Matthew 2:1 – 12 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet. 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures , they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. King James version The tradition of 3 Kings is from very early medieval Europe. They were given the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar and in some traditions represented the 3 races of man (black, white and yellow). The wise men were most likely Zoroastrian astrologers from Persia. The gifts were gold (for kingship), frankincense (often associated with prayers ascending to God), and myrrh (a bitter smelling substance used in wrapping a deceased body to cover the odors of putrefaction). For more information on the magi/wise men and their gifts, check https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi It's a rather interesting story. The magi were traditionally supposed to visit Jesus and Mary at Epiphany (January 6), so my post here is a bit early. The figures are made by a woman in the Cathedral of Lund (as in my previous Christmas and Easter posts). ENJOY!