by Steve Ary
A rare occurrence is taking place today at around 4:35pm to 5:30pm. In fact, it is so rare that it hasn’t happened in nearly 400 years (and some websites are claiming that it is closer to 800). The last two accounts of this convergence in recorded history took place on July 16, 1623 (397 years ago) and March 5, 1226 (794 years ago).
What some are referring to as a “Great Conjunction” and others are calling “A Christmas Star” will appear in our Southwestern skies today at around sunset.
Saturn and Jupiter will seem to join together as the two planets cross paths in our evening sky. Together, these planets will shine in such a way that they may appear to be a bright ‘star’ in the sky.
Linked to this occurrence and the reason why people are calling it a “Christmas Star” is the historical account of converging planets as “lights in the sky”. These lights are biblically and affectionately referred to as the “Star of Bethlehem”. In the gospel of Matthew, chapter two, the “Star of Bethlehem” led the magi (wise men/kings) from
Babylon to Bethlehem, a place where they found the small child, Jesus, the Messiah.
But according to astrological software, it wasn’t Jupiter and Saturn which aligned for the magi, it was Jupiter and Regulus aligning in 3 B.C., prompting the magi to begin their journey to Bethlehem. The planets appeared to be moving together as they were in a state of orbital convergence.
The “star” then appeared to “stop” just over Bethlehem when the magi would have arrived and given the first ever Christmas presents… of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ-child. And according to the astrological software, this occurrence took place when the planet Jupiter entered into “retrograde” precisely on December 25th of 2 B.C.
As you give and receive Christmas gifts this year, remember that God’s gift to the world was Jesus Christ. Remember that wise men still seek Him. And remember that our traditions of gift-giving on December 25th all started with Him.
Enjoy the convergence this evening. Remember the Star of Bethlehem, the Reason for the season, and have a very Merry Christmas!
