” Where is the one who is born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” ( Matthew 2:1)
The star!!! What DID the three wise men….eh…ASTROLOGERS see so clearly in the sky ? The word ‘star’ ( aster in Greek) is a general word that can include ANY luminous light in the sky: comets, planets, meteors. Astronomers and biblical experts agree about one thing: There was a line-up( conjunction) of two ‘big’ planets in the sky during the years 3 BC and 2 BC involving Saturn and Jupiter. Jupiter was considered to be the planet of royalty. the King, and, Saturn was considered to be the ruling planet of the Jews. Hence the biblical expression; Jesus , King of the the Jews. This cosmic message , ‘Jesus is born’ was broadcast in the middle eastern sky clearly enough for the Magi to interpret.
The bible speaks of how the astrologers had a dream—warning them of speaking to Herod— about the new King’s birth….And here’s where the history gets a little hazy. We know that Herod died in 4 BC, but the conjunction of the two bright planets of Jupiter and Saturn did occur in 7 BC.
Despite any discrepancies in timing…. Here is what we DO know. The story that started the world religion of Christianity was first noted by wise men….the Magi…. the astrologers. As is written in Genesis 1:14, ” God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky …and let them serve as SIGNS to mark the seasons.”
