My Bible History - New Testament #06 - The Three Wise Men

At that time in the East, far from Jerusalem, there lived three wise men. One night they saw a new star in the heavens. brighter and more beautiful than all the other stars.

The wise men had heard that a star was to be the sign of the birth of the Redeemer. And so taking camels and many gifts, they set out to find the Saviour that was newly born. In their journey they were guided by the star until they reached Jerusalem.

Then the star disappeared. Anxious to find the new-born Child, the wise men asked of every one they met, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East, and have come to adore Him."

King Herod heard about the wise men's errand. and became very jealous. He was afraid that the new King would take away his kingdom from him. He called the priests and asked them where the promised Redeemer was to be born.

They said, "In Bethlehem of Judea."

King Herod sent for the wise men and told them to look for the Child. He said, "When you have found Him, come and tell me. I also wish to adore Him." Herod said this only to find out where the Child was. He did not want to adore Jesus, but to kill Him.

The wise men left Jerusalem. Again the star appeared. It guided them to the house in Bethlehem where the Child was. When they saw Jesus, the wise men fell on their knees and adored Him. They offered Him all the gifts that they had brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

That night, as they slept, God warned them not to tell Herod where Jesus was. And so next day they left Bethlehem and returned by another road to the East.

This event teaches us that we must bring our best gifts to Jesus. From Him we have received everything. To Him therefore, we must return everything. We must even suffer and make sacrifice for His love, as He suffered and died for us.

- from My Bible History in Pictures, by Bishop Louis LaRavoire Morrow, D.D., 1934; it has the Imprimatur of Archbishop Michael J O'Doherty of Manila, Philippines