24 Dec 13
1 edit
Originally posted by Rajk999To answer your as usual "rudish" comment. I'm only repeating what the false traditions suggest!!!!!!!
If you are referring to the time of the birth of Christ then the Bible says nothing about three wise men. It refers to just 'wise men'. Where did you get the 'three' from? I bet you [b]assumed and assumed and assumed.[/b]
The Encyclopedia Americana explains: “Nativity plays early became a part of the Christmas celebration . . . The representation in church of the crèche [the manger scene] is said to have been begun by Saint Francis.” These plays featuring the birth of Christ were performed in the churches during the beginning of the colonization of Mexico. They were organized by Franciscan monks in order to teach the Indians about the Nativity. Later the posadas became more popular. Whatever the original intention behind them, the way the posadas are held today speaks for itself. If you are in Mexico during this season, you can see or sense something that a writer for El Universal highlighted in his comment: “The posadas, which were a way to remind us of the pilgrimage of Jesus’ parents looking for a shelter where the Child God could be born, are today only days of drunkenness, excesses, gluttony, vanities, and more and more crime.”
The idea of the nacimiento emerged during Colonial times from the original live representations in churches. While some find it attractive, does it correctly represent what the Bible says? That is a valid question. When the so-called three wise men—who in fact were astrologers—visited, Jesus and his family were no longer living in a stable. Time had passed, and the family was living in a house. You will find it interesting to note this detail in the inspired record at Matthew 2:1, 11.
((((( You can also note that the Bible does not say how many astrologers there were.)))))))
In Latin America, the three wise men replace the idea of Santa Claus. Still, as is done in other lands, many parents hide toys in the home. Then on the morning of January 6, the children look for them, as if the three wise men brought them. This is a money-making time for toy sellers, and some have made a fortune on what many honesthearted people recognize is just a fantasy. The myth of the three wise men is losing credibility among a goodly number, even among little children. Though some are displeased that this myth is losing believers, what can anyone expect of a fantasy maintained only for the sake of tradition and for commercial convenience?
Christmas, or the Nativity, was not celebrated by early Christians. One encyclopedia says about this: “The celebration was not observed in the first centuries of the Christian church, since the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth.” The Bible links the celebration of birthdays with pagans, not with God’s true worshipers.—Matthew 14:6-10.
This does not, of course, mean that it is not beneficial to learn and remember the actual events involved in the birth of the Son of God. The factual Bible account provides important insights and lessons for all those who want to do God’s will.
24 Dec 13
Originally posted by galveston75Take your pick:
Who were these guys?
Tom, Dick & Harry.
Fatso, Stinky & Casper
Balthazar, Melkor & Casper
Athos, Porthos and Aramis
Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti
SERIOUSLT
Weren't the Magi a creation of Matthew in order to "big up" Jesus's birth.
Don't the other gospels stress Jesus's humble birth?
(Or that could be the other way around - I've had a drink and cant be bothered gooogling)
24 Dec 13
Originally posted by galveston75My Spanish teacher used to tell us how he spent Christmas in UK (and got presents) then went to Spain for the New Year (and got more presents on the 6th). I thought that was cool (when I was 12!!)
Then on the morning of January 6, the children look for them, as if the three wise men brought them.
Isnt the 6th "Kings' Day"? and the official end of Christmastide?
24 Dec 13
Originally posted by wolfgang59Just another jw made up story. You see the jws condemn birthday celebrations but clearly the wise men were there to celebrate his birth, so they changed it from wise men to astrologers searching for a star.
Not saying you are wrong but I have never heard this before! I thought
they were advised by astrologers! .... Any references?
24 Dec 13
Originally posted by Rajk999Matthew 2:7
Just another jw made up story. You see the jws condemn birthday celebrations but clearly the wise men were there to celebrate his birth, so they changed it from wise men to astrologers searching for a star.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 Then Herod sent for the wise men [astrologers] secretly, and [a]accurately to the last point ascertained from them the time of the appearing of the star [that is, [b]how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the east].
Matthew 2:7
Expanded Bible (EXB)
7 Then Herod ·had a secret meeting with [privately summoned] the ·wise men [astrologers; magi; v. 1] and ·learned [inquired] from them the exact time ·they first saw the star [the star appeared].
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000448?q=magi&p=par