Christmas in June

Astronomers have pinpointed the date of Jesus’ birth to June 17, rather than the traditional December 25. Australian astronomer Dave Reneke used complex computer programs to chart the night sky as it would have appeared in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago. Reneke believes the Christmas star followed by the Magi was actually an alignment of Venus and Jupiter, which would have occurred on June 17 of 2 B.C. Reneke said that his findings should serve to reinforce people’s faith. “This is not an attempt to decry religion. It’s really backing it up as it shows there really was a bright object appearing in the East at the right time,” he said.