2006-12-24 01:19:12 · 21 answers · asked by http://hogshead.pokerknave.com/ 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Would the problem be that very few qualify as being wise ?
2006-12-25 06:28:09 · answer #1 · answered by Jerome S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There was more then 3
2006-12-24 01:25:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Bible, it was the magi who gave gifts in harmony with the custom of the day. It was customary to give presents to royalty. Compare, for example, 1 Samuel 10:24-27; 2 Kings 20:12 and 1 Kings 10:1, 10 and 13.
Moreover, the magi (we don't know how many there were - the Bible doesn't say) were astrologers. According to The Oxford Companion to the Bible: “The connection between magic and astrology is reflected in the visitors’ fascination with the star that had led them to Bethlehem.” (Actually the star did not lead them to Bethlehem. They saw the star when they were in the East and subsequently arrived in Jerusalem where they came into contact with Herod - Jesus' chief enemy - who sent them to Bethlehem. See Matthew 2:1-13)
The Bible clearly condemns all forms of magic and the Babylonian practice of trying to get information from the stars. See Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 47:13.
So if we wanted to follow the example of the magi, we would have to find Babylonian astrologers to give presents to a potentate in accord with the custom at that time.
Hannah
2006-12-24 01:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How are you? Did you know that the bible doesnt state how meny magi came to see Jesus(Matt 2:1) also Christmas has a Pagan origin the SATURNALIA was a festival honoring the Roman God of agriculture it took place on Dec 17-24. Feasting,merrymaking and gift giving took place on the Saturnalia.
Th bible is against Paganism because Paganism has an origin with worshiping idols and that is against Gods commandments 1Corinthians 10:14 Also when the astrologers finally did get to see Jesus the bible states at Matthew 2:11 "they saw the young child" meaning he wasn't a baby. So its okay to give and receive gifts but not on Christmas because Christmas has a Pagan origin and is against Jehovahs Commandment. Any questions i can be reached at sceneofdarhyme@yahoo.com
2006-12-24 02:05:27 · answer #4 · answered by sceneofdarhyme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whose example? The 3 men or Mary and Joseph?
2006-12-24 01:26:39 · answer #5 · answered by -♦One-♦-Love♦- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Spain it is still the tradition that presents are exchanged on January 5th - the night of the three kings (noche de los tres reyes) which at least has some relevance to that work of fiction called the Bible in this period of superstitious claptrap!
Funny how we "know" that an unknown baby called Jesus was born on exactly December 25th, but the dates he was publicly put to death, with crowds of people around, then came back to life again, are so much a mystery that it they are celebrated any time between April and May - why are people so stupid as to give this nonsense any credibility!?
2006-12-24 01:34:57 · answer #6 · answered by Peter C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually the Bible doesn't say three wise men. It just says wise men. There could have been 20.
With respect to gifts,
Matthew 7:11- "If you who are evil, know how to give good gift to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him."
I'll suprise my child throughout the year with presents. She usually gets a few more on Christmas or her birhtday because grandparents get involved at those times of year.
Matthew 7 clearly states there is nothing wrong with your giving your children gifts. God is good to us too. His gifts may not always be what we want but they are always the best for us.
Some people get legalistic this time of year, really it is all year long, but put focus on this time of year on all the reasons not to celebrate Christ's birth. I believe at Christmas time if the focus remains on Jesus, and even while giving gifts, and all the food, and family, we can remember that HE is the reason that we can even celebrate, that we can honor Him throughout it all, that it pleases Him.
2006-12-24 01:31:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is what God's Word says...
Mat 2:10 -11 (KJV) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
So based upon this are you talking about the tithe one is called to give to the Lord?
Mal 3:10 (KJV) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
In doing this, God will pour out His blessings
2006-12-24 01:33:22 · answer #8 · answered by Ray G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
where in the Bible dose it say there was 3 wise men ? The Bible say there were 3 gifts . so who really knows how many wise men there were?
2006-12-24 01:24:02 · answer #9 · answered by Homer Jones 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The presents, as you know, were gold, frankincense and myrrh. These represented Jesus' kingship, godliness and suffering. Mary gave birth, and Joseph was the protector of Mary and Joseph all his life. They gave much! I believe we can follow of their example.
2006-12-24 01:25:53 · answer #10 · answered by Plato 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i only give 3 presents to my child-and 1 of them is usually something he needs. I do see your point about Mary and Joseph not doing it...hmmm.
2006-12-24 01:23:01 · answer #11 · answered by Jesus junkie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋