Result of research about the Christmas Star
So I have looked high and low to try to understand who were the Magi, what the star meant to them and why would Matthew write about it??
Thanks to the internet, I've learned a lot about it.
History can pretty well place the birth of Christ between 7 and 3 BC. Luke and Matthew give us two historical clues -- the death of herod and the census of cesear augustus.
During that period there were two major astrological events that most people believe explain the appearance of the star.
Before I continue, I would like to say that the hardcore Jewish scholars belive that the star was not an astrological event, but the shining glory of God -- just like the burning bush, the transfiguration, Paul's converstion and other "light" events that occur when individual's have come in contact with God. The other major theory, which involves the movement of a number of planets across a number of contellations, rests on herods death happening in 1 BC. Most historians and biblical historians belief that Herod died in 4 BC. But if you want to read here are some citations.
Christmas Star
My personal belief is that God uses the natural world to speak to us and he provides a trail even for strong unbelievers to find him. "The door will open to he who knocks" Now, there is a lot of contestation among scholars but after all my research. This is the story that seems to make the most sense.
The scriptural context comes from Daniel. Daniel was the head of the Magi, under Nebekenezer (not spelled correctly). He was also very devoted to God and received a number of visions showing him history in fast forward. (check out this site for more details) (If any one wants extra homework they could check out some of the claims of this website to see if it lines up with historical record.) As head of the Magi, Daniel taught the them the Jewish scriptures including Iseiah which details the life and death of Christ.
Now, while astrology was strictly forbidden among Jews, it was practiced widely during those days. Not all Magi were astronomers or astrologers but as the wise men of the day, they were in tune with what was going on in the sky. (After all it is the sky that provided calendar and compass to the ancient world).
Three times in the years 7BC and 6BC there was what astronomers call a conjunction of the planets, which means that while the planets were on their rotations around the sun they cross paths (like an eclipse) When this happens, they aprea as a single bright star. The interesting thing was the stars that coincided -- Jupiter was known widely as the sign of ruler of the universe, Saturn was known as the protector of Isreal. They happened to conjunt within the constellation Pisces, representing the land mass of Isreal. Thus, to the astologers of the day, this event could have signified the birth of the ruler of the universe who was the protector of Isreal to be born in Isreal.
Remembering the teachings handed down from Daniel about the prophesized birth and death of a savior, it is likely that they understood who Jesus was and came to see him.
We will never know for sure what happened as history is clouded with imperfections from man's inaccuracy. But I could only see this as an early invitation from God to Gentiles. He proclaimed to the shepards of Isreal, but he also proclaimed to the gentiles that the savior has come.
Thanks to the internet, I've learned a lot about it.
History can pretty well place the birth of Christ between 7 and 3 BC. Luke and Matthew give us two historical clues -- the death of herod and the census of cesear augustus.
During that period there were two major astrological events that most people believe explain the appearance of the star.
Before I continue, I would like to say that the hardcore Jewish scholars belive that the star was not an astrological event, but the shining glory of God -- just like the burning bush, the transfiguration, Paul's converstion and other "light" events that occur when individual's have come in contact with God. The other major theory, which involves the movement of a number of planets across a number of contellations, rests on herods death happening in 1 BC. Most historians and biblical historians belief that Herod died in 4 BC. But if you want to read here are some citations.
Christmas Star
My personal belief is that God uses the natural world to speak to us and he provides a trail even for strong unbelievers to find him. "The door will open to he who knocks" Now, there is a lot of contestation among scholars but after all my research. This is the story that seems to make the most sense.
The scriptural context comes from Daniel. Daniel was the head of the Magi, under Nebekenezer (not spelled correctly). He was also very devoted to God and received a number of visions showing him history in fast forward. (check out this site for more details) (If any one wants extra homework they could check out some of the claims of this website to see if it lines up with historical record.) As head of the Magi, Daniel taught the them the Jewish scriptures including Iseiah which details the life and death of Christ.
Now, while astrology was strictly forbidden among Jews, it was practiced widely during those days. Not all Magi were astronomers or astrologers but as the wise men of the day, they were in tune with what was going on in the sky. (After all it is the sky that provided calendar and compass to the ancient world).
Three times in the years 7BC and 6BC there was what astronomers call a conjunction of the planets, which means that while the planets were on their rotations around the sun they cross paths (like an eclipse) When this happens, they aprea as a single bright star. The interesting thing was the stars that coincided -- Jupiter was known widely as the sign of ruler of the universe, Saturn was known as the protector of Isreal. They happened to conjunt within the constellation Pisces, representing the land mass of Isreal. Thus, to the astologers of the day, this event could have signified the birth of the ruler of the universe who was the protector of Isreal to be born in Isreal.
Remembering the teachings handed down from Daniel about the prophesized birth and death of a savior, it is likely that they understood who Jesus was and came to see him.
We will never know for sure what happened as history is clouded with imperfections from man's inaccuracy. But I could only see this as an early invitation from God to Gentiles. He proclaimed to the shepards of Isreal, but he also proclaimed to the gentiles that the savior has come.
posted by Sara at 9:51 AM
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