Wise Men
In the Christmas story, the Wise Men (also called the Magi) came from the East following the Star of Bethlehem, where they found our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, lying in a manger.
The Bible does not tell how many wise men visited, traditionally it has been three (since they bore three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Only the Gospel of Matthew mentions the visit by the Magi. By tradition they were thought to be priests from the region that is now Iran, and perhaps adherents of the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism.
Another theme (often found in nativity scenes) shows them, traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, each at different stages of life and each portraying one of the three races (Asian, African, and Caucasian), symbolizing that people of all ages and from all races will believe in Jesus (and, in any event, recognize Him as Lord).[1]
Notes
- ↑ Traditionally Caspar is portrayed as an older Caucasian, Melchior as a middle-aged Asian, and Balthazar as a younger African.
