(La Porte, IN) - The skies were too cloudy here last night to see the Star of Bethlehem.  On a clear night, though, the star will still be visible for the next couple of days, astronomers said.

The astronomical event, created when Saturn and Jupiter move close together, looks much like the brightly shining star depicted in stories about the birth of Jesus. 

Bethany Lutheran Church Pastor Dennis Meyer says it’s also called the Christmas star for good reason.  Meyer said he thinks the light from the star represents not just the vastness of the universe but the vastness of “God’s love.”  “if we could be the astronauts and just step away from Earth and like those astronauts did on that Christmas Eve circling the moon and look back at Earth I think we’d realize what a very special place this is.  We’d treat each other a lot better.  We’d live more lovingly together. That’s the message really of Christmas,” he said.

Meyer is hoping the skies are clear enough tonight to see the star visible to the naked eye and more up close with a telescope.   A picture of from the event taken in Georgia last night is posted on his Facebook page.