OK, let’s have a look at
early church writings. People say that the record of a star is mentioned by Matthew only, hence doubtful, since Luke doesn’t mention it, and neither is it found in neighboring astronomical records. Nichol responds by pointing out how old astronomical records are often patchy. However, he does quote several of the church fathers, so it was better known than skeptics care to admit. Early church descriptions resemble a comet more than that of a regular star. See what you think?
IGNATIUS (AD 40 -100)
“A star shone in heaven with a brightness beyond all the stars; its light was indescribable, and its newness provoked astonishment. And all the other stars, together with the Sun and Moon, formed a chorus to the star, yet its light far exceeded them all. And there was perplexity regarding from where this new entity came, so unlike anything else in the heavens was it.”
(Ignatius to the Ephesians, ch. 19)
ORIGEN (AD 180 -250)
“We consider that the star that was seen “at its rising” was a new star, unlike any of the other well-known planetary bodies, either those in the fixed sphere above or those among the lower spheres. Rather, it should be reckoned with those celestial bodies which appear at times, known as “hairy stars”, “beams”, or “beards”, or “wine jars”, or any of those other names by which the Greeks are accustomed to describe their varying appearances. And we establish our position in the following manner …
… We have read in the Treatise on Comets by Chaeremon the Stoic, that on some occasions also, when good was to happen, comets made their appearance; and he gives an account of such instances. If, then, at the commencement of new dynasties, or on the occasion of other important events, there arises a comet so called, or any similar celestial body, why should it be matter of wonder that at the birth of Him who was to introduce a new doctrine to the human race, and to make known His teaching not only to Jews, but also to Greeks, and to many of the barbarous nations besides, a star should have arisen?”
(Contra Celsum 1.58-59)
Ignatius refers to the star in terms that suggest a very large comet, and Origen specifically calls it a
“hairy star” which is, of course, the same thing. I’m guessing that other literature about the phenomenon existed, but was probably suppressed during the Imperial persecutions. In any case, Matthew was not the only one, who talks of a comet-like star at the time of Jesus birth.
The science of arranging time in periods and ascertaining the dates and historical order of past events.
) It is comprehensive in both fields - theology and astronomy - which makes it uniquely suitable for this subject.