wise men - Grateful Prayer

We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him

When going through John’s Aunt Marie’s home after her passing, I found this embroidery. I had made for her for Christmas when we were early married and she kept if all of these years. I had long forgotten about it and was so pleased to see it again. It was a 1976 Paragon kit called The Three Kings, etchings in filo on linen.
(The term filo is the Italian word for floss or thread, similar to the Spanish hilo)

Does anyone recognize it from years ago?

Ever wonder who these wise men were, where they came from and if there were really three of them? Over time, many beliefs with little to no Biblical basis have crept into common Christian thinking.

Some Misconceptions about the Wise Men written by Tim Chaffey gives insight to these historical characters.

The book of Matthew contains the account of the wise men:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1–2) The original meaning of mάgoi is likely in view here—wise men who interpreted special signs. There are at least three reasons for this identification. First, they acknowledged that they were interested in signs in the heavens. Second, the Bible states that they were from “the East,” which would be in the direction of Babylon and ancient Persia. Third, of all the peoples of “the East,” the Babylonians had many opportunities to learn of the Jewish Scriptures, which contain multiple promises of the coming Messiah. Daniel was an influential government official in Babylon about 600 years earlier, and he foretold the coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24–26). Also, tens of thousands of Jews lived in Babylon during the time of the Exile (605–536 BC), and they maintained a large presence there for the following centuries. (source)

Curious how they learned of Jesus, when and where they saw him, click Answers in genesis

“We Three Kings”, also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” or “The Quest of the Magi”, is a Christmas carol that was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and he wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City. It remains one of the most popular and most frequently sung Christmas carols today (Wikipedia)

We Three Kings

John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1857

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 night,

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,

Peals through the earth and skies.

Comments

Just a little something from Judy says
December 22, 2014 at 4:56 pm
What a special treasure for you to now own! I think the creative genes run in your family.
As for the beautiful words to that song, they spoke to me today, reminding me that wise men and women still seek Him. He is the true reason for the season! Thanks for sharing this today!
Algodão Tão Doce says
December 22, 2014 at 12:14 am
Olá amiga, hoje quero agradecer a Deus pelo dom da sua vida, e desejar a você e sua família
um feliz e santo Natal, cheio de saúde e alegria!!!
Que seu coração esteja preparado para receber o Menino Deus!!!
Um grande abraço, Marie.
Ann Thompson says
December 21, 2014 at 8:52 pm
what a treasure finding that stitched piece. It's very nice.
We three kings is a favorite Christmas carol
podso says
December 21, 2014 at 8:13 pm
It's nice to see the old needlework and how nice that she saved it and you have it back now. Love the Three Kings song, it always seems people enjoy singing it. Hope you all have a blessed Christmas!
lindsey says
December 21, 2014 at 7:05 pm
That's a beautiful picture and how lovely that your aunt kept it all this time. Great thoughts on the wise men too, during our carol service today, our youth worker spoke about the different journeys those who visited the Baby Jesus took to bring Him their gifts and worship, something I had never considered before. Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas Lorraine
Cattails says
December 21, 2014 at 5:35 pm
How special that she saved your needlework from years ago. I know it is a special reminder of her this Christmas. I remember visiting old time 5&10 stores that had such needlework kits available back in the 70's.
Barbara F. says
December 21, 2014 at 3:50 pm
There is an old belief that the first Christmas card you receive which depicts the Wise Men, will bring good luck to the home that displays it throughout the year. I did it once. Nothing lucky happened, unless I so engrossed in real life I didn't notice, or took it for granted.

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