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!
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