A Christmas Story and Some Photos

     Let me start this post with some Christmas Trivia (with answers) and then end with a few of my favorite photos from this year, most of which I haven't posted before:

1. What state was the first to recognize Christmas as a holiday?
2. What was the last state to recognize Christmas?
3. When was Christmas declared a national holiday?
4. What country is the home of eggnog?
5. Who was the first ghost to appear to Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?
6. What are the three ships of the song “I Saw Three Ships?”
7. What ornament is most often seen on the top of a Christmas tree?

The answer to that last trivia question is the Star, the Star of Wonder, the Star of Bethlehem.  That, too, is the topic of this particular post.  Let me examine that special Star in more detail.

For some background, the star we are talking about is the star that guided the Wisemen to the newborn King so they could present their gifts.  The Wisemen were not Kings despite what the song “We three Kings” says.  The wisemen were most likely Zoroastrian priests or astrologers (Magi) who were coming to honor the Christ child.  It’s a basic and ancient sky story where a heavenly event heralds some great event—for good or ill.  And this is where we start getting in trouble in our understanding of the Star.

The problem is that to understand what the Star was we need to know when Jesus was born.  Simple, you say, that was December 25th.  Not so simple.  The Gospel of St Matthew’s is the only book in the bible to tell the Christmas story and that book doesn’t mention the date.  And for very good reasons.  Years weren’t even numbered until 525 AD.  Jesus’ birth is considered to be in the year 1 AD, but could be as early as 6 BC, and was most likely around the years of 3 or 2 BC.  Dating Jesus’ birth is based on what we know of others.  The story is that Jesus was born “in the days of Herod the King.”  Herod died immediately after a lunar eclipse and shortly before Passover.  These events favor the dates between 3 to 2 BC.  

It’s also unlikely that Jesus was born in December for several reasons.  First, Jesus was born six months after his cousin John the Baptist who was born in March.  This favors a September date for the birth of Jesus.  From Matthew we also have the clue that shepherds watched their flocks in the fields by night.  That wouldn’t have happened in December, but would be likely in the other seasons.  Finally, Mary and Joseph wouldn’t have traveled in December.  The census was usually taken at the end of summer.  

German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler tried to explain the Star of Bethlehem in 1614, but he didn’t have information about the correct date of Jesus’ birth.  Some of the explanations given by Kepler and others include comets, nova or supernova, astronomical conjunctions, and others.  Each has its adherents and detractors.

Comets, a fuzzy star dragging a tail of light, is one of the more popular theories for the Star.  They are visible for days, weeks, or even months which would have been necessary for the Magi to be able to follow for a long trip.  The Chinese recorded what we now call Halley’s Comet in 12 BC and again in 66 AD, but that is the closest record of a comet in that time period.  And it’s not really close enough.

The exploding star theory, nova or supernova, relies on the fact that nova can be seen for long periods of time, some even visible during the day.  The Chinese recorded two objects in 5 and 4 BC.  But scripture notes that Herod didn’t say anything about a “star,” but had to ask his Zoroaster priests (the Magi).  That probably means the sign was one hidden from ordinary people, but recognizable to experts.

This brings us to Kepler’s theory and one accepted by many: the conjunction theory.  Kepler believed the Star could be explained as an alignment of planets or stars and planets.  We had several of these conjunctions this year with Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn in various close alignments.  Between May 19 and August 26, 3 BC, there were nine major conjunctions, mostly involving Venus and Jupiter.  In June of 2 BC, Jupiter and Venus were in conjunction not far from Regulus (the brightest star in the constellation of Leo)—they may have actually seemed to merge into one bright star.  As satisfying as the conjunction theory is, there is one more theory to consider.

The theory of Pious Fiction is particularly noteworthy.  Matthew is the only gospel to mention the Star or the Magi.  The Gospel of St John says that Jesus was from Galilee, not Bethlehem—we know him as Jesus of Nazareth, not Jesus of Bethlehem.  The Gospel of St Mark says the family lived in Nazareth and only traveled to Bethlehem for the census and then quickly returned to Nazareth.  And finally, compelling to my scientific mind is that the Gospel of St Matthew’s was written in about 66 AD which coincides with the spectacular appearance of Halley’s Comet.  Could it be that the writer decided that he needed a real “grabber” to begin his story?

Unless some indisputable archeological discovery is found to settle the question of the Christmas Star, it will remain a matter of faith and conjecture.  Science can’t completely explain it.  History offers no concrete record.  Religion offers only untestable miraculous apparition.  And while Pious Fiction seems to hold more truth than other theories, it too is just a theory.  We can’t agree on the nature of the Star of Wonder, but the tale inspires millions every winter.    

Trivia Answers:

1. Alabama  2. Oklahoma  3. 1870  4. England  5. Jacob )Marley  6. Camels of the Magi (camels are known as the “ships of the desert")

A few of my Favorite Photos and a set from a short trip to the Oregon coast this month:

Anne on Isle of Harris

Trying to get out of the sand at Isle of Harris GC.

Dreams of the Past

My only mussels...Portree, Isle of Skye.

Autumn Gords

Eagle's got to eat.

Horsetail Falls

Mirror Selfie

Hare today, gone tomorrow.

Bob and the Ptarmigan 

True Scotsman

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Scottish Finch

My mom at Easter.  She passed in August. 

Washington Sunset

A set of photos from a December trip to Depot Bay and Newport on the Oregon coast:

The bay near Old taft, Lincoln City.

Two views of Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport.

Bay Blvd., Newport

With nephew Jon Hoiland at Rogue Ale House, Newport.

We enjoyed a Celtic Christmas concert by fiddler Geoffrey Castle and his band.

Singer was from Ireland.

Some nice storm waves near Depot Bay.

GOLF, FOOD, AND FESTIVAL

Fishing boat returns to harbour on Isle of Skye.

      Our recent trip to Scotland was filled with sightseeing, fun activities, family and more., but two parts of the trip will be highlighted in this post: the golf we played and the places we found to eat.  Besides those threads, I’ll end this post with a report on a Celtic festival Anne and I attended in Newport, Oregon.  First, though,…

THE GOLF.  On this trip we played 16 rounds on ten different courses, walked 72 miles, and had some wonderful experiences.  Some golf highlights (not in order of play) start with the round we played at Crail Balcomie Links on the East Neuk of the Kingdom of Fife on the east coast of Scotland about 10 miles from St Andrews.  

Crail Balcomie Links

Not only is the course a classic ancient (mid-1800s) course that is ranked in the Top 100 in the world, but the day was perfect for golf beside the sea—reasonably warm for this spring and with no wind.  After both of us scored well on the course, 

Rescue boat in Anstruther harbour.

Fishing boat leaves Anstruther harbour.

Pittenweem harbour.

we drove south along the sea and scored well with photos at two of the picturesque small ports of Fife.

At both Montrose Medal Course (along the east coast) 

Montrose Medal GC.

and Fortrose and Rosmarkie GC (on the Black Isle a little north of Inverness) 

Anne dressed for the cold, but sunny weather.

Fortrose and Rosemarkie GC on the Black Isle.

we fought cold winds in the 20-30 mile per hour range even though the skies were relatively clear.  The wind was down at Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club in the Highland village of Boat of Garten, 

The two of us at a great Highland course, Boat of Garten.

but the surrounding mountains of Cairngorm National Park showed a serious dusting of fresh snow.  I actually was down to short sleeves for a few holes at Boat, but playing through the shade of the trees convinced me it was still winter in Scotland and I put my jumper (sweater) back on. 

The find of the trip in terms of golf was the Isle of Harris GC on the Outer Hebridean island of Harris  This nine-hole course is set just above the sands of Scarista Beach with grand views of the North Atlantic ocean.  The course is quirky (in a good way) with blind shots and entertaining holes. 

Teeing off at the 1st on Isle of Harris GC.

One special condition of play at Isle of Harris GC is the almost constant wind which was in the 25-35 mph range the day I played (Anne walked and took notes and photos; too windy for her).  As I came down to the green at the first hole, a hole which plays down from the daylight-basement-style clubhouse to the green next to the beach, I couldn’t see the flag.  

Flag is down, but the beach is lovely at Isle of Harris.  

As I got closer I saw the flag laying on the green.  It had been blown out by the wind; in fact, the only hole that didn’t have its flag blown out was the ninth which is protected by dunes on three sides.  The round at Isle of Harris GC was a rustic adventure in golf the way it was 50 years ago.  Fantastic!

This trip we played several times at our course, St Fillans GC, where we are members, but two rounds stand out.  First, one Sunday towards the end of the trip we got to share our course with fellow Oregonians and friends Eric and Linda Mihata.  

Eric and Linda Mihata at St Fillans GC.

It was a joy to have them play the lovely Highland course we call our Scottish home course.  I think they, too, came away with a better idea of why we spend so much time in Scotland.  Second, on our last day in Crieff before coming home Anne and I got to be on our club’s team in a competition against rivals from Muthill GC.  

Gathering the teams before our match with Muthill GC.

It was a fun match which the St Fillans’ team won 4-2, even though Anne and I lost our match to Jim and Hazel from Muthill by three holes.  There was plenty of convivial conversation over the nice dinner put on by St Fillans manager Gordon Hibbert.  Indeed, a grand golfing trip!

THE FOOD REPORT.  Anne and I usually eat well on our trips, but there were some interesting notes on this trip.  Our dining adventures ranged from the classy to the rustic to the unexpected.  Representing the classy were two of our favorites in Scotland.  First is Yann’s in Crieff (next door to our B&B, Merlindale).  

A birthday dinner of small bites at Yann's.

We ate at Yann’s three times this trip—we took Jacky and Ailsa once, Eric and Linda once, and the special treat was Jacky’s birthday party at Yann’s. 

Jacky with her birthday cake and more small bites.

The birthday party was on a closed day for the restaurant so Yann let me do some photos in the kitchen as he worked preparing a special small bites menu for Jacky.  

Yann works in the small, but efficient restaurant kitchen.

I like to do a little cooking, but (Wow!) it was a thrill to see a real French chef at work. Next in the fine dining category is Anderson’s in Boat of Garten.  

Dinner at Anderson's in Boat of Garten.

We usually make this stop for our last meal when staying in our Aviemore timeshare.  Dinner is always excellent and the atmosphere outstanding. 

A lovely house in Boat of Garten. 

After dinner we walked through the neighborhood which was lovely in the early evening.  

Rustic fits two pubs to a tee.  When on the Isle of Skye we will often stop for lunch at the oldest pub on the island, The Stein Inn.  

Server at the Stein Inn, the oldest pub on the Isle of Skye.

Located on a finger peninsula right on the water, this is a lovely pub which serves good food.  It’s welcome relief from the storm which whenever we’re there seems to rage outside.  The other nice pub is the Cross Keys Inn in Kippen near Stirling in central Scotland.  This trip we took Eric and Linda there so they could get a taste of a Scottish pub.  

The warming fire at Cross Keys in Kippen.

While the food is always well-prepared, Anne and I found that hare isn’t our favorite meat (sort of has the consistency and flavor of liver)—we’ll know not to try it again.

We didn’t expect to find some of the best wood-fired pizza we’ve ever had when we went to the       Sutor Creek Cafe in Cromarty after golf at Fortrose.  

Sutor Creek Cafe with great pizzas.

After 2:00 PM the cafe only serves pizza, but let me tell you that’s all they need to serve.  Outrageously good!  It was also unexpected when we chose the an Lanntair Cafe in Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, for a dinner that we’d also find a local session (music) starting about the time we finished dinner. 

A pub session in Stornaway.

Music sessions are easy to find in Ireland, but we’ve only caught a few in Scotland and this one was the best.  The pub dinner wasn’t too bad either.  This trip seemed to be exceptionally good for eating, yet neither of us gained weight—at least not too much. 

THE NEWPORT HIGHLAND GAMES AND CELTIC FESTIVAL.  Anne and I attended the 5th Annual Newport Games last weekend as vendors—we displayed and sold books and photos, more photos than books.  It’s a great family event with clan booths, sellers of all things Scottish (and Irish and Welsh), ethnic food including the infamous haggis, herding dog demonstrations, Highland event competitions (including caber toss, weight for height, etc.), and music and dancing all the time.  Take a look at some photos from the event.

Our small table set up to sell books and photos at Newport.

A festival goer wearing a t-shirt from the Portland Highland Games.

Dancers on the outdoor stage.

That's a 53# weight he's throwing over a bar 13 foot high.

Jose Le Bihan from Portland sings songs of Celtic Brittany (France).

An impromptu ceili (Scottish dance) happens while Pipedance from Lincoln City plays.

Brother, a Celtic rock group from Ashland, was the headline group of the festival.

Round and round go the yarn spinners.

Maybe you can plan to join us for the 6th Annual Newport Games next year.

NEXT POST: Favorite photos from this spring.