Trip of The Magi - Chapter, Verse and Calendar

From the Gospel of Matthew we all know of the the story about the Magi or the Three Kings. In three paragraphs it goes like this: 

Kings?  Wise Men? More likely priests or wealthy astrologers who journeyed from Arabia, Babylon or Persia.  More importantly, they came to pay homage and to worship Jesus.  And they came bearing gifts; rare and expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Symbolically, some would suggest this is significant proof of gentiles recognizing Jesus as king; thus marking a turning point in Christian tradition.  

After their arrival the Magi were warned in a dream to avoid King Herod and to return via a different route to throw-off snooping Romans with murderous intentions.  An angel also appears to Joseph in a dream with a warning that Herod intends to slay his child.  Consequently Joseph, Mary and Jesus flee to Egypt.  They return home only after there is news of Herod's death.   

With the passage of time the 'Three Kings' received names:  Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar even though the bible is silent about their identities.  Their appearance along with shepherds in nativity scenes is a bit of a historical mash-up; but more about that in a bit.  

What about the star?

Was the appearance of the star a literal event or a symbolic literary device? 

There is no scientific astronomical evidence to suggest a star moving as described.  Due to the Earth's rotation a real star (fixed in the heavens of the northern hemisphere) would be unable to move east to Jerusalem and stop over a house in Bethlehem.  It is possible there may have been a supernova, comet or planetary conjunction - naturally-occurring astronomical events -  explaining its appearance.  Needless to say, some faith traditions suggest the appearance of the star was divine, a genuinely miraculous event.  

Only the Gospel of Matthew mentions it; the Gospel of Luke does not.  Some biblical scholars have suggested that the appearance of the star may have been a later addition to Matthew's narrative to serve as a literary device - a metaphor or allusion for his audience.

The bible does not specify tell us when Jesus was born.  There are only clues such as Herod The Great's reign and a census facilitated under Syrian Governor Quirinius.  The Scriptures are silent as to a specific year and date.  The birth story of Jesus is found only in the Gospels of Mathew and Luke 1-2 and place his birth during the reign of King Herod.  Herod died in 4 BCE; consequently, Jesus was likely born between 7 and 2 BCE.  Naturally, this conflicts with the later Christian calendar system.  A calendar miscalculated in the 6th century. 

Matthew 2:1-12 informs us that the star appeared at Jesus' birth and appeared from the east.  Upon the arrival of the Magi; Joseph, Mary and Jesus are living in a house (not a stable) and Jesus is referred-to as a child.  Furthermore, Herod orders the slaying of all boys two years of age and under.

The implication is that the star materialized shortly prior to or at the time of Jesus' birth, hypothetically 6–5 BCE.  The Magi arrive months or possibly 1-2 years later.  Herod dies 4 BCE.  The adoration of the Magi would be unlikely to coincide with the visitation of the shepherds.

So why is it only Matthew mentions the star and Luke mentions shepherds instead of Magi? 

The answer may be found in their respective audiences.  Inasmuch as there was no single and consistent birth narrative in very early Christianity both Matthew and Luke tell a true story as they understood it, using different oral and written traditions shaped by purpose; and complementing one another.

Matthew was preaching to a Jewish audience; consequently, he focused on the fulfillment of old testament scripture and prophecy.  Numbers 24:17: A star shall come out of Jacob; symbolism and prophecy signaling the birth of a Jewish king. 

Luke was preaching to a Greco-Roman audience; consequently he places an emphasis on shepherds, angels and census records.  Stars and astrology add little theological substance and are avoided. Luke explicitly says he chose what to include in Luke 1:1-4; an orderly account of Jesus' life.   

In closing, why December 25?  First-off it's not a historical date and was likely adopted somewhere around the 4th century.  This is because Christian holy days and important events were intentionally chosen over many years to supplant pagan holidays, Roman festivals and themes like those of the triumph of light over darkness.  The Winter Solstice comes to mind.  This was done for theological, liturgical and evangelical reasons.  To be clear, it is not historical conflict; rather it is the intentional telling of Christian theology.

The story of Jesus' birth, the Magi, shepherds, Herod, Matthew and Luke have captured the hearts of untold millions of believers, wanna-believers and the attention of some non-believers.  It is a a story rich in drama and allegorical symbolism.  It is a fun story readily embraced by children.  And as with many things in life; parts of the story are supported by history and science and other parts are articles off faith.  Neither are irreconcilable. 

Happiest of holidays to all my readers however you celebrate them; or not.

Cheers!

Astronomy and Astrology Explained

Maybe you associate the word zodiac with astrology. But it has an honored place in astronomy, too. 

Anyone who spends any time gazing at the night sky is keenly aware of the zodiac constellations, because they contain what’s called the ecliptic, or sun’s path across our sky. 

Why is the sun’s path so important? Join night sky experts - Deborah Byrd and Bob King, aka AstroBob - to find out!

February Night Sky

Venus is the Roman Goddess of Love and among other things is associated with beauty, desire and fertility.  In ancient Greece she was the Goddess called Aphrodite.  

In astrology, Venus is the planet of lover, beauty and harmony.  If you're looking to get your romantic vibe on it is Venus who communicates with other significant planets in your life.  If Venus is getting along with Mars or Jupiter you might feel more passionate and lucky in love.  If Venus is on the outs with Saturn and Neptune your relationships will be challenged by insecurities and trust issues.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and what I know for sure is that normally bright Venus will attain her highest state of brilliance tomorrow evening.  Over the next several weeks our bright planet will fall closer to the western horizon losing more it its brilliance all along.  By the time March rolls-around Venus will disappear from view to emerge in the morning sky in April.

Happy Valentine's Day.....

What To See In The December Night Sky

I cannot remember the last time this happened; if it has happened before.  Or maybe I missed it?

This evening hosts a rare Black Moon - a term for the second new moon to appear in a calendar month.  Just as a second Full Moon in a calendar month is called a Blue Moon; a second New Moon is referred-to as a Black Moon.   The first New Moon was on December 1st and the second New Moon is tonight.

If you happen to be into New Age stuff and astrological influences of the heavenly bodies on your life; the new moon in Capricorn brings closure to the past and an invitation to the potential of the future.  As the last New Moon of 2024 this is an opportunity to focus-upon what you are letting go.  As a Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn grounds us and assists with navigating the complexities of our lives.  

Capricorn embodies the steadfast sea goat - capable of conquering both land and water.  A New Moon in Capricorn brings us a unique blend of energies at the end of the year and bridges the old and new.  It is not only cause for celebration and gratitude but an opportunity to focus and the setting of intentions.  Capricorn encourages a full commitment to our endeavors and sets both a positive and powerful tone for the year ahead.

Mumbo Jumbo.

If you're a regular reader you know what a New Moon is all about; it's when the sun and moon are aligned in the same celestial longitude so that you cannot see the moon as the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Consequently, this means dark skies.  And in the absence of moonlight interfering with the night sky that means fainter objects are easier to see.  In the winter the air is drier and this also improves your viewing prospects.

Last, but not least, no skeeters this time of year!

Fingers-crossed for cold, clear skies tonight....

Beer Review

Bock beer has traditionally been brewed during the winter months and lagered (stored) for consumption with the arrival of spring – generally as part of Easter festivities.  This beer style is noted for its dark, rich color, warm notes and a reasonably high gravity as traditionally the alcohol content is north of 6.5%.  

As the story goes bock beer originated in the Northern German city of Einbeck in the 14th century.   As a consequence of trade a regional favorite gradually gained acceptance across all of Germany and later the rest of Europe.  

The name ‘bock’ is derived from ‘beck’ in Einbeck.  Bock also translates to ‘billy goat'  (ziegenbock) and as bock biers were generally brewed under the sign of Capricorn the name stuck.  Nowadays, the beer is generally associated with images of a goat.  

This refreshing lager is brewed by Leinenkugel.  The inclusion of oat flakes in the brew impart a smoothness to its malty flavor with notes of roasted nuts.  

Grab a couple cold ones - it will not fill you-up.

5.1% ABV

New Moon Tonight

With less than 1% of the crescent visible this evening - today brings us a New Moon.

According to the staff astrologers this young Moon is in ♈ Aries.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and as a consequence a New Moon in Aries is especially powerful – with lots of opportunities for new beginnings.  This would be a  terrific time to reevaluate personal goals and using the positive energy of the sign of the Ram to take-on actionable items.  To grab the ram by the horns so-to-speak. 

Nevertheless, take heed that the head, teeth, tongue, striated muscles, penis, gall bladder arterial system are now more sensitive. Be careful with those body parts and functions.  Moreover, you should not have a surgical procedure under the influence of a New Moon. 

You can check it all out and much more here.