Man can relate to heavenly phenomena in different ways, but among them there is one that has a special mystical significance for the population of most countries. They consider the Bethlehem star - not only the gift of the cosmos, but also one of the most important Christian symbols of the existence of God.
What is the Star of Bethlehem?
The symbol of religious worship, according to biblical texts, was seen by the Magi in the east and prompted them to set off. The star of Bethlehem is the sign of the birth of Christ, thanks to which all have learned that the king of the Jews was born. The Magi came to Jerusalem, but the baby was not found there. Signs directed them further - in Bethlehem of Judah the guiding star stopped over Mary and allowed gifts to be presented to Jesus. For this she was included in many biographies of saints, fiction, was embodied in paintings and icons.
The Star of Bethlehem in Orthodoxy
The star came to Russian Orthodoxy from Byzantium as a symbol of the Mother of God and her son Christ. This religion recognizes the eight-pointed sign of God radiating the light of the Bethlehem star. It has been permeating religion since ancient times in several ways:
- The star was installed on the domes of the first Orthodox churches.
- It can be seen on almost any icon with the Virgin.
- In tsarist Russia, the highest state award was the Order of St. Andrew in the form of an eight-pointed star.
- The symbol of Bethlehem adorns the church dishes.
Star of Bethlehem - esoterics
This esoteric sign expresses the true law of the ancestral karma of man. It is believed that everyone's life is affected by the mystery of the star of Bethlehem. Seven generations, living before a person, have a strong impact on his life. His thoughts for the same reason will affect those who will live after him. The star is the embodiment of continuity and mutual responsibility of generations. The Star of Bethlehem confirmed the peculiarity of Jesus, his difference from ordinary people. Between the birth of the Jewish king David and the son of God passed 14 generations.
What does the star of Bethlehem look like?
Scientists have their own idea of the appearance of a cult symbol. Under the beacon, indicating the path of the magi to the baby Jesus, they mean the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn or Halley's comet. They do not try to disprove what is stated in the Holy Scripture - they just want to find a rational explanation for that. They do not have an answer to the question of why the Bethlehem star is eight-pointed, because they believe that from the Earth the Magi could see a series of several cosmic bodies observed in 12 BC. for two months.
The theory that the Bethlehem star symbolizes the real celestial phenomenon was first introduced by Professor David Hughes from the University of Sheffield in the 1970s. He came to the conclusion that:
- The "three kings" who came to congratulate their parents with the appearance of Jesus were astrologers who studied space events.
- The indication in the Bible that the birth was preceded by an event, confirms that they have noticed a non-standard movement of celestial bodies.
- The Magi worshiped the "parade of the planets" - Jupiter did not simply connect with Saturn, they lined up in line with the Earth.
Where is the Star of Bethlehem?
The world-famous symbol, according to ancient legend, is kept in the Holy Land. Located Bethlehem star in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem . In the center of the church is a grotto built around an old well and called the Cave of Christmas. According to the believers, the heavenly body fell on its bottom, which can be seen today, if you look long into the well hole. The premises of the church were built by the monks of the mendicant Franciscan order in 1717. The cave is decorated with a star made of silver with 14 rays.
Star of Bethlehem - can I wear Orthodox?
During a tourist visit to Jerusalem, you can buy a Bethlehem star on a chain or string, which is pre-consecrated. Such an accessory is massively brought as a gift to friends and acquaintances, without thinking about whether it is possible to wear a Bethlehem star on the neck. The clergy's opinions are divided: some of them generally believe that the star was lit by Satan to bring Herod to Jesus. Most priests express their opinion, based on the form of decoration:
- The 8-pointed star is a symbol of Islam, which shows the attachment of its owner to another religion.
- The 5-terminal suspension represents Satanism, which is recognized as a sinful cult.
- 6-final "Star of David" can be combined with a cross and even be worn over clothes. Given that now it is considered a sign of Judaism, the original symbol of the Star of Bethlehem signaled the belonging of its owner to Christianity.