Glad to see clergy finally weighing in on the "Christmas Story". As a Christian, I have always loved the story of the 3 wise men and the snow and the shepherds, but I always knew there was a problem with it. First of all the date of Jesus’ birth was not December 25. That date was superimposed on it by the early church to coincide with an existing celebration. Not surprising since it was easier to get people to observe a holiday at the time they already were used to, and it was a ingrain the religious traditions of Christianity with those of the Romans.
Now the Archbishop of Canterbury has done an interview where he not only clears up the Christmas date, but dispels the 3 king story as well. In the Gospel of Matthew wise men from the East are mentioned, but they are not Kings nor are there any numbers. The number was extrapolated from the 3 gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. I suspect the song "We Three Kings" helped that legend as well.
His interview will undoubtedly attract the ire of the folks who believe there is some sort of "war on Christmas". Personally, I am glad to see these traditions put in the correct light. They are legends than have become traditional stories and that’s fine. They are not in the Bible, just as the "Rapture" is not mentioned in the Bible either.
Now how long will it take for the fundamentalists to start flaming me?
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