ABSTRACT

The historicity of the Birth of the Christ has been placed beyond the nebulous region of doubt and discussion. The impertinences and irrelevancies of carping criticism cannot affect the joyful anniversary of the Holy Babe. Profane writers still testify to the genuineness and authenticity of the epoch-making event that once transpired in Bethlehem of Judea. The sidereal phenomenon, commonly distinguished as the Star in the East; the Heavenly choir invisible with "their radiant minstrelsy;" the sudden appearance and homage of Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar–the three Wise Men; the swaddling clothes and the manger have all become fittingly and justly incorporated with the general and stupendous facts of human history forming the web and woof of life, both sacred and secular. Every Christmas we are vividly reminded of the wonderful story that was designed to transform the world and man.