In a distant land lived wise men. They watched the stars in the sky. One night they saw a new, bright star. It was very special and sparkled beautifully. The wise men knew that this star meant something important. A great king was born!
The wise men packed gifts that they wanted to bring to the king. They set out on a long journey. The journey was not easy, but the wise men followed the bright star that guided them. Finally they came to the city of Jerusalem. There they asked, “Where is the newborn king? We have seen his star and have come to honor him.”
A king named Herod heard about it and was frightened. He wanted to be the only king and was worried. So he called the wise men to him and asked, “When did you see the star? Look for the child, and if you find him, let me know so that I can also go and honor him.” But King Herod didn’t mean that honestly. He had evil in mind.
The wise men continued to follow the star until it stopped over a small house. They knew they had found the right place. The wise men went in and found the little baby Jesus with his mother Mary. They were very happy!
The wise men opened their pockets and gave Jesus precious gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts were very valuable and showed how special Jesus was.
God spoke to the wise men in a dream and warned them about Herod. Therefore, the wise men went back home by a different route and did not tell Herod where Jesus was.
Message of history
God leads us in a wonderful way, just as He has led the wise. If we follow him, he will bring us to the truth and love of Jesus.
Bible passage
The story of the wise men from the East is found in Matthew 2:1-12:
“But when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men came from the East to Jerusalem and said, ‘Where is the King of the Jews who was born?’ For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him! When King Herod heard this, he was terrified, and all Jerusalem with him; and he summoned together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, and inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, “In Bethlehem in Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means the least of the princes of Judah; for out of you will come a prince who will shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod secretly called the wise men to him and inquired of them exactly when the star had appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Infant.” And when you have found it, tell me, so that I also may come and worship it. When they had heard the king, they went. And behold, the star which they had seen in the east went before them until it stood still over the place where the Infant was. When they saw the star, they were very glad; and they went into the house, and found the Infant with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshiped him; and they opened their treasures and brought him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And since they received a divine instruction in the dream not to return to Herod, they returned to their land by another way.”
