Star of wonder
Neon star
A sign from God...
By Rebecca Ellis
A comet, an eclipse, a supernova, an alignment of planets - was the Star of Bethlehem, said to have led the wise men to the Baby Jesus, a real astronomical event?
Some 2,000 years ago, wise men saw an incredible star shining over the Holy Land. It was their signal to embark on an epic journey to visit the new Messiah. But what exactly was the Star of Bethlehem?
Comet
... perhaps it was a comet
Modern science is unravelling the mystery behind one of the most famous astronomical stories in history. New developments in technology allow astronomers to map the ancient night skies with extraordinary accuracy.
As they study the movements of the planets and stars, experts are challenging the traditional assumption that it was a blazing comet - instead there are several unusual astronomical events that the wise men could have seen in the skies.
The Bible tells us remarkably little about the star, with only the Gospel of St Matthew mentioning it. He records the wise men asking: "Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him."
No date or detailed description is given. Even the identity of the men is obscure. Rather than the kings of popular imagination, the wise men are thought to have been priests from Persia, known as Magi. Keen astrologers who looked to the stars for guidance, the Magi combined science with faith to predict the birth of a new Messiah.
So what prompted them to travel to Bethlehem? Most experts agree Jesus was born in 4BC or earlier, as King Herod, who ruled over Judea at the time, is recorded as dying in 4BC. Now astronomers have identified four celestial events in this period that could have been the Star of Bethlehem.
Does Islam and Christianity share anything about the Wise Men?
What part do the Wise men really play in the story?
The fact that they try to unravel the story about the star is interesting. They think it might have been a comet.
Why do scientists have no feelings for religion? and why do they question things said in religion?
Does the bible try and explain scientific events such as the embryo, weather.... as the Qu'ran does?
I don't think they're mentioned in the Islamic version of the story.
Nope. It says the universe is something like 4000 years old!
Don't just do something! Stand there.
okay. I was just wondering.Thanks for answering some of the questions. The Bible seriously confuses me sometimes. Im glad theres only one version of the Qu'ran. Note to everyone ; dont twist what Im saying here.
I don't think people "twist what you're saying" to be spiteful..
I think they're more like.... delving, to make you think further and so they too can get to the bottom of it...
And i see what you mean about the Qur'an thing....
Call me narrow minded but sometimes i feel like other holy books were put there just to make the Qur'an look better....
#Before you look at the thorns of the rose , look at it's beauty. Before you complain about the heat of the sun , enjoy it's light. Before you complain about the blackness of the night, think of it's peace and quiet... #