The Three Wise Men

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of
Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold,
there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
for we have seen this star in the east, and are come
to worship him. Then Herod, when he had privily
called the wise men, inquired of them diligently
what time the star appeared. 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. 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. When they saw the star,
they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 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, and frankincense,
and myrrh.
Matthew 2;1-2, 7-11

What are Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh?

GOLD
King of all metals - was a fit gift for Jesus, King of Kings.

FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense offered reminds us that Jesus
is God, to be worshipped and adored.

MYRRH
Myrrh hints from the very beginning at the coming
death of Jesus. He was going to give up his
life in order to be the Saviour of the world.



Who were the Three Wise Men?

Melchior
Melchior was described as an Old,
grey haired man with a beard who was the King of
Arabia and Nubia. His gift to Jesus was GOLD.

Caspar
Caspar was a young beardless man who
was the King of Sheba. His gift to Jesus was
Frankincense.

Balthazar
Balthazar wad dark-skinned with a
black beard. He was King of Tarse and Egypt. His gift
was myrrh.

Taken from a Tyrolese Carol
The wise may bring their learning The rich may bring their wealth And some may bring their greatness And some their strength and health: We too would bring our treasures To offer to the King: We have no wealth or learning, What gifts then shall we bring?

We'll bring him hearts that love him, We'll bring him thankful praise, And souls for ever striving To follow in his ways: And these shall be the treasures To offer to the King, And these are gifts that ever Our grateful hearts may bring.

Artwork by Arnold Friberg