The more I read and study the Bible the more I begin to understand how our Western influence has colored and often times misinterpreted Scripture. Probably one of the most misinterpreted parts of Scripture surrounds the events at the time of the birth of Christ. Of all the evangelists Matthew has covered and emphasized the events more so than the rest. Most traditional nativity scenes depict the Christ child surrounded by his parents, animals, wise men and angels. The babe is lying in a manger surrounded by wooden structure. This setting is most likely colored and influenced by Western standards. In the days of Christ, what was a rare commodity and was not often used in construction especially one to house animals. Those who study that period of time seem to concur that the Christ child was either born in a cave, a hand-carved shelter in the side of a hill or some type of brick/stone structure. The child most likely was laid in a feed trough not a hay manger.
Matthew's story talked about the Magi. Our Western influence is often colored by the Christmas Carol, "We Three Kings". The Bible only says that these were wise men and that they were from the East. In that time period, anyone who lived east of the Jordan was considered one from the East. The Bible does not say how many wise men there were. One wants to draw the conclusion that there were three because three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh were presented to the child.
There is also much mystery surrounding when the Magi or wise men visited the child. When the wise men visited the Christ Child, he was in a house not a barn. This passage indicates that there was a passage of time between the birth of the Christ child and when the wise men paid the Christ child homage. Scriptures also noted that the wise men were Gentiles. It was the Gentile who first prostrated and paid homage to the King - the shepards gave glory to God. Most scholars seem to agree that the Christ child was about a year or so old. They base this on the decree from King Herod that caused Mary, Joseph and the Christ child to leave Bethlehem and take refuge in Egypt.
But then, all of this is my opinion based on my interpretation of what I have learned from others more knowledgeable in the Bible, traditions and translations from Greek, Latin and Hebrew than I. I may never know exactly as the events surrounding the birth of the Savior are sketcy at best and colored by our Western influences. Nevertheless what is important is that He came into this world in the most humblest of beginnings so that I (and all of us) can all live like a King or Kings. After all, He is the King of Kings and I am one of HIS children.
The Complete Home Inspections Team
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