What do you think about this JW Watchtower article about Christmas I just came across?
In the December 1st 2009 issue of The Watchtower, a Jehovah’s Witness publication, there an article in the back titled "Did Three Wise Men Really Visit Baby Jesus"?
It went on to make mention how Christmas-time lore all around the globe depicts Nativity scenes with Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus in a manger, a star above and three wise men, or kings. But, does this line up with what the Bible records?
Matthew and Luke are the only gospels to chronicle the birth of Jesus, and they show that only lowly Shepard’s from nearby visited Jesus at his birth.
Luke 2:8-16, And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them… And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"… the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
So it is recorded that only Mary, Joseph, and the Shepard’s were present with baby Jesus.
Looking at Matthew 2:1-11, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet… Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." After listening to the king… behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Then they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Notice first that is just says "wise men" not "three wise men". And they traveled to Jerusalem for an audience with Herod. By the time they reach Bethlehem, Jesus was a "young child" and no longer in a stable, but in "a house". Notice also the KJV uses the term "wise men" but it is actually the Greek word mag’-os, which means a Magian, that is, Oriental scientist; by implication a magician, sorcerer. The Bible condemns astrology, witchcraft and spirit-ism Isaiah 47, Deut 18. That is why no angel of God announced the birth of Jesus to the magicians.
It is possible they were under demonic influence, and being led by Satan who wanted to thwart God’s plans, using the magicians to lead Herod to the Messiah. But God ultimately wins when he warns them in a dream not to go back to the King.
It seems like their article is very Biblical, and helping to clear the air on the Christmas Story, which has become a Hallmark Holiday. Your thoughts?
