In the old days, it was believed that special and important events would be predicted by signs. The sight of a comet or anything new in the sky would be considered a great portent or sign.
The three wise men were traditionally known as ‘astrologers’ that is, people who watched the stars for signs. They were known as ‘magi’ which is more like magicians.
The three wise men are sometimes also called the three kings. Another word for the East is the Orient. Later after the times the Gospels were written the three wise men were given the names of Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.
Astonomer have for a long time being trying to work out what star that appeared in the East at the time of the birth of Jesus was. There are many different theories. Some say it was a comet. Others say it was three planets coming together and so appearing much brighter than normal. Whatever it was, it does look like something strange appeared in the sky at the time of the birth of Jesus.
Even today some people believe that the movement of the planets and moon and stars affect us here on earth. We call these people astrologers.
Astonomers are people who study the stars scientifically to find out what they are made of, how big they are, where they are moving etc.
Working it Out
1. What is the Christmas carol about the 3 wise men? What is another word for the ‘East’?
2. The Three Kings are popular on Christmas Cards. Usually they are shown riding on camels, one of them is black with a turban, the other has a pointed sort of turban and the third would have a crown. Is there anything in the Gospel of Matthew which gives us a clue as to whether the 3 wise men rode on camels or what colour they were? What do we know about them? See Matthew 2:1-12
3. Look in your daily newspaper and see if you can find an astrologer (astrology or your future in the stars). How are the stars in the newspapers and magazines divided? What do the signs of the Zodiac represent?
4. The 3 Wise men thought the star was a good ‘omen’ or sign. We might call this a superstition. We still have good and bad omens today – for example, many people don’t like walking under ladders because they say it brings ‘bad luck’. Can you make a list of things that traditionally bring good or bad luck?
