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!

Winner, Winner...

....Christmas Chicken Dinner!  

One of our all-time fave repasts.

Scored a five pound Amish chicken, humanely-raised and hormone-free.  

Stuffed with homemade dressing made last evening.  Popped it into the oven on the Convection Roast setting at 12:30 PM.  Another bonus crock of additional dressing and a humongous yam anointed in bacon drippings went in 45 minutes later.

Finished everything by 3 PM, including pan dripping gravy and whole kernel sweet corn from the garden.   

Dished-up by 3:30 PM.

Pretty good chow if you can get it.

Merry Christmas! 

Thursday Morning Music

On account of today being Christmas, Friday Morning Music arrives on Thursday this week.

Composed by Greg Lake with lyrics by Peter Sinfield this tune periodically gets an undeserved anti-religion rap.  The truth of the matter is Lake wrote the song in protest of the commercialization of Christmas.  Sinfield has insisted that the words are about the loss of innocence and childhood belief. So, I dunno.  Combination of the two?

Released as a debut solo single in 1975 it reached Number 2 of the UK Singles Chart. This happens to be a YouTube Short compilation - full length recordings are available on YouTube.

I Believe In Father Christmas..... 

Nativity Story

The Bible story of the virgin birth is at the center of much of the holiday cheer this time of year. The book of Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus decreed a census should be taken. Mary gave birth after arriving in Bethlehem and placed baby Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.       

Some people think Mary and Joseph were mistreated by a greedy innkeeper, who only cared about profits and decided the couple was not worth his normal accommodations. This version of the story (narrative) has been repeated many times in plays, skits, and sermons. It fits an anti-capitalist mentality that paints business owners as greedy, or even evil.         

It persists even though the Bible records no complaints and there was apparently no charge for the stable. It may be the stable was the only place available. Bethlehem was over-crowded with people forced to return to their ancestral home for a census – ordered by the Romans – for the purpose of levying taxes. If there was a problem, it was due to unintended consequences of government policy. In this narrative, the government caused the problem.          

The innkeeper was generous to a fault – a hero even. He was over-booked, but he charitably offered his stable, a facility he built with unknowing foresight. The innkeeper was willing and able to offer this facility even as government officials, who ordered and administered the census, slept in their own beds with little care for the well-being of those who had to travel regardless of their difficult life circumstances.         

 If you must find "evil" in either of these narratives, remember that evil is ultimately perpetrated by individuals, not the institutions in which they operate. And this is why it's important to favor economic and political systems that limit the use and abuse of power over others.  In the story of baby Jesus, a government law that requires innkeepers to always have extra rooms, or to take in anyone who asks, would "fix" the problem.    

But these laws would also have unintended consequences. Fewer investors would back hotels because the cost of the regulations would reduce returns on investment. A hotel big enough to handle the rare census would be way too big in normal times. Even a bed and breakfast would face the potential of being sued. There would be fewer hotel rooms, prices would rise, and innkeepers would once again be called greedy. And if history is our guide, government would chastise them for price-gouging and then try to regulate prices.

This does not mean free markets are perfect or create utopia; they aren't and they don't. But businesses can't force you to buy a service or product. You have a choice – even if it's not exactly what you want. And good business people try to make you happy in creative and industrious ways.         

Government doesn't always care. In fact, if you happen to live in North Korea or Cuba, and are not happy about the way things are going, you can't leave. And just in case you try, armed guards will help you think things through.         

This is why the Framers of the US Constitution made sure there were "checks and balances" in our system of government. These checks and balances don't always lead to good outcomes; we can think of many times when some wanted to ignore these safeguards. But, over time, the checks and balances help prevent the kinds of despotism we've seen develop elsewhere.         

Neither free market capitalism, nor the checks and balances of the Constitution are the equivalent of having a true Savior. But they should give us all hope that the future will be brighter than many seem to think.

Credit - First Trust Advisors

Getting Into the Holiday Mood

In case you've been wondering if I've been naughty or nice I'm feeling just a wee bit irreverent today.  

And couldn't resist sharing this little tidbit of holiday humor set to traditional Christmas carols...

Ode To A Fir Tree

Originally a traditional German folk song this tune had little if anything to do with Christmas - or describe a decorated Christmas tree.  The original lyrics had everything to do with a fir tree’s evergreen quality as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness.  You see, a Tannenbaum is a fir tree.  

The folk song eventually became associated with the celebration of Christmas when Ernst Anschütz added two additional verses of his own to the traditional verse in 1824.  The custom of the Christmas tree developed in the course of the 19th century and with Anschütz’s changes the song came to be seen as a Christmas carol early in the 20^th century.

Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles.  My contribution to getting my friends in the spirit of the holiday...

Rub-A-Dub-Dub

While out gathering various evergreen boughs for Christmas decorations we encountered the mother of all buck rubs.

Full size lopper for scale. 

 

You Know Who

The holiday spirit would be somewhat diminished without this smiling sprite.... 

Real or Fake?

At any given moment, there are approximately half a billion Christmas trees growing for future harvest that otherwise would not be there.

While they are growing, they’re absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, stabilizing soil and providing valuable wildlife habitat.

As trees are harvested, new trees are planted to take their place.

And unlike artificial trees, real trees can often be purchased from local farms.

And your house will smell nice too.

Raising a toast to sustainability.
 

Christmas Chuckle

If this doesn't induce a laugh; something's wrong with you...

And Even More Holiday Spirit

For the loved one in your life that still likes to burn one on occasion there is this.....

 

Follow me at this blog for more gift-giving tips.

Merry Christmas!

More Holiday Spirit

For the woman in your life that has everything; there is this...

Follow me at this blog for more gift-giving tips.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

All of us here at The Platz extend our best wishes for a Very Merry Christmas.

Conditions are brutal out there so throw another piece of stove wood on the fire, put your feet up, snuggle with your sweetie content with the knowledge that Santa Claus is on his way.... 

Nativity Story

The Bible story of the virgin birth is at the center of much of the holiday cheer this time of year. The book of Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus decreed a census should be taken. Mary gave birth after arriving in Bethlehem and placed baby Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.       

Some people think Mary and Joseph were mistreated by a greedy innkeeper, who only cared about profits and decided the couple was not worth his normal accommodations. This version of the story (narrative) has been repeated many times in plays, skits, and sermons. It fits an anti-capitalist mentality that paints business owners as greedy, or even evil.         

It persists even though the Bible records no complaints and there was apparently no charge for the stable. It may be the stable was the only place available. Bethlehem was over-crowded with people forced to return to their ancestral home for a census – ordered by the Romans – for the purpose of levying taxes. If there was a problem, it was due to unintended consequences of government policy. In this narrative, the government caused the problem.          

The innkeeper was generous to a fault – a hero even. He was over-booked, but he charitably offered his stable, a facility he built with unknowing foresight. The innkeeper was willing and able to offer this facility even as government officials, who ordered and administered the census, slept in their own beds with little care for the well-being of those who had to travel regardless of their difficult life circumstances.         

 If you must find "evil" in either of these narratives, remember that evil is ultimately perpetrated by individuals, not the institutions in which they operate. And this is why it's important to favor economic and political systems that limit the use and abuse of power over others. In the story of baby Jesus, a government law that requires innkeepers to always have extra rooms, or to take in anyone who asks, would "fix" the problem.    

But these laws would also have unintended consequences. Fewer investors would back hotels because the cost of the regulations would reduce returns on investment. A hotel big enough to handle the rare census would be way too big in normal times. Even a bed and breakfast would face the potential of being sued. There would be fewer hotel rooms, prices would rise, and innkeepers would once again be called greedy. And if history is our guide, government would chastise them for price-gouging and then try to regulate prices.

This does not mean free markets are perfect or create utopia; they aren't and they don't. But businesses can't force you to buy a service or product. You have a choice – even if it's not exactly what you want. And good business people try to make you happy in creative and industrious ways.         

Government doesn't always care. In fact, if you happen to live in North Korea or Cuba, and are not happy about the way things are going, you can't leave. And just in case you try, armed guards will help you think things through.         

This is why the Framers of the US Constitution made sure there were "checks and balances" in our system of government. These checks and balances don't always lead to good outcomes; we can think of many times when some wanted to ignore these safeguards. But, over time, the checks and balances help prevent the kinds of despotism we've seen develop elsewhere.         

Neither free market capitalism, nor the checks and balances of the Constitution are the equivalent of having a true Savior. But they should give us all hope that the future will be brighter than many seem to think.

Credit - First Trust Advisors

 

 

Friday Christmas Confusion

Twelve Days of Christmas Confusion

Performed by Angel City Chorale 

Artistic Director, Sue Fink Video edited by, Alex Chaloff, Annika Benitz 

Angel City Chorale Website

Consider The Tannenbaum

Tannenbaum is a German word that translates to fir tree.  It is pronounced tah-nuhn-boum. 

It is that time of year folks - two weeks ago already I was returning home from a Lions Club meeting and took note that one of my neighbors had their Christmas tree up and lit already.  We'll have to see if we do the same.  For now there is this small specimen of retro craziness on the fireplace mantel.

Quite a few families prefer a real Christmas tree over an artificial tree made from PVC plastic in China.  

The reasons are multitude; and among them are getting out and selecting one from a neighborhood or church tree lot.  Or getting out to a tree farm and picking out a tree, cutting it down and dragging it back to be bundled for the drive home.  Most trees are grown on family farms.  They're natural, completely recyclable and renewable.  They smell terrific too.

Depending where you live the supply of farm-grown trees might be tight for the 2024 Christmas season.   Best practice for this eventuality are to shop early for best selection.  

Roughly 21.6 million real Christmas trees were purchased in the US in 2023 at a median price of $75, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.  It is the period of time immediately following Thanksgiving that is peak time for real trees.  With Thanksgiving coming late this year growers face a short sales season.  Compounding the situation is the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina, which produces more Christmas trees than any state except Oregon.  Who knew?

Delivering one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties, the Fraser fir, is a real challenge. One out of four Fraser firs sold nationally - and virtually all the Fraser firs sold on the East Coast - are sourced from western North Carolina.  

Compounding this is the impact of Hurricane Helene will persist for years.  It takes roughly a decade to grow a full-size Fraser fir.  And many of the trees damaged were several years from maturity, impacting supply for years to come.  The loss of 200,000 seedlings to flooding is staggering to a family tree farm.  And unlike soybeans and corn difficult to insure.

Labor is an additional problem and North Carolina is one of the largest users of the H-2A visa program for agricultural workers.  It's one thing to crack-down on illegal immigration; however the heated rhetoric about clamping-down on legal immigrants has made the hiring of foreign workers fraught and increasingly burdensome.

Growing Christmas trees is a lot like any other agricultural crop - only it takes longer.  When The Great Recession of 2007-09 caused many growers to plant fewer trees or go out of business as consumers curtailed spending.  That resulted in a supply problem along with price hikes a decade later.

Farmed trees are also challenged by other shifting consumer habits.  Aging baby boomers are putting-up fewer live trees.  According to the USDA trees harvested in the US has declined 30% since 2002; despite a population increase of 16% over the same period.

So maybe we'll wander out back and cut down a live spruce - not too small and not too big - and string some lights on it for the holiday.

You can learn more about the impact of Helene here...

Merry Christmas

Best wishes from all of us at The Platz for a very merry Christmas!

December Night Sky

  The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.    

 -'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Clement Clarke Moore      

 

December's full moon, illuminating the skies on December 26, 2023, holds special significance as it aligns with Christmas Day.  This celestial event is the first full moon following the winter solstice, enhancing its allure during this special and festive season.

12-11-19 Full Cold Moon

The full moon you will observe in the heavens this evening is called the Full Cold Moon.  It is characterized by the arc of its trajectory across the sky which allows it to appear above the horizon for a longer period of time. 

Because of its close association with the winter solstice - and the shortest of daylight hours - native people called this the Long Nights Moon.   My ancient European pagan ancestors called this the Moon Before Yule in recognition of the Yuletide festivities celebrating the return of the sun heralded by the winter solstice. 

 

To the casual observer the moon will appear full both tonight and Wednesday evening as well. 

Fingers crossed for clear, cold viewing tonight.

Nativity Story

The Bible story of the virgin birth is at the center of much of the holiday cheer this time of year. The book of Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus decreed a census should be taken. Mary gave birth after arriving in Bethlehem and placed baby Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.       

Some people think Mary and Joseph were mistreated by a greedy innkeeper, who only cared about profits and decided the couple was not worth his normal accommodations. This version of the story (narrative) has been repeated many times in plays, skits, and sermons. It fits an anti-capitalist mentality that paints business owners as greedy, or even evil.         

It persists even though the Bible records no complaints and there was apparently no charge for the stable. It may be the stable was the only place available. Bethlehem was over-crowded with people forced to return to their ancestral home for a census – ordered by the Romans – for the purpose of levying taxes. If there was a problem, it was due to unintended consequences of government policy. In this narrative, the government caused the problem.          

The innkeeper was generous to a fault – a hero even. He was over-booked, but he charitably offered his stable, a facility he built with unknowing foresight. The innkeeper was willing and able to offer this facility even as government officials, who ordered and administered the census, slept in their own beds with little care for the well-being of those who had to travel regardless of their difficult life circumstances.         

If you must find "evil" in either of these narratives, remember that evil is ultimately perpetrated by individuals, not the institutions in which they operate. And this is why it's important to favor economic and political systems that limit the use and abuse of power over others. In the story of baby Jesus, a government law that requires innkeepers to always have extra rooms, or to take in anyone who asks, would "fix" the problem.         

But these laws would also have unintended consequences. Fewer investors would back hotels because the cost of the regulations would reduce returns on investment. A hotel big enough to handle the rare census would be way too big in normal times. Even a bed and breakfast would face the potential of being sued. There would be fewer hotel rooms, prices would rise, and innkeepers would once again be called greedy. And if history is our guide, government would chastise them for price-gouging and then try to regulate prices.

This does not mean free markets are perfect or create utopia; they aren't and they don't. But businesses can't force you to buy a service or product. You have a choice – even if it's not exactly what you want. And good business people try to make you happy in creative and industrious ways.         

Government doesn't always care. In fact, if you happen to live in North Korea or Cuba, and are not happy about the way things are going, you can't leave. And just in case you try, armed guards will help you think things through.         

This is why the Framers of the US Constitution made sure there were "checks and balances" in our system of government. These checks and balances don't always lead to good outcomes; we can think of many times when some wanted to ignore these safeguards. But, over time, the checks and balances help prevent the kinds of despotism we've seen develop elsewhere.         

Neither free market capitalism, nor the checks and balances of the Constitution are the equivalent of having a true Savior. But they should give us all hope that the future will be brighter than many seem to think.

Credit - First Trust Advisors

 

Friday Music

Originally a traditional German folk song this tune had little if anything to do with Christmas - or describe a decorated Christmas tree.  The original lyrics had everything to do with a fir tree’s evergreen quality as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness.  You see, a Tannenbaum is a fir tree.  

The folk song eventually became associated with the celebration of Christmas when Ernst Anschütz added two additional verses of his own to the traditional verse in 1824.  The custom of the Christmas tree developed in the course of the 19th century and with Anschütz’s changes the song came to be seen as a Christmas carol early in the 20^th century.

You can also cut the tannenbaum and use the limbs to camouflage your German Leopard tank.

Nothing like heavy armor to get you in the holiday spirit.....