributes to a variety of newspapers throughout the world on a regular basis.

Three Wise Men – Bible Story

The biblical account of the Three Wise Men, which is found in the gospel of Matthew, is sometimes referred as as the story of the biblical Magi or the story of the Three Kings. It is told in the Bible of a party of learned foreigners who journeyed to visit Jesus after his birth, bringing with them presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod, three Wise Men from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:11).

He gathered all of the most prominent clergy and legal academics in one place and questioned them on the location of Christ’s birth.
‘Go and conduct a thorough search for the infant,’ he instructed them as they traveled to Bethlehem.
When they arrived at the home, they watched the boy with his mother Mary, and they bowed their heads in reverence and prayed to him.
They were subsequently mysteriously warned in a dream not to return to Herod, because he had intended to kill Jesus in order to maintain his control, and they returned to their house via a different path as a result of the warning.

With a FREE Christmas Bible Story Printable, you can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!

NamesCharacteristics of the Three Wise Men

The Three Wise Men have been mentioned in stories, and they have even been given names in certain cases. This is how they are frequently depicted in popular culture:

Gaspar (or Caspar) is a character in the game who wears a green cloak and a gold crown with green diamonds. He is known as the “King of Sheba.” Gaspar represents the Frankincense that was given to Jesus, and Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold mantle, represents the frankincense that was presented to Jesus. He is known as the “King of Arabia.” Melchior represents the gold that was presented to Jesus, while Balthazar, who has a black beard and a purple garment, depicts the silver that was brought to Jesus. He is the King of Tarse as well as the King of Egypt. When Balthazar is presented before Jesus, he represents the gift of Myrrh that was delivered to Jesus.

Meaning of the Gifts for Jesus

When the Three Wise Men came upon Jesus and Mary, they would have been living in a small dwelling in Bethlehem, because Jesus would have been between the ages of one and two at the time of their discovery. Although their gifts to a baby appeared to be a little out of the ordinary, Christians believe that they served the following reasons and had deeper meaning:

Historically, gold has been associated with kings, and Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings. Frankincense: is a fragrant oil that is used in liturgical liturgy in traditional churches to symbolise the worship and adoration of Jesus by the faithful. Myrrh: is a fragrance that is imprinted on dead bodies to make them smell good, and it symbolized Jesus’ suffering and death as a consequence of persecution
It also symbolized the suffering and death of the disciples.

Discover the complete scriptural text of the Three Wise Men tale, as well as associated articles, podcasts, and videos, by clicking on the links below! Part of our wider Christmas and Advent resource library, this essay is focussed on the events leading up to Jesus’ birth and is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. It is our goal that these articles will assist you in understanding the significance and historical background of major Christian festivals and events, and that they will also encourage you as you take time to think on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!

Who Were the Christmas Angels, and What Did They Do?

The Christmas Characters are as follows: People in Jesus’ Family Who Are Surprising to You:

The wise man’s guide in finding Jesus

Men are not always uninformed when it comes to the Bible, and the problem is that so much of what they “know” to be true is not actually taught by the Bible, which is a problem when it comes to religious beliefs. The story of the “three wise men,” for example, is a good illustration of this principle, and it is frequently cited. Ask the typical person about the three wise men who came to see Jesus when he was a kid, and they would tell you that they arrived at the stable where the newborn was resting in a manger, together with the shepherds, and that they brought gifts for the child.

Unfortunately, the majority of what you’ve read is inaccurate.

The birth of Jesus and the arrival of the shepherds are recorded by Luke (Luke 2), but the wise men arrived some time after Jesus’ birth, according to Matthew 2, and discovered him in a home in Bethlehem, according to Matthew 2.

Matthew 2:3 (Matthew 2:3) It is also unclear how old Jesus was when the wise men arrived, but we do know that Herod executed male children under the age of two after their visit, indicating that Jesus was older than a baby but less than two at the time of their visit.

The wise men arrive first in Jerusalem, according to Matthew’s account (Matthew 2:1-11), with inquiries regarding the new-born King.

Matthew 2:2).

Instead, the star signified the impending birth of a child, prompting them to fly to Jerusalem.

It is reasonable to anticipate that the heir of David will be born there.

Matthew 2:5-6; Micah 5:2).

We don’t know what type of star directed the three wise men, but it clearly did not behave in the manner that we would expect from a star in the context in which the word is usually employed.

The other was God’s inspired word, which was the Bible.

A single star may tell a man absolutely nothing about what is going on in the globe.

Although this is a topic of considerable conjecture, it is a valid one.

This prophesy served as a guide for the three kings as they traveled from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on their journey.

The wise men, on the other hand, took God’s word at its value and set off in the proper way.

God still wants us to locate Jesus today, and, like the wise men of old, God has provided us with a written record that will direct us in the right direction to find His Son, Jesus.

Acts 4:12).

It is appropriate for everyone of us to learn from the wise men, and For direction in discovering the truth about the One who died for our sins, look to God’s word whenever you are in doubt.

Look into the Scriptures. Jonathan McAnulty is the preacher of the Chapel Hill Church of Christ in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.