The Star of Bethlehem reappears
Laura DeMaria
Today, Dec. 21, is the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year!
It is also the day of “the great conjunction of 2020,” when Jupiter and Saturn pass one another, so close they are only 6 arc minutes apart (this is very close). From Space.com:
How often do these two planets come as close as that? Some websites say it has been nearly 400 years, while others say it's been almost 800 years. Indeed, the last time these two planets appeared so close was on July 16, 1623, when they were only 5 arc minutes apart — that's actually 397 years ago…But the last time most of the world's population had a favorable view of these two planets coming so close to each other was on March 5, 1226, when they were even closer together (just 2 arc minutes) compared to what we will see on Dec. 21.
To that end, some are wondering if the original Star of Bethlehem was a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. Could it be true? Per that same Space.com article:
Some have suggested this holiday season that these two planets might be a replica of the legendary Star of Bethlehem. Actually, one of the more popular theories for the "Christmas Star" was a series of conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC. For in that year Jupiter and Saturn met not once but three times that year (in May, September and December).
The first conjunction (on May 29 — visible "in the east" before sunrise) presumably started the Magi on their way to Bethlehem from the Far East. The middle conjunction (September 30) may have strengthened their resolve in the purpose of their journey, while the third and final conjunction (Dec. 5) occurred just as they arrived in Judea to meet with King Herod, who sent them on to Bethlehem to "go and search diligently for the young child."
The article goes on with more facts and speculation, and it’s a really cool idea!
While we’re talking about the Star of Bethlehem, let me recommend, as I always do, and episode of Jimmy Aiken’s Mysterious World about the magi: The Mysteries of the Magi
p.s. I’ll be on Morning Air Wednesday, December 23 at 7 am eastern talking about the Octave of Christmas, and the holy days leading up to the Baptism of the Lord on January 10, 2021 (and thus the end of the Christmas season). Mark your calendars! You can listen here.