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Prince Edward residents will have a second chance to see the Star of Bethlehem later this week. 

In the Biblical Christmas story, a star is referenced. Commonly called the Christmas star or the Star of Bethlehem, in the Book of Matthew it helps the Magi find their way to the location of the Christ child. But what did the star look like? And what did the night sky in Bethlehem as a whole look like during that time? That’s what Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park helped answer earlier this month. Residents poured into the museum gallery, to both learn more about the Star of Bethlehem and the Biblical Christmas story. That proved to be so popular that the state park plans to do it again this weekend. 

Back in time to see the Star of Bethlehem

So, what will this involve? Folks will go back in time to see the Bethlehem sky as it was during the life of Jesus. Using the Holy Bible, computers and cutting-edge astronomy software, residents will be able to experience in two hours what the Wise Men saw, the star they followed.

For example, in the Biblical book of Matthew, Chapter 2, verse 1-2 says “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”

Then in verse 9, the star is again referenced, as the passage says “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.”

When will it take place? 

This will happen on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. As for other questions, yes, this is free to the public and absolutely, everyone will be able to ask questions as soon as the program wraps up. The park is located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road in Rice and for more information, you can call the visitor center at 804-561-7510.