Well, you may be correct, but your explanation misses all the nuances, MAG. I think I'd prefer to say that it's a wonderful story that has given wonder and inspiration to people for generations upon generations. You can call it myth, and that would be correct - but mythology is is something of infinite value, the way we humans approach an understanding of things we cannot understand. I've got a degree in Theology and what I think is a pretty realistic view about the origin of the Scriptures - and I guess I wouldn't argue with you about the so-called "facts." Nonetheless, although I doubt it happened exactly at that location and in exactly the way the Scriptures describe it, I still found it quite inspiring last month when I went into the cave under the basilica in Bethlehem, singing Christmas carols with my friends.
Rather than tearing myth apart for the purpose of refuting it and winning an empty victory against those who hold it sacred, it may be valuable to look at the meaning behind the myth and the way the myth has inspired people.
Whatever we believe, I wish peace and good will for all of us. I think that's the meaning behind the story.
-Joe Offer-