This beautiful stamp was published on the theme of "Christmas 2016". The Forever stamp shows a classic nativity scene of the Holy Family with the baby Jesus and the shining star of Bethlehem in the background.
Value: 66c
Issued: November 3, 2016
First Day City: Washington, DC
Type of Stamp: First Class Mail
Printed by: Ashton Potter Ltd.
Method: Offset, Microprint
The Star of Bethlehem, crucial in Jesus' birth story, is often in planetariums during holidays. Despite debates on its existence, Christianity views it as a miraculous sign. Astronomers suggest cosmic events like comets, supernovas, or planetary conjunctions. A notable conjunction around 3-2 B.C. involved Jupiter, Regulus, and Venus, symbolizing a king's birth. Magi, possibly astronomers, interpreted this as a sign. Modern astronomers believe such an event could resemble a "bright beacon of light." Jupiter's path may explain its movement toward Bethlehem. Whether divine or astrological, the Star of Bethlehem remains integral to Christmas tradition.
