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What celestial phenomenon attended Christ’s birth?
Matthew: A new star appeared and stood in the heavens above him ([ii, 1–9]).
Luke: An angelic choir appeared and sang praises to God ([ii, 13, 14]).
Matthew’s story of the star and the Magi, even to the language itself, was borrowed from the writings of the Persians; Luke’s story of the celestial visitants was taken from Pagan mythology.