Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: All
 
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
 
Refrain O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
 
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
 
Refrain
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.
 
Refrain
 
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
 
Refrain
 
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
 
Refrain

 

4 posted on 12/30/2004 10:17:35 AM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies ]


To: All
Thursday, January 6, 2005

The Magi

In most parts of the world, today is the traditional date for Epiphany, a feast which celebrates the visit of the Magi.

These mysterious figures from the East (about whom little is known) have long been the subject of stories, legends and speculation. Early on they were looked upon as royal figures. This may have been suggested by Psalm 72: “The kings of Arabia and Sheba shall bring tribute; all kings shall pay him homage.”

It is not known how many Magi there were. The three gifts gave rise to the number that has been commonly used. Some medieval Eastern lists have as many as 12.

Various names were assigned to them. The names usually given go back to perhaps the sixth century. A century or two later an unknown writer provides a description of them” Magi were the ones who gave gifts to the Lord. The first is said to have been Melchior, an old man with white hair and a long beard…The second, Caspar by name, young and beardless, and ruddy complexioned…The third, black-skinned and heavily bearded, name Balthasar…

This description has influenced artists every since.

5 posted on 01/06/2005 11:03:36 AM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson