As we know from the account of Luke, the wise men (or kings) went to Bethlehem and came FROM the east. To get there, they followed a star IN the east. How, then, did they arrive in Bethlehem that must have been in the west? Did they go around the world? Something doesn't gel with the tale . . . .

The origins of myrrh and frankincense are traced to the Arabian Peninsula. According to Herodotus (5th century BC): "Arabia is the only country which produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia and cinnamon...the trees bearing the frankincense are guarded by winged serpents of small size and various colors." Diodorus Siculus writes, in the second half of the first century BC, that "all of Arabia exudes a most delicate fragrance; even the seamen passing by Arabia can smell the strong fragrance that gives health and vigor." He also mentioned gold mines so pure that no smelting was necessary. The Magi, carrying myrrh, frankincense, and gold, came from the East: Arabia. The frankincense trade route, with transport by donkeys and later by camel caravans, reached Jerusalem and Egypt from the Dhofar region of what is today Oman, through Yemen, turning north to follow the Red Sea coast. It is likely that the same or similar species of the resin-bearing plants grew across the Red Sea in the area that is now Somalia and Ethiopia, while the collection of the gum resins was initiated in Arabia. source

Interesting input Bella.

Has anyone considered that the star in the sky could have been a comet?

Thats the general idea innit?

Or it could have been a UFO

UFO my point exactly.

I think it was probably a comet.

What comet appeared around that time? It would be a good point to set a possible date.

I got no idea what comet it would have been. It would be something to look into, wouldn't it?

UFO

This story is just one of many riddles in the bible. The 3 kings bowing to the baby Jesus as a child is in some ways also symbolic of mans 3 qualities being of body, mind and soul. When, if each part is balanced right, then you, just as these three great kings could do, look at every child as if they were also an expectant Messiah. Wisdom is still found in wise men all around the world, even Persia. They happen to live inside us, watching us silently as we continue hurting the little ones in wars and famine.

The 3 kings story is also symbolic for the death of another king, in another land, with an older, different religious name, occurring close to the baby christ date. A long time ago, when one man of old in particular had complete renown. Back in those days, the people of the town would also celebrate his death with the scenes of loves and stories that seemed mythic from birth. Guess what? Did you know that the most famous man in all the world 2,000 years ago was born and also actually physically died, both as natural as a breath, on the same day?

Good will and peace on earth to all as we celebrate the family home and hearth. May you also have a newborn babies loving stare, as we receive from our own beloved care, named john.

Ken
where is yours?