The three wise men?

"The earliest substantial source of information about the Magi is the Greek historian Herodotus. Living in the fifth century B.C.E., Herodotus recorded that the Magi belonged to a Persian priestly class who specialized in astrology, interpretation of dreams, and casting of spells. In Herodotus’ time, the religion of Persia was Zoroastrianism. Hence, the Magi he spoke about were likely Zoroastrian priests. “In a more general sense,” says The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, “a mágos in the Hellenistic world had supernatural knowledge and ability and was sometimes a practitioner of magic.”
A number of early “Christian” commentators, such as Justin Martyr, Origen, and Tertullian, described the Magi who visited Jesus as astrologers. For example, Tertullian wrote in his book On Idolatry: “We know the mutual alliance of magic and astrology. The interpreters of the stars, then, were the first . . . to present Him [Jesus] ‘gifts.’” In harmony with this understanding, many Bible translations render magoi “astrologers.”

Originally posted by galveston75
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi

#1 Bible never states it was 3 wise men #2 they were Magi from the east who knew very well what the star meant at least according to the biblical account #3 these Magi caused a stir when they arrived in Jerusalem

Manny

Jehovah's Witnesses
Among Jehovah's Witnesses the Star of Bethlehem is seen as a product of Satan, rather than a sign from God, since the star led the astrologers to Jerusalem where they met King Herod's plan to kill Jesus. Remember the Star did not guide the astrologers directly to Jesus in Bethlehem, rather, they were led to Jerusalem where they came in touch with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus.

Source Wiki

Manny

BTW I'm not saying Christmas is a Holiday that is sanctioned by God as a matter of fact I think probably not at least in what we celebrate in these modern times.


Manny

I see Him, but not now;
I behold Him, but not near;
A Star shall come out of Jacob;
A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,
And batter the brow of Moab,
And destroy all the sons of tumult

One of the popular theories is that during the Babylonian exile that Daniel and His contemporaries taught the wise men of that time about the God of Israel and the prophecies such as the one above. The wise men carried on their beliefs (Zoroastrianism / Magi ) so they were always looking for this star after the time of the Exile and Daniel. Of course it is just theory.

Manny

Originally posted by menace71
Jehovah's Witnesses
Among Jehovah's Witnesses the Star of Bethlehem is seen as a product of Satan, rather than a sign from God, since the star led the astrologers to Jerusalem where they met King Herod's plan to kill Jesus. Remember the Star did not guide the astrologers directly to Jesus in Bethlehem, rather, they were led to Jerusalem where they came in touch with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus.

Source Wiki

Manny

Originally posted by Suzianne
Wow... just... wow. (Although not all that surprising.)

Originally posted by menace71
Jehovah's Witnesses
Among Jehovah's Witnesses the Star of Bethlehem is seen as a product of Satan, rather than a sign from God, since the star led the astrologers to Jerusalem where they met King Herod's plan to kill Jesus. Remember the Star did not guide the astrologers directly to Jesus in Bethlehem, rather, they were led to Jerusalem where they came in touch with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus.

Source Wiki

Manny

Originally posted by menace71
Jehovah's Witnesses


Source Wiki

Manny

Among Jehovah's Witnesses the Star of Bethlehem is seen as a product of Satan, rather than a sign from God, since the star led the astrologers to Jerusalem where they met King Herod's plan to kill Jesus. Remember the Star did not guide the astrologers directly to Jesus in Bethlehem, rather, they were led to Jerusalem where they came in touch with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus.