Comment - The article says "There are many factors that contribute to the puzzle, including the uncertainty in the actual date of Christ's birth and the terminology used to describe celestial events during the Star's appearance some 20 centuries ago. For instance, any heavenly object bright enough to attract attention was apt to be called a "star." Meteors, for instance, were "shooting" or "falling " stars; comets were "hairy" stars; novae were "new" stars and planets were "wandering" stars."

Astronomers now think the Star was actually a very close and unusual grouping of Venus and Jupiter in the constellation of Leo. This grouping, or "conjunction", had great astrological significance for Middle Eastern people.

I remember reading in The Catholic News that we modern Westerners have to keep in mind that the words and events of the Scripture were intended for the culture and people of the Middle East of 2,000 years ago. From that standpoint, it makes sense that perhaps God chose for Jesus to be born at the same time that humans of the Middle East were awed by a planetary conjunction in the constellation of Leo the King.

News - Mary Weir sent along this silly little Web site: http://www.qnet.com/~pontius/smile/smilelmp_1[1].htm

Comment - It's goofy, it's colorful, it's musical. In other words, it's perfect for the holiday season!

Click here to see current comments and add your own.

3:53:24 PM