According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi found Jesus by ‘following’ a star,[15] which thus traditionally became known as the Star of Bethlehem.
On finding him, they gave him three symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. There are different theories of the meaning and symbolism of the gifts have been brought forward:
- All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts given to a king. Myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.
- The three gifts had a spiritual meaning : gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.
These interpretations are alluded to in the verses of the popular carol “We Three Kings” in which the magi describe their gifts. Bibical Magi – Wikipedia
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