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People came from all over to see the presentation. On Saturday, Dec. 2, they poured into the museum gallery at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park to learn about the Star of Bethlehem and more about the Biblical Christmas story. But when they put together the schedule, park workers didn’t realize they had competition that night and so they plan to do it again. 

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 workers helped answer during that Dec. 2 show. 

“The first viewing was very successful, with just over half capacity filling the museum gallery to watch the presentation,” said Lee Wilcox. He serves as assistant park manager for Sailor’s Creek. “The families and couples in attendance were completely engaged and awe-struck with the information presented, which proved the existence of the Star of Bethlehem event over two thousand years ago.” 

But afterwards, some more residents reached out, asking if the park officials would consider holding the event again. 

“We didn’t realize when we scheduled the program that it would be competing against both the Farmville Christmas Parade and the Amelia County Christmas Parade, so we wanted to offer a second viewing for those who couldn’t make it,” Wilcox said. 

To make up for that, Sailor’s Creek will have another event to detail the Star’s history. This time it’ll be on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. Kim Kenney from the Crewe Observatory will be on hand. 

DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT 

So, what will this involve? Kenney will take folks 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 9 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.” 

Kenney will also show signs in the sky that took place during the life of Jesus, from his birth to his crucifixion. 

Wilcox does want to clear up one thing that caused confusion before the Dec. 2 event. 

“(Some thought) that it was going to be an outdoor astronomy program,” Wilcox said. “It is actually an indoor presentation led by (Kenney and his) astronomers from the Crewe Astronomy Club.” 

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.