The Bethlehem Star

Eugene Shubert · Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 6:11 pm Post subject: The Bethlehem Star

Scholars that argue that the Bethlehem Star is a legend need to study the ancient Chinese chronicles. In 5 BC—the 2nd year and 2nd month of the new Chinese emperor—Chinese astronomers recorded an awesome comet, which originated at the star Altair. It was visible for 70 days. The ancient Chinese associated Altair with sacrifice. Then 13 months later, which was the 3rd year and 3rd month of the emperor, April 24, 4 BC on our calendar, a miraculous new star appeared, also originating from Altair. Because of independent historical sources that point to the birth of Jesus in 5 BC to 4 BC and the remarkably detailed observations written out by the Chinese chroniclers, I think it's obvious that the miraculous new moving star was the Bethlehem Star.

The ancient Chinese word for star also means comet. That detail, the ancient Chinese chronicles and the following verses from the Bible suggests that the wise men from the East believed that the two stars—that were separated by 13 months—were the same object.

Matthew 2:1-2
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “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.”

Matthew 2:7-10
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

Matthew 2:12
Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Matthew 2:16
Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.