Star of Bethlehem
Videos
The Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star, appears in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 2 where "wise men from the East" are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There, they m
Adoration of the Magi by Florentine painter Giotto di Bondone (1267–1337). The Star of Bethlehem is shown as a comet above the child. Giotto witnessed an appearance of Halley's Comet in 1301.
Adoration of the Magi, Chartres Cathedral, by Jehan de Beauce, France, 16th century
Adoration of the Magi, by Jean Fouquet (15th century). The Star of Bethlehem can be seen in the top right. The soldiers and castle in the background may represent the Battle of Castillon (1453).
A zodiac from a 6th-century mosaic at a synagogue in Beit Alpha, Israel
Matthew 2
Videos
Matthew 2 is the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. It describes the events after the birth of Jesus, the visit of the magi and the attempt by King Herod to kill the infant
Gospel of Matthew 1:22–2:18 on Codex Vaticanus, written about AD 325–350
The Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Estéban Murillo
Codex Sinaiticus (AD 330–360), Matthew 1:1–2:5
Codex Sinaiticus (AD 330–360), Matthew 2:5–3:7