| | 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]]. | | 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]]). | + | 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. |
| | 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).<ref>Traditionally Caspar is portrayed as an older Caucasian, Melchior as a middle-aged Asian, and Balthazar as a younger African.</ref> | | 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).<ref>Traditionally Caspar is portrayed as an older Caucasian, Melchior as a middle-aged Asian, and Balthazar as a younger African.</ref> |