The Emporia Gazette

May 27, 2012

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At this season there are many customs that have been handed down for many years and even centuries. Some of our most cherished ones become completely ridiculous when we actually take a look at what we’re saying or singing. For instance, how many “Wise Men” are mentioned in the biblical story? Three, of course, we quickly answer. In some stories, they even have names. But there’s no hint in the scripture as to how many. There have been guesses that as many as 12 may have been involved. Twelve is one of the sacred numbers of Judeo-Christianity, but there’s no mention in scripture of such a connection. There have been guesses, but “wise men from the East” is the closest we can come. A fictional story from the 20th century, “The Other Wise Man,” suggests four. But one is delayed when his horse goes lame, leaving three.

His HORSE? Didn’t they ride camels? Not likely, if we look at facts. The Wise Men are “from the East.” There is no place EAST of Jerusalem where camels would have been considered appropriate transportation at that time. The only “camels” from the east would have been heavy-built , two-humped pack animals, never used as a riding animal anywhere. The “kings” or noblemen in the story would probably have been riding fine Arabian-type horses. People from that part of the world laugh at our Christmas camels.

Of course, there might be another factor. It’s hard to draw a really good picture of a fine, well-bred horse. These would have been the best and finest Arabian horses in the world. On the other hand, a camel is rather lumpy and misshapen to begin with. Who will notice the difference if the picture isn’t what it should be?

But, how many Wise Men? Our Christmas stories, songs, pictures and stage plays inevitably portray three. No special reason, apparently. There might be a connection in the Holy Trinity, except that it hadn’t happened yet. Some versions imply as many as 12, but the scripture simply does not mention how many wise men were involved.

We also work sheep into our pageants, shepherds “tending their flocks by night.” Just a moment, here — What could grazing sheep find to eat in December in this arid country? The grazing season is not even remotely connected with mid-winter. They would have arrived months later.

There are all sorts of theories about what the star of the nativity might actually have been. There seems no doubt that some very unusual observations were noted, world-wide, at about that time. Astronomy was one of the earliest of the sciences and most predictable. When something not predicted or expected came along, it would create a sensation among astronomers world-wide, at about that time. The scientific mind seeks company and an opportunity to share theories, argue them or agree.

At about that time in history, there were several events which could easily be seen as remarkable in the night sky. It has gotten pretty complicated, but apparently, winding backward at one of the big observatories will verify the appearance of the night sky at about the time of Christ’s birth.

I’ve seen it called to the attention of the curious — There were several of the sky’s brightest objects, planets and distant stars, easily seen at about that point in time and in the same segment of the night sky.

Was this wonderful display of natural phenomenon interpreted as the sign from the Creator to signal some turning point in time, for the entire human race? At least three major religions have interpreted the event in this way — Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

I’m sure that there are other faiths whose histories record the celestial event, with their own interpretation.

I’ve never been curious enough to study just how far to the South the “star in the east” might have been seen. Maybe next year. Meanwhile, with everyone else, I’ll be listening and watching the wonders of the holiday season, as we set our differences aside to enjoy the celebrations that we share.

See you down the road.