By: Dane DeHart
Members of the Orem community were able to imagine the ancient world of the Christmas story last Wednesday as Alexander Stecker shared his knowledge of Jewish history during the time of Christ's birth.
About 25 people gathered around the story-telling stage at Orem Public Library for about an hour and a half as the Utah Valley State College history professor discussed the impact of Jewish law and culture on the Christmas Story.
'To me it is a miraculous story about a miraculous man whom we should study,' Stecker said.
Stecker, who has a Ph. D in Rabbinical Studies and archeology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, spoke about the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem and their stay in the city.
He suggested that when the Bible refers to the inn having 'no room,' it probably referred to no privacy for the birth of a baby.
Stecker also went into great detail about the events surrounding the night Jesus Christ was born. He mentioned the shepherds and the angels who visited them.
'That the angels were shouting does not surprise me at all,' Stecker said. 'For something miraculous was happening.'
After his birth, Jesus had to be circumcised to fulfill the Jewish requirement and Mary also had to pass through a purification process at the temple.
Stecker concluded his presentation talking about the symbolism in the gifts the Magi gave to Jesus.
He said myrrh represented the burial of Christ because it was used in the burial process during the time. The frankincense represented Jesus' priesthood, and the gold symbolized his royalty as a king.
Joy Laudie, who was present for the presentation said she enjoyed the different point of view the presentation provided.
'I thought some of the little details he brought up were interesting,' said Laudie, from Pleasant Grove. 'It doesn't give all the details in the scriptures.'
Lori Stevens of the Orem Public Library said the presentation was the first they have had of its kind. The presentation is one of many in the library's holiday program.
'Our Christmas programs have been really well attended this year,' Stevens said.