We Three Kings

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. . . Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.". . . After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. . . On coming to the house, they. . .bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense and of myrrh. -Matthew 2:1-2, 9, 11-12
The word "wise man" referred to a scholar who studied the stars. We don't really know if there were three kings or more. But we do know that they in fact saw the special sign in the sky and followed it to Bethlehem.
My children and I attended a presentation at the Tessman Planetarium in Santa Ana a few years ago. The Christian astronomer discussed all the possible explanations of the star of Bethlehem. The most likely result was two planets which were lined up with one another, causing a bright light in the sky over Bethlehem. Whatever it was, its timing and placement was a divine occurrence and intended for a specific purpose.
 The gifts that the magi brought were significant. Gold represented Jesus' kingship. The frankincense a reminder He was to be worshiped. Myrrh was an embalming oil and represented that Jesus was born to die.
It is common to see the wise men as part of the Nativity scene; but in reality the wise men didn't find Jesus until He was older.
 Still, the wise men, who were Gentiles, are a reminder that Christ the King came to be the Savior of ALL. 
May we always be reminded that Jesus is the King of Kings, deserving of our worship because He came to die for our sins.

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