Abstract
Identification of the star seen by the magi in Matthew 2 has long been a popular topic. Planetariums often have programs about "the Christmas star," and some discussion of the topic can attract interest in a church's education program. Knowledge of the Bible, history, and astronomy is needed for an adequate treatment. The author of this book, a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias in Tenerife, concentrates on providing an up-to-date account of astronomical knowledge relevant to the subject.