What Did The Three Kings Bring Baby Jesus?

Meet the 3 Wise Men Who Visited Jesus

The Three Kings, often known as the Magi, are only referenced once in the Gospel of Matthew, in verses 2-12.Because so little information is provided in the Bible concerning these guys, we have to rely on oral tradition and guesswork to form our understanding of them.The Bible does not specify how many wise men came to visit, but it is usually accepted that there were three since they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, all of which were given to the infant Jesus.

The Three Kings

The Magi were both real and symbolic at the same time. As actual beings, the three kings validated old prophesies about Jesus being the Messiah, and as symbols, they demonstrated that he had come to redeem all people, wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated, from all parts of the world, including their own. These affluent travelers were on the other extreme of the social and economic spectrum from the shepherds who had seen Jesus shortly after his birth
many persons in the Bible are not identified by their first names. Ultimately, they all point to Jesus Christ, who is the physical incarnation of God’s love for humanity. The Bible is a book about Jesus, and the title ″Wise Men″ conveys a message to the reader. Wise individuals see their need for a Savior and actively strive to discover him in their lives. Some individuals, such as Herod the Great, are foolish enough to reject Jesus and even strive to destroy him.

Even when Jesus Christ was only a kid, the three Kings recognized him as the Messiah, and they went hundreds of miles to honor him.The only thing Matthew tells about these people is that they arrived from ″the east.″ Scholars have theorized that they may have originated in Persia, Arabia, or perhaps India, although there is no evidence to support this.They steadfastly pursued a star that eventually brought them to Jesus.

It’s possible that they encountered Jesus while he was already in a house and was a kid rather than a baby, meaning that they had come a year or more after his birth.

Three Gifts From Three Kings

Symbolizing Christ’s identity and purpose, the gifts of the Three Kings are made of gold for a king, incense for God, and myrrh, which was used to anoint the dead.However, the Gospel of John records that Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of aloe and myrrh to anoint Jesus’ corpse after the crucifixion, which is ironic given the circumstances.God showed his appreciation for the wise men by sending them a dream instructing them to take a different path home and not to report back to King Herod.

Some Bible historians believe that Joseph and Mary sold the wise men’s presents in order to pay for their journey to Egypt in order to avoid Herod’s wrath.

Strengths

The Three Kings were considered to be among the most intelligent individuals of their day. When they learned that the Messiah was about to be born, they arranged an expedition to track him down. They followed a star that led them to Bethlehem. Despite the fact that they were in a distant place with a different culture and religion, they embraced Jesus as their Savior.

Life Lessons

When we search for God with true resolve, we shall eventually come across him.He is not concealing himself from us, but rather desires to establish a personal connection with everyone of us.These wise men treated Jesus with the reverence and adoration that only God deserves, kneeling before him and offering him gifts.

Not only is Jesus the Son of the Living God, as many people now claim, but he is also a brilliant teacher and a wonderful person to be admired.
Following their encounter with Jesus, the Three Kings did not return the way they had come.
When we come to know Jesus Christ, we are irrevocably transformed and are unable to return to our previous lives in the same way.

Names of the Three Kings

Matthew does not tell anything about the ancestry of these guests.Gaspar, or Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar are among of the names that have been given to them by mythology over the years.The name Balthasar has a Persian ring to it.

When Daniel prophesied about the Messiah or ″Anointed One,″ it is likely that these men were familiar with Daniel’s prophesy concerning the Messiah or ″Anointed One.″ Daniel 9:24-27 (New International Version).
The name ″Magi″ refers to a religious caste in Persian culture, but at the time of the writing of this Gospel, the term was used more broadly to apply to astrologers, seers, and fortunetellers.
They are not referred to as kings in Matthew; that title was added afterwards, in stories.
Nonbiblical sources began referring to them as kings about 200 AD, probably in response to a promise in Psalm 72:11, which states, ″May all kings knee down to him, and all nations serve him.″ (NIV) Because they were following a star, it is possible that they were royal astronomers and advisors to kings.

Key Verses

Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV) Following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of King Herod, Magi from the East traveled to Jerusalem and inquired, ″Who is this child?″ ″Where has the one who was born king of the Jews vanished to? We came to him because we spotted his star in the east and wanted to adore him.″ (NIV)

What is the Significance of the Wise Men’s Gifts? And, Were These Men Kings (or Magi)?

Don’t forget to check out the video at the end of the article!″WHO Were the Wise Men?″ is a topic we’ve examined previously.Then we asked, ″HOW Did They Know?″ and got an answer.

as well as ″WHEN DID THE WISDOM MEN ARRIVE?
Last but not least, we’ll answer the question of ″WHAT Is the Significance of the Three Kings’ Gifts?″ and ″Did These Men Claim to Be Kings?″ The presents that the Three Wise Men delivered to Jesus are recounted in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1).
The Wise Men are likely to have had more than three presents, despite the fact that only three were named.
We are also not told whether or not they were kings, even if they were noblemen.

We Three Kings?

A well-known Christmas carol about three kings and the presents they brought to Christ’s birth is performed every year in our church. Due to the fact that the Bible does not mention them as kings, the hymn is not literally valid. This belief is most likely based on the monetary worth of the presents that they gave to Jesus, as well as a misunderstanding of the meaning of the words in Isaiah 60 that talk of the Millennium Kingdom. These persons are referred to as ″wise men″ in the Bible (Matthew 2:1). 2:1-2 (Mat 2:1-2) And it so happened that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, during the reign of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem and asked, ″Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?″ We have come to worship him because we have seen his star in the east and have followed it. Matthew 2:11 (KJV) And when they entered the home, they saw the small boy with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him
and when they had uncovered their treasures, they brought presents to him, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as well as other valuables. These men were smart beyond their years. They donated their time, talents, wealth, and testimony, among other things: They had traveled a long distance to see this Child—a gift of time
they had followed His star—a gift of talent (read: How did the wise men know to follow His star? )
they desired to worship Him and brought Him gifts—a gift of treasures
and, when they arrived before Jesus, they ″fell down and worshipped Him,″ a gift of treasures. They acknowledged both His Lordship and His Kingship in the process, which was a gift of evidence. (Read more about what it means to live your life as a witness for Jesus.) 3 Easy Steps! )

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

The treasures that the three wise men brought were both valuable and significant in terms of prophetic significance.Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are all presents fit for a king, according to the Bible.As a sign of Christ’s divinity as King, frankincense represents His purity as a Priest of God, and myrh depicts His anointed labor as a Prophet and the event of His death, gold is used to indicate His deity as King.

Look at what the Bible says about these gifts and what we sing about in the Christmas hymn We Three Kings to have a better understanding of them.

Gold = Kingship of God

In the Bible, gold is used to represent God.It is the most precious of all metals, and it is incredibly uncommon in its purest form, making it the most valuable.Since ancient times, the inherent worth of gold has been recognized, and gold has traditionally been used to honor rulers.

King Solomon sat on an ivory throne that was lavishly decorated with the finest gold (1 Kings 10:18).
The gold used in the Tabernacle’s furnishings is a sign of Christ’s divinity, and it is used to decorate the interior of the Tabernacle.
In order to symbolize Jesus’ humanity, the Ark of the Covenant was made of acacia wood, which was then plated with gold (symbolic of His divinity).
The mercy seat and two cherubim on either side of the mercy seat were constructed entirely of pure gold (Exodus 25:10-21).

Given that gold signifies God, it should come as no surprise that countless idols and false gods have been fashioned from the precious metal.
The purity and value of gold are also connected with God’s laws, principles, and promises—all of which are perfect and pure, and which exceed any standards established by man.
The present of gold, given by one of the three wise men, alluded to the born Son, who was appointed by God to be King of His people and who was given this role by God.
The gift of the wise man announced Jesus’ status as King at His birth (Matthew 2:2), as did the gifts of others throughout His life:

Jesus proclaimed Himself as King:

Matthew 27:11 (KJV) Jesus was now standing in front of the governor. Afterwards, He was approached by the governor, who inquired, ″Are You the King of the Jews?″ As a result, Jesus told him, ″It is as you claim.″

Some of the people proclaimed Jesus King:

John 12:12-13 (NIV) As soon as they learned that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, the crowds that had gathered took to the streets, waving palm branches and shouting, ″Hosanna!″ (Blessed is the King of Israel who comes in the name of the Lord) to welcome him.

Pilate proclaimed Jesus King:

18:39 (John 18:39) But you have a tradition that I should release someone to you at the Passover: would you agree that I should release the King of the Jews to you?John 19:14…and he addresses the Jews, saying, ″Behold your King!″ 19:19 (John 19:19) Pilate then inscribed a title on the cross and nailed it to it.Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, was written on the wall above him.

During His earthly career, Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God 60 times in different contexts.
That Kingdom is present on this planet and may be found in the hearts of people who are followers of Jesus.
Jesus is our King, and He governs and reigns in our hearts when we submit to His authority.
In verse 2, we Three Kings proclaim that a King has been born on Bethlehem’s plain.

″Gold I bring to crown Him again,King forever, without ending,″ says the narrator.

Frankincense = High Priest of God

Frankincense is an aromatic, transparent resin derived from plants found in northern India and Arabia that has a strong fragrance (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20).It is used in incense and fragrances, and it was highly prized for its scent and medicinal abilities in ancient times.A component of the meat offering (Leviticus 2:16, 16; 6:15; 24:7) and a sweet savor, Frankincense was used in the Lord’s sanctuary (Exodus 30:34).

It was also employed as a sweet savor in the temple of Solomon (incense).
Frankincense is often used as a religious symbol (Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10; Revelation 5:8; 8:3).
Because of its employment in the Temple, frankincense has come to be seen as a symbol of Jesus’ role as a High Priest of the Most High God (Exodus 30:34-37).
It also serves as a representation of the priest’s role in bringing the prayers of the people before the Lord (Luke 1:10, Revelation 8:3-5).

In this case, the gift of frankincense, given by one of the wise men, alluded to the work of Jesus as a Priest of God, who ministered to the people for three and a half years before his death.
Mark 10:45 a.m.
Even the Son of Man did not come to be ministered to, but rather to minister and to sacrifice his life as a ransom for the sins of the world.
The three kings have brought Frankincense to offer; Frankincense possesses a Deity who is near; prayer and praise, voices raised,Worshipping God from the highest mountain.

Myrrh = Prophet of God

Myrrh was a spice that was utilized in medicine, cosmetics, and anointing oil in ancient times.It was added to the oil that was used to anoint prophets before they began their divinely assigned task of exposing God and expressing His will and messages to His people on behalf of the people of God.As a Prophet, Jesus came to the country of Israel (Matthew 15:24), and He did so in fulfillment of a prophesy of Moses that read: Deuteronomy 18:15 is a biblical verse.

The LORD thy God will raise up for thee a Prophet from among thee, one of thy brethren, who will be similar unto me; and unto Him you shall pay attention.
Jesus Himself affirmed His role as a Prophet to the people of Israel.
He claimed to be a Prophet in His own right, stating, ″I am the Prophet.″ Luke 13:33 (NIV) Nevertheless, I must walk today, tomorrow, and the day after that, for it is not possible for a prophet to expire outside of Jerusalem’s city walls.
13:57 (Matthew 13:57) They were angered by him, and they expressed their feelings to him.

They were stunned when Jesus responded by saying, ″A prophet is not without honor, save in his own nation and in his own family.″ In addition, Jesus’ actions as a Prophet verified His prophetic office:

As a Prophet, Jesus carried out the Father’s instructions: 4:34 (John 4:34) ‘My flesh and blood are to execute the will of him who sent me and to complete his job,’ Jesus said to them.
As a Prophet, Jesus carried out the will of the Father, which was as follows:
11:27 (Matthew 11:27) Every single item has been handed to me by my Father.
As a Prophet, Jesus spoke the words of the Father, which were as follows:
8:28 (John 8:28) Then Jesus addressed them, saying. I do nothing on my own initiative
rather, following the example set by my Father, I utter these words.

12:49 (John 12:49) In fact, I haven’t spoken anything about myself; rather, the Father who sent me gave me specific instructions on what I should say and how I should say it.Another picture of the gift of myrrh is provided by the book of Revelation.Additionally, oil was utilized in the anointing of the dead, in addition to anointing prophets.

In the presence of Jesus at His birth, myrrh was handed to him, alluding to His future life as a Prophet, and it was used at His death to prepare His body for burial.
Mark 16:1 is the first verse in the book of Mark.
So, after that day had passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had gone out and purchased pleasant spices so that they may come and anoint him with them.
19:39 (John 19:39) And then there was Nicodemus, who first came to Jesus in the middle of the night with a combination of myrrh and aloes that weighed approximately a hundred pounds and handed it to Jesus.

John 19:40 (NIV) Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, as was the Jewish custom for burying a body.
4th Verse – We, the Three Kings Myrrh is mine, and its harsh fragrance is mine.
A life filled with growing sadness; sobbing, moaning, bleeding, and dying; I was sealed up in the ice cold grave.

King, Priest and Prophet

As King of Israel (Messiah), Priest of God (to atone for human sins), and Prophet of God (saying God’s words), Jesus came into the world to fulfill his mission.The gifts of the three wise men symbolized each of those duties in prophetic typology, and they pointed to everything that Jesus would do in His incarnation and exaltation as the Son of God.In the same way that the Wise Men gave of their time, skill, and riches, so should we give of ours as well.

Let’s not forget one more ″t″ before we wrap things up: testimony!
Always be prepared to share your testimony with others!
Our testimony of His love and faithfulness, together with everything He has done and given to us…makes us smart men as well!
Version 5: We Three Kings Glorious now see Him appear; King and God; sacrifice; Alleluia, Alleluia,Peals across the earth and heavens Help us to find our way to thy flawless Light, O star of wonder, star of night,Star with regal beauty shining bright,WESTWARD LEADING, STILL PROCEEDING,

The Mysteries of the Three Kings: Who Were They and Where Did They Come From?

The feast of Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is observed yearly in Western Christianity to commemorate the visit of the Magi from the East to the infant Jesus.When you think about it, the picture of three wise men from the East arriving with magnificent gifts and paying reverence to the young Jesus is intrinsically tied to today’s Nativity displays.Yet, the tale of the Magi’s visit does not appear in all four of the canonical Gospels.

With the exception of the Gospel according to Matthew, the other three Gospels include no mention of the magi at all.
So, who exactly are the Magi, also known as the Three Kings, who paid a visit to the newborn Jesus?

The Magi in Matthew’s Gospel – How Many Magi Were There?

This is the narrative of the Magi’s visitation in Matthew’s Gospel, according to Matthew’s Gospel: The wise men from the east came to Jerusalem to see Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod in the year of our Lord.When they spotted the star, they were filled with an excruciating amount of excitement.And when they entered the home, they saw the small boy with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him; and when they had uncovered their treasures, they brought presents to him, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as well as other valuables.

It is important to note that Matthew does not specify how many of these wise men came from the East.
There were, however, three wise men, according to traditional accounts.
Possibly, this number was chosen to match with the number of presents delivered to the newborn Jesus – gold, frankincense, and myrh – at the time of the birth of Jesus.
Other traditions, on the other hand, present a different set of numbers.

Traditional belief in the Orient, for example, holds that there were 12 Magi.
In addition, early Christian art depicts a variety of varied numbers of Magi (Magi).
Two Magi are seen in a picture from the cemetery of Sts.
Peter and Marcellinus, which may be found at the Vatican.
Three figures are depicted in a picture at the Lateran Museum, whereas four figures are depicted in a painting in the Domitilla Cemetery.
The eight Magi are shown on a vase at the Kircher Museum in Vienna.

Two magi bringing presents are seen on a sarcophagus from the 3rd century.The Vatican Museums are located in Rome, Italy.(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

What Were the Wise Men’s Names?

The names of these wise men are likewise unknown, just as the number of Magi is unknown. Once again, it is tradition that has provided us with their given names. Additionally, the names assigned to these Biblical people vary depending on which tradition is being followed. According to Western legend, the three Magi were known as Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar respectively. These three individuals were thought to have originated in Persia, India, and Babylonia, respectively, according to legend. ‘Magical’ inscriptions were discovered in an ancient tomb containing seven corpses.
The Fatal Secret that Jesus brought with him to Jerusalem
The Shahnameh – The Epic Book of Kings – is the world’s longest poem ever written.
In ancient mythology, the ascension to the sky was symbolized by a ladder.

According to Syrian legend, the Magi’s names are Larvandad, Hormisdas, and Gushnasaph, and they are the three sons of Hormisdas.In the Armenian legend, on the other hand, the Magi are known by the names Kagba, Badadakharida, and Badadilma, among others.After paying their respects to the newborn Jesus, the Magi prepared to travel to Jerusalem, where they had been summoned by King Herod to carry word of the child’s whereabouts to the royal court.

The wise men believed Herod when he stated that he want to accompany them to the new-born king’s temple for worship as well.
The wise men, however, were warned by God not to return to Herod in a dream, and the Magi ″departed into their own land in a different method.″ Vicente Gil’s Adoraço dos Magos (1518) is a religious painting.
Portugal’s Machado de Castro National Museum is located in Coimbra (Wikimedia Commons)

The Magi and St. Helena

As a result, it appears that the narrative of the Magi has come to an end.The Christian faith’s most hallowed relics were sought after by St.Helena, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, who started on a journey to find them during the 4th century AD.

Several accounts claim that St.
Helena was successful in tracking down the bones of the Magi, which were purportedly located in Persia, and bringing them back to Constantinople.
Italian historians believe that the remains of the Magi were transported to Milan during the 5th century AD.
Cima da Conegliano’s painting Helena of Constantinople (1495) is a masterpiece of Renaissance art (Wikimedia Commons) It was Rainald von Dassel, the Archbishop of Cologne, who received the relics in 1164, following the conquest of the city by Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor of the time.

In the next year, the relics of the Magi were moved to Cologne Cathedral, where they have remained, behind the high altar, since that time.
For the purpose of enshrining these remains, a massive sarcophagus with gold trim was constructed.
This reliquary, known as the Shrine of the Three Kings, is the biggest reliquary in the Western world and has brought pilgrims to Cologne Cathedral since the alleged bones of the Magi landed in the city during the 12th century, when the Magi were said to have arrived in Cologne.
Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is home to the Shrine of the Three Kings.
(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons) Image used as a background: The Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy, has a Byzantine representation of the Three Wise Men (526 AD).
(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons) wty References wty References 2014.

The Bible, in its Standard King James Version.It is possible to get information on Christianity on the website Christianity.about.com.Three Kings — Wise Men from the East – are mentioned in the Bible.Drum, W.(ed.) 1910.

Available at: Magi.
Sacred Destinations, 2015, Cologne Cathedral, is available for viewing online.
2015 is the year that is currently available.
The Cologne Cathedral is a magnificent structure.
You may find it at:

What about those wisemen?

Soon after the birth of the Baby Jesus, heavenly hosts came to local shepherds, bringing them good news that they would never forget.According to the tradition of those who have ever possessed a nativity scene, the shepherds came to the manger and honored Jesus the Christ Child.After then, according to Luke, the shepherds returned to their sheep, worshiping and praising God for everything they had heard and seen during their journey.

Following that, according to Matthew’s account, Wise Men from the East came in pursuit of the infant Messiah.
Did they, however, discover Him in a manger?
Peter Paul Rubens’s The Adoration of the Magi is included in this artwork.

The Bible doesn’t say!

In Matthew’s account of the Wise Men’s visit, there is no mention of the manager or of a stable.We do know that Jewish law mandated that the baby Jesus be circumcised eight days after his birth, just as every other male Israelite from the time of Abraham had been since the time of Abraham.The Bible says that it was at this event that He was given the official name Jesus, which means ″Deliver″ in Greek.

Luca Signorelli’s The Circumcision of Christ is shown in this artwork.

Visiting the Temple

Following Jewish tradition, Joseph and Mary brought their newborn son to Jerusalem to be presented at the Temple, which took place a short time later.Because they were destitute, they did not offer a lamb as a sacrifice.Instead, they presented a pair of doves as a gift.

This was taking place at the same time that an old man called Simeon, who was upright and devoted, heard a communication from the Lord.
According to the Bible, he had been ″waiting for the comfort of Israel,″ and the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Deliverer, the Messiah – the Christ – before dying.
By Rogier van der Weyden, ″Jesus Presented in the Temple″ is shown in art.

Simeon in the Temple

Following the Spirit’s prompting, he entered the temple courtyard.Then, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the house, Simeon embraced Him and thanked God, declaring that he could now die in peace because ″my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.″ Mary and Joseph were talking about how surprised they were by what the old man had stated about their child.Simeon blessed them and told Mary, ″This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.″ ″This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed,″ Simeon said.

In addition, a blade will penetrate your own soul.
Simon Vouet’s painting, Simeon greets Jesus in the Temple, is an example of religious art.

Anna the prophetess

There was also an ancient prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who ″never left the temple but worshiped day and night, fasting and praying.″ She was described as ″never leaving the temple but worshiping night and day, fasting and praying.″ As she approached Mary and Joseph, she expressed her gratitude to God and shared information about the child with everyone who was looking forward to the restoration of Jerusalem.Rembrandt’s painting Hannah and Simeon at the Temple is an example of this.

Then, back home

Mary and Joseph, according to the Bible, then returned to Bethlehem.

Visiting a corrupt king

After some time had passed – and we have no way of knowing how much time had passed – those illustrious professors from the East came in Jerusalem and presented themselves to the corrupt King Herod, who had been assigned by the Romans to rule Judea.Herod was asked a question by the unexpected guests ″Where has the one who was born ruler of the Jews vanished to?We came to him because we spotted his star in the east and wanted to adore him.″ When Herod learned about this, he became concerned.

The word spread like wildfire across Jerusalem.
Was it true that a new monarch had been born?
Is he the long-awaited Messiah we have been waiting for?
In response to Herod’s disapproval of the prospect of a usurper, he gathered the top priests and teachers of the law and inquired as to the location of the Messiah’s conception.

In response, they quoted to him from the Old Testament prophets Micah and Isaiah, telling him that he would be born in Bethlehem, Judea.

Go find the child …

When Herod called the academics to his court, they told him that the star had appeared at a certain hour.Herod was pleased with their information.He dispatched them to Bethlehem and instructed them, ″Go out and conduct a thorough search for the kid.

As soon as you locate him, please notify me so that I may go and offer my respects to him.″ Then they set off, following the star until it came to a standstill above the location where the youngster was hiding.
They were pleased by the news.
The family recognized the infant with Mary as soon as they entered the house where they were staying.
They immediately bent their heads and worshiped Him.

Fray Juan Bautista Maino’s The Adoration of the Kings is depicted in this artwork.

Gifts

Then they lavished him with lavish presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh on his birthday.However, according to the Bible, God cautioned them in a dream not to return to Herod, prompting them to take a different way back home.The guests’ names are not mentioned in the text, however Melchior, Baltazar, and Gaspar are said to have been among them according to tradition.

In addition, there is no indication in the Bible that they were kings.
No mention is made of where they came from.
What makes us believe there are three scholars?
This is based on the three presents that were given.

However, the number might have been two, ten, or any other combination of numbers.
Simply put, the Bible does not state.
The Magi are shown at the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudi.

They went to a house!

Also, since the Bible states they arrived to ″the home″ where He was living – rather than a stable – on the night of His birth, it is thought that they were not there at His birth. So, it’s safe to assume that time has passed and that Joseph has found a home for his growing family.

Six weeks later?

Traditionally, it is believed that the Three Wise Men did not come until six weeks after the birth of Jesus — and others believe they may have arrived as late as one year and a half after the birth of Jesus.That’s based on the awful incident that happened after that – when the cruel King Herod ordered the execution of every male child under the age of two in the Bethlehem region – Something must have led Herod to believe that the birth may have occurred as much as two years earlier than it actually did.Was this based on what he had been informed by the scholars about the star’s first entrance on the scene?

We are completely at a loss for words.
We do know that after the visiting professors had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, admonishing him to awaken from his slumber and take the infant and His mother to Egypt, where they would be safe.
Stay put, the Lord instructed him, ″until I tell you, since Herod is on his way to look for the infant in order to murder him.″ As a result, Joseph sprang from his bed, grabbed the kid and His mother through the night, and they traveled to Egypt, where they remained.
How did a low-wage carpenter manage to fund such a journey?

Did the presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh provide as financial support for the journey?
William Hole’s painting, The Flight into Egypt, is seen here.

A furious king

The fact that the eastern experts were not returning to tell what they had discovered infuriated Herod, who became enraged.He gave instructions to execute all of the boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area.He was killed.

Jeremiah’s prophesy had been realized hundreds of years earlier: ″A cry is heard in Ramah, weeping and profound sadness, Rachel sobbing for her children and refusing to be comforted since they are no longer with her,″ the prophet said.
Giotto di Bondone’s painting, The Massacre of the Innocents, is seen here.
So, when exactly did the three wise men arrive?
We’re not sure what to make of it.

Although the Bible does not explicitly state that the shepherds and Wise Men appeared simultaneously, it does state that it is exceedingly unlikely.
Tradition has it that they appeared on the feast day of ″Epiphany,″ which is observed by the Eastern Orthodox churches in January.
The first written mention of Epiphany as a Christian festival dates back to A.D.
361 and was written by Ammianus Marcellinus.
Henry Siddons Mowbray’s painting, ″The Magi,″ is included here.

Why did the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus?

Answer to the question The magi, also known as wise men, are said to have traveled from the East in quest of the Christ child, according to Matthew 2.They approached King Herod and questioned as to where they could locate Him, stating, ″What happened to the man who was born king of the Jews?We have come to revere him because we witnessed his star when it first appeared ″ (Matthew 2:2).

When they discovered the newborn Jesus, ″they bent their heads and adored him.″ When they had finished, they uncovered their treasures and presented him with presents of gold, myrrh, and incense″ (Matthew 2:11).
Gold is a precious metal, and as such, it used to be a very valuable commodity in ancient times.
Its monetary worth might very well have provided the funds for Joseph and Mary’s journey to Egypt.
The Bible does not teach us anything further about the importance of these three presents; nonetheless, tradition holds that each of the three gifts has a deeper meaning.

Gold is a universally recognized emblem of god, and it is referenced several times in the Bible.
Gold was frequently used in the creation of pagan idols, and the Ark of the Covenant was heavily embellished with gold (Exodus 25:10-17).
The presentation of gold to the Christ child was indicative of His divinity as God shown in the form of a human being.
Frankincense is a resin or gum that is white in color.
A tree’s gum may be harvested by creating small holes in its bark and allowing the gum to seep out.
It is quite fragrant when burned, and as a result, it was commonly employed in religious ceremonies, when it was offered up as a pleasing tribute to God (Exodus 30:34).

Frankincense is considered to be a sign of purity and righteousness.Gifting the Christ child with frankincense represented His desire to offer Himself as a sacrifice, akin to making a burned offering, which symbolized His willingness to completely give Himself up.Like frankincense, myrrh was a product of Arabia that was harvested from a tree in the same way as frankincense was.It was a spice that was also utilized in embalming practices.A drink made from it was also occasionally combined with wine to produce an item of libation.

When our Savior was ready to be crucified, a drink like this was offered to him as a stupefying concoction to keep him calm (Mark 15:23).
It is referred to as ″gall″ in Matthew 27:34.
Myrrh is a plant that represents bitterness, misery, and affliction.
While still a child, Jesus would grow up to be a man who suffered terribly and paid the ultimate price when He surrendered His life on the cross to save the souls of those who would believe in Him.
Return to the topic: Christmas-related questions.
Why did the Magi send gifts to Jesus in the form of gold, frankincense, and myrrh?

Who were the three kings in the Christmas story?

Culture
People in the Bible

The wise men from the East, while only making a brief appearance in the narrative of Jesus’ birth, had a lasting effect on the Christian imagination.As part of our coverage of the history of the Bible and the hunt for sacred books, National Geographic investigates important biblical personalities in our ongoing series People in the Bible.Many Christmas songs make mention of the three kings, who go to Bethlehem in the company of a star to pay their respects to the newborn Jesus.

In the Bible, they are not referred to as kings, nor is their number given; rather, they are referred to as ″wise men from the East.″ The art of magic was performed by knowledgeable astrologers in several courts in the east, including ancient Babylon and Persia.
These astrologers were typically appointed as priestly counsellors at these courts.
As a result of this interpretation, the three magi have come to be known as kings.
A brilliant star guided the magi from the east until it came to rest ″over the area where the child was,″ at which point they entered the home and ″began to see the infant with his mother,″ according to the Book of Matthew (Matthew 1:24).

The magi bowed down to the newborn Jesus and ″presented him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,″ according to the Bible.
A possible parallel is made by their contributions to Isaiah’s prophecy of countries paying tribute to Jerusalem, which states: ″A multitude of camels shall cover you.″ It is they who will bring gold and frankincense, and they will sing the praises of the Lord″ (Matthew 2:11, Isaiah 60:6).
(Read on to find out the difference between Arabian Camels and Bactrian Camels.
) King Herod had heard tales about the birth of a new ″king,″ and he was enraged enough to go in search of the child.
It is recorded in the Book of Matthew that on their route to Bethlehem, the magi stopped at King Herod’s palace, where he requested that they inform him as to where the newborn infant was, so that ″I may also go and do him honor.″ However, the magi were cautioned not to return to Herod in a dream, and as a result, they ″went for their own country via another path″ and were never seen or heard from again″ (Matthew 2:12).

Building a backstory

Later versions of the narrative named the magi by their given names as well as their respective countries of origin: Melchior was from Persia, Gaspar (also known as ″Caspar″ or ″Jaspar″) was from India, and Balthazar was originally from Arabia.Their gifts also had unique symbolic significance: gold reflected Jesus’ title as ″King of the Jews,″ frankincense represented the infant’s divinity and identification as the Son of God, and myrrh alluded to the infant’s death.In this article, you will learn what archaeology has to say about the historical Jesus.

Popular portrayals of Christmas tend to shorten the nativity story, making it look as though the three kings arrive in Bethlehem on Christmas, although traditional celebrations place their arrival in Bethlehem 12 days after the holiday season begins.
As the formal celebration of the advent of the Magi (also known as Three Kings Day), Epiphany (also known as Three Kings Day) is one of Christianity’s earliest festivals and is celebrated on January 6th.
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 by Roman Catholics, while it is celebrated on January 19 by Orthodox Christian sects.

How Three Kings’ Day Is Celebrated Around the World

Three Kings’ Day is celebrated on January 6, and it commemorates the day when it is believed that the three wise men came to visit Jesus after his birth.
Three Kings’ Day is also known as Epiphany in various cultures
the event is extensively observed in Spanish-speaking countries and is associated with the celebration of Christmas.

This holiday, also known as Epiphany, commemorates the journey of three individuals known variously as the three wise men, the three magi, or the three kings, who journeyed to Bethlehem to pay respect to the newly born Jesus Christ and proclaim him to be the King of the Jews.It takes place on January 6th.When the magi arrived, it was recorded in the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew, where it is stated that Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar traveled for 12 days to reach Jesus.

They each brought a unique present to share with the group.
In honor of the occasion, the song ″We Three Kings″ was written, and the three kings are frequently shown in parades all over the world, from New York City to Madrid and Uruguay, to name a few.
We chatted with Miriam Ortiz, a catechist at the Church of the Ascension in Manhattan, who provided an overview of Three Kings’ Day, including its history and how it is commemorated.

The holiday celebrates the three kings who visited with Jesus at his birth.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the three kings, also known as the three wise men or the magi, are claimed to have traveled to Bethlehem in order to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and to celebrate him as a king.According to El Museo del Barrio, which is noted for its big Three Kings’ Day procession in New York, they first visited with Herod, then-governor of Judea, who instructed the trio to travel to Bethlehem, according to the museum.The museum also asserted that, based on where they were going from, ″it may be deduced that they originated from either Asia or Africa,″ albeit the way the narrative is recounted varies depending on who is telling the story at the time.

According to the museum, Melchor is generally shown as Arab or descended from Northern Africa, whilst Caspar is occasionally depicted as Asian in appearance.
They point out that Balthazar is frequently shown as an Ethiopian.
‘The celebration of Three Kings’ Day commemorates the arrival of Jesus,’ explains Ortiz.
″After the birth of Jesus was prophesied, the three wise men came together to celebrate.

And that’s what’s crucial, the example of faith that has allowed them to travel thousands of miles because they truly believed in their cause.
″I believe that’s what the three kings represent: faith, hope, and charity,″ says the author.
It is featured in a variety of artworks, including paintings by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, and Hieronymus Bosch, and nativity scenes by painters such as Jacob Epstein and Hans Holbein, among others.
Catherine Leblanc is a French actress and singer.
It has been suggested by Ortiz that various artistic representations depicting the arrival of the three kings have contributed to errors, including the idea that Jesus was a baby when they first arrived at the scene.
″There’s a popular belief that when they arrived, Jesus was still a baby, but that’s not quite correct.

That’s only for the purpose of artistic expression.We are aware that it took months for the three kings to complete their journey.In addition, she points out that the Bible specifies that they visited the home rather than the stable when they visited Jesus at the time of his birth.″I believe they depict Jesus as a baby for aesthetic purposes, but in reality, he was much older.″

January 6 is an important date for Christians in countries around the world.

NurPhoto courtesy of Getty Images According to The New York Times, Three Kings’ Day, often known as Epiphany, is a holiday observed in various civilizations across the world.The Czech Republic, for example, has parades and a ritual in which people plunge themselves into the extremely cold Vltava River in search of a wooden crucifix, which has been around for centuries.That same article mentions that jumping into bodies of water is a practice that is also widespread in Russia and Greece, as well as among Greek Orthodox in Australia, where it is known as Blessing of the Waters (Blessing of the Waters Ceremony).

According to the museum, ″the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches″ all commemorate the feast of the Epiphany.
According to the BBC, numerous Orthodox Christian groups observe the Feast of the Epiphany on January 19.
The day of January 6 is observed by Catholics worldwide, as well as within Vatican City, where a Sunday mass and a message from the Pope are held.
The Pope stated during his 2019 address that ″we must arise, we must get up from our sedentary existence, and we must prepare for the path ahead.″ ″We likewise need to shine, to be clothed in God’s light, day by day, until we are totally clothed in Jesus,″ says the apostle Paul.

The day is marked by major public celebrations in Spanish-speaking nations and regions.
The following image is courtesy of JULIO CESAR AGUILAR/Getty Images.
Three Kings’ Day is celebrated all throughout the world, from Spain to Puerto Rico to American cities such as Miami and New York, which have considerable Catholic and Spanish-speaking populations.
On the evening of January 5, for example, there is a large and colourful procession in Madrid.
Ortiz explains that in Puerto Rico, the holiday is celebrated for an extra eight days later, which is known as Octavitas (eight days).

To commemorate the day, Three King’s Bread is typically eaten.

As described by Velas Magazine, Three Kings’ Bread (also known as rosca de reyes) is an oval-shaped dish made of sweet dough that is typically flavored with additions such as orange extract, orange blossom water, crystallized fruits, jam, and sugar paste.According to the magazine, the dish is traditionally served during the Christmas season.Ortiz notes that the cake is very popular in Mexico and France, as well as other countries (under the name galette des rois, which, like rosca de reyes, translates to ″cake of the kings″).

It has been said that in certain areas, a little baby doll or some other small thing is concealed within the cake.

Traditionally, children leave treats for camels.

Ortiz’s parents are from Puerto Rico, and she relates some of the stories they told her about how they spent the occasion in their home country.Certain customs associated with the day, particularly those associated with Santa Claus, are eerily similar to the activities associated with the holiday season.″The camels would be fed when the three kings visited, and my parents would prepare hay and water for them beneath the bed when we were youngsters.

They would do so if they had a piece of bread or something else that they could leave for the three kings as well, and ″She goes on to explain.
″When I woke up the next morning, the water and hay were gone, and a toy had been placed in their place.″ When asked about Three Kings’ Day in his childhood by the Washington Post in 2017, Lin-Manuel Miranda, a New Yorker of Puerto Rican origin, recalled how it was celebrated in his family growing up.
He talked about harvesting grass and hay for the camels and storing it in a shoe box beside his bed.
He also talked about going to the market.

″Similar to how you would leave milk and cookies for Santa, we’re leaving grass and hay for the camels to graze on since they’ve clearly traveled a great distance if they’re going to upper Manhattan to deliver you things,″ he said in a humorous aside.
According to NBC News, in nations like as Uruguay, Mexico, and Spain, young children leave their shoes outside on the night before the holiday to be filled with presents by strangers.

Three Kings’ Day is connected to Christmas.

VINCENZO PINTO is a photographer for Getty Images.Three Kings’ Day and Christmas are not only celebrated around the same season, but they also have several additional commonalities.The most significant distinction is that Christmas itself has both a religious and a broadly secular meaning in popular culture, whereas Three Kings’ Day is observed primarily by Christians and has no religious connotation.

It is also known as the Day of the Child (Da del Nio) in Uruguay, despite the fact that it is a secular country.
El Museo del Barrio observed that many of the activities linked with Three Kings’ Day, such as door-to-door holiday caroling (arrandas), the consumption of sweets, and the gathering of friends and family, are comparable to those associated with Christmas.
The songs, which are frequently sung around Christmas time and feature traditional instruments like as the güiro, cuatro, and maracas, are particularly popular.
Nativity scenes, which are widely created and displayed by Christians during the Christmas season, typically show the exact time that Three Kings’ Day is celebrated, and they frequently include Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.

Nativity scenes are also popular in other cultures.
Three Kings’ Day may be becoming less celebrated in certain Latinx homes across the United States, according to an article published by the NBC News.
According to the article, a Pew Research Center research found that the number of Latinx persons who stated their parents brought them to cultural events has been declining over the years, and that According to the New York Times, Christmas presents are actually delivered on the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in Spain and several Latin American nations, and in some locations, young children send letters to the magi in the same manner that many youngsters write notes to Santa.
In his 2019 talk on the Feast of the Three Kings, Pope Francis used the occasion to draw even more connections between the two festivals, urging people to be compassionate not just towards one another but also toward God.
We should ask ourselves: Did we bring gifts to Jesus for his party, or did we merely trade gifts amongst ourselves over the holiday season?
he explained.

″If we went to the Lord with nothing in our hands, we may make amends today.″

There are three gifts associated with Three Kings’ Day.

Getty Images/AFP/Getty Images According to the Biblical Archaeology Society, Christian academics have discussed the significance of the three presents that were delivered on Three Kings’ Day throughout the course of centuries.It was gold, frankincense, and myrrh that were used to make the goods themselves, which, according to the same source, were typical items used to ″respect a monarch or divinity in the ancient world.″ While the value of gold is clear, it is considered that the presents themselves have greater value than was previously acknowledged.According to Simon Cotton’s depiction in Chemistry World, the frankincense and myrrh, in particular, may have had substantial utility beyond simply imparting a nice odor to the environment.

He stated that studies have been conducted on the analgesic qualities of myrrh molecules, and that the boswellic acid found in frankincense resin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammation and arthritis.
″Traditional temple burning of frankincense was practiced by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks to represent the prayers of the people ascending to the gods.
Histories show that myrrh was more commonly employed in fragrances and medicines, for wound healing (it is still used in mouthwashes and toothpaste today), and for the preservation of dead corpses ″Cotton penned a letter.
Additionally, according to Ortiz, each object represented an important sign associated with the birth of Jesus.

″The presentation of gold to Jesus was intended to symbolize his status as king of kings.
Frankincense was traditionally used in religious ceremonies or for prayer.
They had come to pay their respects to the infant Jesus ″Ortiz expresses his thoughts on the subject.
″In addition, myrrh was utilized in embalming and in the afterlife.
Its significance is that it demonstrates that Jesus Christ is willing to lose his life for our sake.″ El Museo del Barrio pointed out that the gold is traditionally attributed to Melchor, the myrrh to Balthazzar, and the frankincense to Caspar, according to popular belief.
Of course, the COVID-19 epidemic will have an impact on the celebrations around Three Kings’ Day.

But for those who believe, just as the magi and their camels journeyed all the way to Bethlehem on the strength of their faith, families will find a way to commemorate this momentous occasion in some way.Sign up for our newsletter to receive tips on how to live your best life, as well as news about Oprah.This material has been imported from the OpenWeb site.Visiting their website may allow you to access the same stuff in a different format, or it may provide you with even more information than you could get elsewhere.

Myrrh: Life, death and the power over both

Today is the day when I officially commit my first ″act of Christmas″ for the year.Today, I’m going back to the manger.I pulled out a dictionary last night to figure out what all the fuss was about with this Christmas ″myrrh″ nonsense.

When the three wise men came to see the Christ infant, they brought gifts of ″gold, frankincense, and myrrh,″ according to tradition.
I get what you’re saying about the gold and frankincense.
The three wise men are bringing presents for a king to the baby Jesus.
Its use of gold is a representation of his regal personality.

The incense frankincense (a pungent sort of incense used in ancient religious ceremonies) represents his sanctity, whereas frankincense is a representation of his holiness.
But what was going on with the myrrh, I wondered?
Being a ″word man,″ the term ″myrrh″ has always had a special place in my heart.
When I was a kid, I remember saying that again and over.
The word came out of my mouth with a slight ″purr.″ In addition, it was a fun word to spell out.
But what exactly was it doing in that room with Mary, Joseph, and the baby?

It turned out that the dictionary was of little assistance.Myrrh was described as ″a reddish brown fragrant gum with a bitter, pungent flavor″ in the document.As a result, I turned to a second source.I decided to consult the Bible.Myrrh was not only one of the very first things to be a part of Jesus’ life, but it was also one of the very final things to be a part of Jesus’ life, according to the Gospel of John.

Nicodemus, it appears, put myrrh on the lifeless corpse of Jesus to aid in its preservation immediately before it was laid in the tomb, according to the Bible.
I’ve recently found that myrrh was formerly used in embalming, which is interesting.
When a Roman emperor’s wife died, he burnt a complete year’s supply of myrrh in a single fire.
Because of its strong flavor and perfume, myrrh symbolizes the enjoyment of life itself.
However, because of its usage in embalming individuals, it is also associated with death.
I let the wheels in my brain to turn for a bit.

And this is what I came up with in the end.If you have a different point of view from mine, as they say on those television editorials, I’d be delighted to hear from you.I believe that the three gifts given by the three wise men correspond to the three temptations Jesus faced in the desert.You may recall that Satan showed him the world and assured him that it was all his to own.That would be the most valuable component.

He has the potential to be a ruler.
Satan also stated that if Jesus attempted to jump from the tower, angels would catch him since he was so exceptional.
That would be the spiritual component, represented by the frankincense.
Satan also informed him that he has the ability to transform stones into bread.
That would be the myrrh portion of the recipe.
I came to the conclusion that the myrrh symbolized the power of Jesus.

He not only possessed the ability to transform stones into bread, but he also possessed the ability to bring death back to life.He held control over both the womb and the tomb.The myrrh of the wise men was all about having control over death.The gift of myrrh demonstrated to him that he has the ability to alter the course of history.

Of course, I’m open to hearing and considering alternative points of view and interpretations.This is my tale, and I want to stick to it for the time being – this is my first Christmas piece.

THE LEGEND OF THE THREE KINGS

″This is an opera for children,″ composer Gian Carlo Menotti has said of his opera ″Amahl and the Night Visitors,″ in part because it attempts to recreate his own childhood memories of the character.We didn’t have a Santa Clause while I was growing up in Italy.I’m guessing that Santa Claus was far too busy with American children to be able to deal with Italian youngsters on the same day as them.

The Three Kings, on the other hand, delivered us our presents instead.″ Christmas in Cadegliano, a tiny village near Lake Lugano where Menotti grew up, was a festive occasion for getting the extended family together and eating on turkey and panettone, the traditional Italian holiday cake, among other things.
The youngsters did not get their gifts until the following day, on January 6, which was the Feast of the Three Kings.
This was the day that the Three Kings were reported to have arrived in Bethlehem after traveling thousands of miles following a bright light across a vast expanse of territory.
We, the three kings of the Orient, are traveling far and wide, bearing presents as we pass through fields and fountains, moors and mountains, and following yonder star.

– In the traditional carol, ″We Three Kings of Orient Are,″ the three kings are identified as follows: The gospels of Matthew and Luke, the two apostles who wrote about the birth of Christ, have been twisted into a single Christmas tale, which has become popular custom.
Only Matthew, on the other hand, made any mention of the distinguished guests.
They are referred to as ″wise men from the east″ in the King James Version of the Bible.
When they arrive in Jerusalem, they inquire as to ″where is he who has been born King of the Jews?
for we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him.″ In fact, Matthew referred to them as Magi, which were members of a priestly class – scholarly men, advisors to kings, diviners, and astrologers – among the ancient Medes and Persians who served as diviners and astrologers.
The prophesy of the coming Messiah had been heard by these specific Magi, who were most likely descended from Jewish ancestors.

The star, in their opinion, was the sign they had been looking for.They followed it first to Jerusalem, where they were brought before the cunning King Herod to tell what they had learned, and then to Bethlehem, where they discovered the baby Jesus was born.The star was hovering over the house of Mary and Joseph, as well as over the infant Jesus at that time.After the Magi ″dropped down,″ according to Matthew’s account, ″and they worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasuries, they offered presents unto him; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh,″ respectively.This moment of adoration, nicknamed ″The Adoration of the Magi,″ would go on to become a favorite topic for painters, with Botticelli, da Vinci, and Rubens among those who represented the image of dignified visitors in their finery kneeling down before the infant of lowly beginnings as a favored subject.

They is no indication in Matthew as to how many Magi there were; for generations, people have numbered them anywhere from three to twelve in number.
In the 6th century, the number was established at three – probably because of the three presents they delivered – and they were dubbed ″kings″ to distinguish them from other rulers.
Their names were provided to them in an Armenian book, and they were Gaspar (or Caspar), Balthasar, and Melchior.
Throughout history, the characters of the Three Kings have been expanded with embellishments.
Gaspar, king of Tarsus, the kingdom of merchants, was a young man of twenty years old when he arrived with myrrh in a gold-mounted horn.
Balthasar, king of Ethiopia or Saba, the kingdom of spices, was 40 years old when he arrived with a censer full of frankincense.

His typical appearance is that of a black man.Melchior, the king of Arabia, was 60 years old when he arrived with a gold box in the shape of a shrine.As a result, they represented the centuries of mankind as well as the known regions of the ancient globe, despite being from three separate countries and belonging to various generations.The presents were extremely valuable and unusual goods during the time period.Frankincense was an aromatic resin derived from Arabic and East African plants that was used to make incense in ancient times.

Another resin, myrrh, was discovered in Arabia and brought to Europe.
Aromatics and embalming fluids were employed to preserve the bodies of the dead, with myrrh being utilized in the anointing of kings.
Early Christians interpreted these gifts in a variety of ways, each with its own meaning.
″They present myrrh to him who is to die, gold to him whose dominion will not end, incense to the God of the Jews who has now shown himself to the Gentiles,″ wrote St.
Irenaeus in the second century.
According to another view, the gifts represented representations of what Jesus was to become – gold represented a king, frankincen