Christmastide thoughts: the Gift of the Magi

This day, January 6, is known as the Epiphany, the twelfth and final day of Christmastide, with Ordinary Time in the Christian calendar coming until the Lenten season.

Let's meditate on the importance with this version of "What Child Is This," which is the correct version, as we mentioned a few years ago with the correct lyrics that are omitted in too many hymnals and by pop stars.

And this important day in the Christmas season, the last day, shall be observed with a reading of Matthew 2:1-12, as the Wise Men arrive to see the Newborn King.

(NOTE:  The term "three wise men" is often used, but we do not know how many were there;  three is often used because of the three gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.)

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 his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired 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.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.