Q. In the Christmas crèche, is it historically accurate to have the shepherds and the Wise Men appear in the stable at the same time?
A. Probably not, though we don’t know for sure. Few details of timing in the events surrounding Our Lord’s nativity are recorded in the Gospels, and Matthew and Luke (only two Evangelists provide an account) approach the story with different concerns and emphases. Luke clearly recounts the events from Mary’s point of view, offering details about the inhospitable conditions surrounding her delivery. Matthew seems to tell the story from St. Joseph’s point of view, including the Magi (Wise Men) because one of his dreams warns