"Infallible" Pope Benedict XVI Busts Christmas Traditions, But Embraces Virgin Birth, Resurrection

Pope Benedict XVI

.While 1.2 billion of Earth's populace generally accept the doctrine of papal infallibility, Pope John XIII, the head guy just before Pope Benedict XVI, once stated:  "I am only infallible if I speak infallibly. . . . "

The current pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI just released a new book, Jesus of Nazareth~The Infancy Narratives, where he chronicles the life of Jesus from birth to age 12.  The book also deals with what the pope feels may be misconceptions and inaccuracies in the way events surrounding the birth are portrayed and acted out in traditional scenes.

The idea of three wise men at the manger, the pope finds to be an historical no-go.  He also states there were likely no animals in and around the manger where the baby Jesus lay nor angels singing.  The pope also notes that historical records show that Jesus was likely born several years earlier than what has always been considered "anno domini," likely 6-7 B.C.

While the papal father questions the historicity of some traditional aspects of the holiday, he finds a logical explanation for the "Star of Bethlehem," which he says coincides with a "major planetary conjunction" in 7-6 B.C.  As for the virgin birth and Jesus' resurrection, Pope Benedict XVI says these concepts remain "fundamental elements" of Christian faith.

Of course, while the events surrounding the birth are biblical, the origin of the holiday may not be.  Some historians associate the origin of the holiday with the Roman Saturnalia or "Birthday of the Sun,"  traditionally celebrated on December 25.  Christmas may be an offshoot of the Roman holiday, a sort of Christianization of what is essentially pagan or non-Christian.