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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.