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As Christians, we may have heard a lot about the Star of David that appeared when Jesus was born. But did you know that a certain astronomical phenomenon involving stars will occur at the end of December 2020? It is true. The planets Saturn and Jupiter will align on December 21 and form a “Christmas star” shape in their alignment.
How rare is this phenomenon? According to Christian Headlines, you have to go back to the 1200s just to see something similar to this event happening around the same time.
The news of this so-called “Christmas star” aroused hope and enthusiasm among believers around the world. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the reasons we can look forward to seeing the Christmas star and what it reminds us of this Advent season.
Meaning of the Christmas star in the Bible
We have seen a star used in every Nativity sketch that we have watched in church. But what is the significance of this celestial body, other than the fact that it led the shepherds (and possibly the wise men) in Bethlehem? The stars appear to play several roles in the scriptures. Let’s analyze some verses in which they play an important role.
Matthew 24:29: “Immediately after the tribulation of these days, the sun will darken, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.“
The stars play a role here in the events of the End of Days. But on a clearer note, let’s take a look at the passage that talks about the Star of David above Bethlehem (aka: “The Christmas Star”).
Matthew 2: 1-2 “Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that was born king of the Jews?” Because we saw her star when she rose and we came to worship her.
The star placed above the birthplace of Jesus indicates the way for the Magi to find it. Although many theologians have speculated on the astronomical phenomena that occurred with this star (including the conjecture that Saturn and Jupiter aligned to form the brilliant light), the star clearly brings people to Jesus. It lights the way for him. Therefore, when believers heard about the 2020 Christmas star, they were understandably excited about the parallels.
What is the 2020 Christmas star?
As mentioned above, the 2020 Christmas star will occur in late December when Saturn and Jupiter align. The two planets together will look like a “double planet” and produce a significant amount of light.
You can observe “the star” at any position on Earth, depending on the clear sky. But you will have the best chance of seeing it on December 21st. So while you prepare for the holiday season, take a break and admire the night sky.
Why astronomical events interest Christians
It may seem surprising that so many Christians seem so invested in two planets lining up around Christmas time. Even outside of the Christmas season, it seems believers are excited about blood moons and other astronomical events. why is this the case?
To answer this, we must turn to the scriptures.
Genesis 2: 1 “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their armies.”
First and foremost, God created the heavens and our planet. This includes all of the speckled stars we see in the night sky. Of course we would be invested in the beauty of the creation that our Creator formed for us.
Luke 21:25: “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and dismay among the nations on earth, in bewilderment at the roaring of sea and waves.”
One of the key signs that we have reached the events that occur in Revelation is occurring at the level of a natural disaster and via signs in the cosmos. Christians are excited about astronomical signs because they remind us that Christ will return to make the world right.
Revelation 8:12 “The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of that. here, and at night in the same way.
At the end of days, we will see signs of the sun’s darkness in the sky, with the moon turning blood red and the stars falling like figs. Scripture has told us to watch the Lord’s day vigilantly, and when we see these signs, we will be ready for that day.
Of course, we must also add that it is dangerous to place all our hope in astronomical signs and predictions. After all, none of us know the day or time of the Son of Man’s return. If we think back to the 2012 Mayan prediction of the end of the world, many believers believed that the second coming would happen then. Or the number of blood moons that have occurred in recent years.
3 reasons why the “ Christmas star ” of 2020 brings hope to Christians
Besides the fact that the stars are a pleasure to see any season of the year, Christians have a number of good reasons to look forward to witnessing this star in the last month of 2020.
The Christmas star reminds us of the original Christmas star
Theologians have speculated whether the alignment of Jupiter, Venus and Saturn formed the first “Christmas star”. Considering that we have two of these planets lining up now, which hasn’t happened that way in centuries, we get a very real and tangible reminder of what the Star of David would have looked like when the birth of Jesus.
The Christmas star reminds us of the second coming of Jesus
Astronomical signs indicate the second coming of Christ. Although we cannot predict when he will return, when we see natural events we do remember that these will be the conditions of the Last Days.
The Christmas star points others to Jesus
In the same way that the Christmas star lit the way for the Magi to find our Savior, we can use the star as an illustration for those who do not yet know Jesus. We can explain to our friends and non-believing family members the events that took place on the night of Jesus’ birth when they talk about the shining “star” in the night sky.
Photo credit: © GettyImages / Allanswart
This article is part of our largest library of Christmas and Advent resources focused on the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and history behind important Christian dates and holidays, and encourage you to take the time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His son Jesus Christ!
What is Christmas? Understand the history, origin and traditions
The story of Santa Claus: origin of Saint Nicholas and Christmas traditions
Beautiful and inspiring Christmas prayers
The beautiful meaning and purpose of Advent
Advent Wreath and Candles – Understanding the History, Meaning and Tradition
The history and significance of the Advent calendar
Listen to our FREE Christmas Podcast: Christmas Characters – The Amazing People in Jesus’ Family:
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