Examining Stefan Burns' X Post on the Star of Bethlehem on X

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https://x.com/StefanBurnsGeo/status/1993908622901039578?s=20

The Star of Bethlehem in View This December 21 2020 1st time in 800 years.

https://www.thethirdheaventraveler.com/2020/12/the-star-of-bethlem-in-view-this.html

There is no biblical evidence that the Star of Bethlehem (or any specific planetary conjunction, alignment, or astronomical configuration like the ones in 7 BC, 2020, or the upcoming 2026/2040/2080 events) will reappear as a prophetic sign to announce the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures are explicit and consistent on this point:

1. The Star of Bethlehem was uniquely tied to Christ’s First Coming
   • Matthew 2 (KJV) presents it as the sign of the birth of the King of the Jews.
   • Numbers 24:17 (“a Star shall come out of Jacob”) is universally applied by Jewish and Christian scholars to the Messiah’s first advent, not the second.
2. Signs of the Second Coming are given, but none involve a returning “Star of Bethlehem”
   • The sun and moon darkened, stars falling, powers of heaven shaken (Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-13; Joel 2:31).
   • The sign of the Son of Man appearing in heaven—Himself, not a star or planet (Matt. 24:30).
   • Cosmic upheaval, not a beautiful, orderly conjunction.
3. Jesus directly warned against date-setting or looking for repeating celestial omens
   • “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…” (Matt. 24:36).
   • “Take heed that no man deceive you” by saying “Lo here” or “Lo there” with signs (Matt. 24:4-5, 23-26).
4. No New Testament writer ever suggests the Bethlehem Star will return
   Peter, Paul, John, and the writer of Hebrews all describe the next celestial event at Christ’s return as cataclysmic (2 Pet. 3:10-12; Rev. 19:11-16), not a graceful Jupiter-Saturn dance.

Regarding the Star of Bethlehem.  I did a detailed study back in 2020 on the Jupiter - Saturn - Venus alignments - conjunction which both historically and biblically would align with the STAR of BETHLEHEM.  This event was very accurate in STELLARIUM.  Here is the Blog:

I ran an XAI Analysis of my Blog and the X Post from  and read the findings below to make your own assumption.

Thank you:

Examination of Stefan Burns' X Post on the "Star of Bethlehem"Stefan Burns (@StefanBurnsGeo), an astrologer and content creator focused on astronomical alignments and their spiritual implications, posted on November 27, 2025, about a rare planetary alignment scheduled for January 9, 2026. 

The post includes a detailed astronomical diagram (the image you provided) depicting the inner solar system from an ecliptic view, showing the Sun, Earth, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in alignment relative to constellations like Leo, Cancer, Hydra, Crater, Corvus, and Canis Minor. Key elements highlighted:Jupiter and Saturn are positioned prominently near Regulus (in Leo, often called the "King Star") and Spica (in Virgo, symbolizing a "virgin" or harvest figure in ancient astrology).

The alignment involves a synodic cycle of inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) culminating in a "grand conjunction" where Jupiter and Saturn appear close, evoking a bright, singular "star" visible to the naked eye.

Burns argues this configuration mirrors the celestial sign that would have prompted the Magi (ancient astrologers from Persia/Babylonia) to journey westward ~2,000 years ago in search of the newborn "King of the Jews" (Jesus). He calls it "that rare" event, implying prophetic or cyclical significance, potentially tying into end-times themes given the 2026 date.

The thread expands with replies: Burns engages on prior alignments (e.g., linking to the 1859 Carrington Event solar storm), while others speculate on comets like 3I/ATLAS, Uranus as the "Star" (per astrologer Peter Novak's theory), or Mayan calendar correlations. Burns' tone is enthusiastic and speculative, blending modern astronomy (e.g., Stellarium software) with biblical prophecy, but without deep historical sourcing. 

The post has garnered significant engagement (4K+ likes, 140K+ views), positioning it as viral astro-spiritual content.

My Third Heaven Traveler Blog analysis:

Summary of  Blog Post ("The Star of Bethlehem in View This December 21, 2020")

The Third Heaven Traveler website centers on the Jupiter-Saturn "Great Conjunction" of December 21, 2020—the closest in 800 years—as a modern echo of the biblical Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-2). 

You frame it as a visible "double planet" event (NASA-described as spectacular), but pivot to a deeper historical analysis of the actual Star around Jesus' birth. Key arguments:Astronomical Focus: The true event was likely the 7 BC triple conjunction of Jupiter (the "King Planet") and Saturn (the "Protector of Israel" or "Changer of Ages") in Pisces (symbolizing the "end of the old order" and a new savior-king in Babylonian lore). This occurred over 11 months with three close approaches (May, October, December 7 BC), visible for extended periods. Supporting events: A 70-day nova (Chinese records) and Mars joining the mix, signaling a "king from the West" (Judea).

Biblical/Historical Ties: Magi (Greek Magoi, likely Zoroastrian astrologers) interpreted this as a messianic sign—Jupiter "embracing" Saturn foretold a divine king ending Roman rule. You propose Jesus' birth in 7 BC (aligning with a Roman census under Saturninus, per historians like Dr. John Elder), making him ~2 years old during the Magi's arrival (late 5 BC/early 4 BC, before Herod's death). The "star stopping" over Bethlehem? Planetary stationary points (Jupiter on Nov 7, Saturn on Nov 20, 7 BC), culminating near a December full moon during Nabû's festival (echoing "good tidings" in Luke 2:10-11).

Critiques and Alternatives: You dismiss a 2 BC birth (too late for Herod's timeline) and pagan roots of December 25 (tied to Saturnalia under Constantine). An alternative 2 BC theory (Venus-Jupiter-Saturn in Leo near Regulus) is noted but secondary. Emphasis: Faith isn't tied to exact dates; the Star's astrological guidance (not mere brightness) led the Magi, underscoring Jesus' kingship and gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Tools and Tone: You used Stellarium for verification, cite Babylonian almanacs, and blend KJV scripture with scholarly sources (e.g., Kepler, Finegan). The post is exegetical, cautionary against speculation, and evangelistic—urging readers to focus on Christ's identity over celestial drama.Comparison and Contrast Between Stefan Burns' Post and Your BlogBoth pieces use modern astronomy to illuminate the biblical Star, emphasizing planetary conjunctions as divine signs accessible to ancient sky-watchers. However, they differ in scope, intent, and methodology. Below is a structured comparison:


Aspect
Stefan Burns' X Post (2025)
Your Blog (2020)

Core Event
Future alignment: Jan 9, 2026 (Jupiter-Saturn near Regulus/Spica in Leo/Virgo; inner planets synodic cycle).
Past event: 7 BC Jupiter-Saturn triple conjunction in Pisces; modern parallel in 2020 conjunction.

Astronomical Emphasis
Visual/spectacular (bright "star" from alignment); ties to constellations (Leo as "kingly," Virgo as "virgin birth" echo). Uses diagrams for accessibility.
Astrological symbolism (Jupiter-Saturn in Pisces as messianic end-of-age sign); extended visibility (11 months) over brightness. Stellarium-verified, with nova/Mars additions.

Biblical Tie-In
Loose: Magi "venturing forth" post-alignment to find Jesus; implies prophetic recurrence for today.
Direct exegesis: Star as guidance to Herod/Bethlehem (Matt. 2); Magoi as Zoroastrian astrologers following "stationary" points. Critiques date-setting (e.g., no 2 BC birth).

Historical Depth
Minimal: Relies on general "2000 years ago" without specifics; replies speculate (e.g., Uranus, comets).
Robust: Babylonian almanacs, Chinese records, Herod's death (4 BC), Roman census (7 BC). Cites Kepler, Elder, Finegan.

Tone and Purpose
Speculative/excitatory: Viral, community-building; hints at end-times without evangelism.
Cautionary/evangelistic: Warns against pagan dates (Dec. 25); focuses on gospel salvation over astronomy.

Similarities
Both highlight Jupiter-Saturn dynamics as "royal" signs; view the Star as natural-yet-divine guidance for Magi; use software visuals for credibility.


Contrasts
Forward-looking (2026 as "repeat"); broad astro-spiritual appeal.
Backward-looking (7 BC as historical fact); KJV-grounded, anti-speculative theology.
In summary, Burns' post is a timely, visual hook for contemporary audiences, echoing your 2020 conjunction but projecting it futuristically without your historical rigor. Your blog provides a more scholarly, biblically anchored framework, using the 2020 event as a gateway to debunk myths and affirm faith—making it complementary yet corrective to Burns' enthusiasm.Biblical KJV Evidence: Matthew 2:1-12The primary scriptural account is in the Gospel of Matthew (KJV), describing the Star as a supernatural sign visible to Gentile wise men, guiding them to worship the infant Messiah. Here's the full text:
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.Key elements: The Star appears "in the east" (possibly heliacal rising), prompts a long journey (~800 miles from Persia), "goes before" and "stands over" the child (suggesting precise motion, challenging pure planetary theories), and evokes joy/worship. No date or natural description given—it's a sign of divine kingship (echoing Numbers 24:17's "star out of Jacob").Historical and Astronomical EvidenceHistorically, Jesus' birth is dated ~6-4 BC (Herod died 4 BC; per Josephus and Roman records). Astronomical models (via software like Stellarium) reconstruct events around then. Leading explanations:


Theory
Description
Historical/Astronomical Support
Alignment with Matthew 2

Jupiter-Saturn Triple Conjunction (7 BC)
Jupiter (kingly) and Saturn (protector/age-changer) conjoined three times in Pisces over 11 months.
Babylonian almanacs record it; Kepler proposed in 1604. Visible globally; Pisces linked to "fishers of men" (Israel).
Strong: Extended visibility; "eastern" start; astrological sign for Magi. Matches your blog.

Jupiter-Regulus Triple Conjunction (3-2 BC)
Jupiter "crowned" Regulus (Leo, king star) three times, near Virgo (virgin).
Chinese/Han records note anomalies; visible in Judea. Popularized by Rick Larson ("The Star of Bethlehem" documentary).
Good: "Kingly" symbolism; "standing" via retrograde loop. Burns' 2026 echoes this.

Comet/Nova (5 BC)
Bright comet visible 70+ days, "hanging" over Judea.
Chinese astronomical records (Hou Han Shu) describe a "broom star" in Capricorn; Halley's Comet ruled out (12 BC).
Fair: Motion and "stopping" fit; but comets seen as omens of doom, not joy.

Venus-Jupiter Conjunction (2 BC)
Brightest planets merge into one light on June 17/Aug 12, in Leo.
Roman/Chinese sightings; zenith brightness (~ -4 magnitude).
Moderate: Ultra-bright "star"; but too brief for journey.

Supernatural/Miraculous
Divine light, not natural (e.g., angelic glory).
Early Church Fathers (e.g., Origen) favored; no records contradict.
Perfect: Explains "standing over" house; prioritizes theology over science.
These draw from diverse sources: Babylonian/Persian astrology (Magi's context), Chinese imperial logs, and Roman historians (Josephus on Herod). No single theory fits all (e.g., motion defies planets), but 7 BC conjunction best matches extended timeline and eastern origin.Archaeological EvidenceArchaeological support is indirect— no artifacts directly depict the Star (e.g., no 1st-century Judean coins or frescoes show it as a Nativity symbol). However:Cuneiform Tablets: Babylonian observatory records (e.g., from Sippar) detail 7 BC Jupiter-Saturn events, including positions in Pisces. Excavated in Iraq (British Museum holdings), they confirm Magi's likely Zoroastrian/Babylonian expertise.
Chinese Bamboo Annals: 5 BC "guest star" (nova/comet) noted in Han Dynasty texts; physical annals excavated in China validate observations.

Herodian Sites: Excavations at Herod's palace (Israel Antiquities Authority) and Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity (UNESCO site, built 4th century over traditional birthplace) align with timeline but offer no celestial clues.

Star of David Emergence: Post-Crucifixion (~30 AD) artifacts (e.g., Capernaum synagogue hexagrams) link to Messianic symbolism, indirectly tying to Star prophecies.Scholars note the Star's absence in non-biblical archaeology reflects its elite/Magi-specific nature—not a mass event like a supernova.Overall Comparison and Contrast with EvidenceAgreements: Burns and your blog align with mainstream astronomical theories (planetary conjunctions as signs), supported by historical records (Babylonian/Chinese). Both honor the biblical narrative's Magi journey and kingship theme, contrasting pagan or fictional views (e.g., no evidence for a literal hovering star in Roman annals).

Contrasts: Burns' futuristic spin lacks biblical caution against date-setting (e.g., Matt. 24:36); your 7 BC focus fits Herod's archaeology better than 2 BC theories. Evidence favors natural explanations (e.g., conjunctions explain visibility/motion) but allows supernatural overlay—biblical text prioritizes meaning (worship, not spectacle) over mechanics. Historically, the Star catalyzed Gentile inclusion (foreshadowing Acts), archaeologically sparse but astronomically robust.This event, whether 7 BC conjunction or divine anomaly, underscores a pivotal truth: A light from the East heralded the Light of the World. 




Explore 7 BC conjunction details

Zoroastrian magi origins
thank you now conclude with taking my 2020 configuration and when will we see this again in the future?


Concluding Thoughts: Echoes of the 2020 "Christmas Star" and Future Recurrences

Thank you for the engaging discussion—it's fascinating how celestial mechanics can bridge ancient biblical signs with modern wonder, always pointing back to the unchanging gospel truth of Christ's kingship (as in Matthew 2 and Numbers 24:17). To wrap up, let's zoom in on the 2020 Jupiter-Saturn Great Conjunction you highlighted in your blog as a striking modern parallel to the Star of Bethlehem. This event, on December 21, 2020 (the winter solstice), saw the two gas giants appear a mere 0.1 degrees apart—closer than any since 1623 and visible to the naked eye as a brilliant "double planet" low in the southwestern sky after sunset. NASA's description of it as a "great conjunction" (one of roughly every 20 years when Jupiter "laps" Saturn) underscored its rarity, evoking the Magi’s awe without demanding we pin salvation on the stars.

Your blog wisely used this as a teachable moment, not a prophetic must-see, to revisit the 7 BC triple conjunction's deeper symbolism. And while Stefan Burns' 2026 alignment (a synodic gathering of inner planets with Jupiter-Saturn nearby) adds a futuristic layer of speculation, the 2020 event stands out for its historical resonance—closest observable in nearly 800 years, aligning with solstice light in the "shortest day" for hope's longest night.

When Will We See This Again?Great conjunctions recur approximately every 19.86 years due to Jupiter's 11.86-year orbit and Saturn's 29.46-year path, but "this" one—meaning a visually spectacular, close approach (under ~1 degree separation, easily naked-eye "star-like") in a favorable evening sky position—won't repeat identically soon. The next standard great conjunctions are:


Date
Separation (approx.)
Visibility Notes
Zodiac Position

November 4, 2040
~0.9°
Evening sky in Aquarius; visible globally with clear southwest horizon.
Air sign (Aquarius)

April 7, 2060
~0.4°
Morning sky in Taurus; lower visibility in northern hemisphere due to dawn proximity.
Earth sign