Wise Men Still Seek Him

January 5th is the eleventh day since Christmas Day or Twelfth Night, the Eve of the feast of Epiphany. January 6th is called Epiphany or the appearing. Western Christian tradition holds this as the day the Wise Men arrived at the place where the Baby Jesus was in Bethlehem. This is considered as God appearing to the Gentiles, while the Shepherds represented the nation of Israel. Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story. It ends on a joyful note:

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east[e] went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." Matthew 2:9-12 NIV

The three Wise Men or Magi are usually the most elaborate and highly decorated figures in the nativity scenes. They wear great robes, stately headdress such as crowns, and carry rich gifts.
Here are a few examples of Magi from various sets in the collection:

The three Wise Men represent various races or nations. Note the different headress on each figurine:

In this set each figure has a different aspect in worship -- standing, kneeling and prostrate on the floor:

A lot of Wise Men figurines are designed as a stand-alone motif and are not part of a nativity set. Examples of Magi as stand-alone sets are:

A ceramic set from Japan

A vintage set of cardboard, burlap and gemtone embellishments

Another vintage cardboard set with Asian features

A one-piece set from Puerto Rico

In Spain and in Latin American countries January 6 is a special holiday, the 'day of the three kings.' There are street processions, giving of gifts, and other festive activity.

Here are two prints done by Puerto Rican artist, Michelle Yegros, both focussing on the Magi.
"Magos en la Capilla" (Magi in the Chapel), a digital serigraph on acid-free linen paper, done in 2003. The actual printed image is about 7" x 6.5" on 11 x 8.5 paper.

"Sueno con los Reyes"(Dream of the Magi), a digital serigraph printed on acid-free linen paper. The actual printed image is about 7" x 6.5" on 11 x 8.5 paper.

As a final note, here is a happy song relating to the joy of the wise men when they saw the star after leaving Jerusalem and Herod’s interview with them. It is from YouTube with The Martins singing "They Rejoiced With Exceeding Great Joy."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdvtOk2-i8s
Here are the lyrics:
Over the mountains and valleys
had led them each night
A star of most radiant light.
The wise men rejoiced as they journeyed afar
To behold such a beautiful star.

When they saw the star
They rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star
They rejoiced
When they saw the star
They rejoiced with great joy
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Others saw the star but they followed it not
To them it would come and would pass.
The wise men kept trusting with all of their hearts
That the star would find the baby at last.

And when they saw the star
They rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star
They rejoiced
When they saw the star
They rejoiced with great joy
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

During 2009 may we each continue to seek and to find the Savior. Our joy will be great as we behold Him.