By Therese Angeli Nunez
“Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King of Israel.” “Hark the Herald Angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!”
The preceding lines from two separate and popular Christmas carols speak about one great, if not the greatest news story ever told.
Around this time of the year, over two centuries ago, it was whispered about that a great and blessed Almighty King — Jesus Christ — will be born shortly.
According to the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-12), three royalty kings from the east — Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar — inspired and guided by their knowledge of ancient prophesies. and updated by advice from angels, embarked on a long journey and met on their way while following a bright star that appeared in the sky.
Their journey was filled with anticipation and a deep sense of purpose, hence they brought with them precious gifts for the anticipated Almighty King. The special gifts include gold, symbolizing royalty and wealth; frankincense, representing divinity and spirituality; and myrrh which signifies mortality and future sacrifice of Jesus.
When they reached Israel, the three royalties decided to pay diplomatic courtesy to their ruling peer, King Herod whom they told about the new king to be born. Himself steeped in diplomacy, Herod told them to please inform him on the way home about the newborn king so he himself could also pay Him homage.
Presumably, the three kings may have expected the new king to be born to be like them — royalties. They were thus surprised when they noticed that the bright star they followed stopped and glowed even more brightly in a rustic isolated area populated only by lambs and other pasture creatures.
The royal Three Kings were even more surprised when the bright star dipped down closer to a humble hut where they discovered a newborn baby in a MANGER. Singing angels assured them they have indeed found the newborn king. They were thus overwhelmed with joy and reverence. They knelt before the newborn baby and offered Him their precious gifts as a gesture of adoration and recognition of his divine nature.
The story of the Three Kings teaches us several valuable lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of faith and following our convictions, even in the face of uncertainty. The Three Kings trusted in the sign they saw and embarked on a journey that would forever change their lives.
Secondly, their act of gift-giving teaches us about the power of generosity and the significance of offering our best to others. Their happy manner of presenting their valuable gifts to the baby Jesus demonstrated the value of of giving from the heart and sharing our blessings with those in need.
Lastly, the story of the Three Kings reminds us of the universal message of hope and salvation. Their journey represents the search for something greater than ourselves, the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and the recognition of the divine presence in our lives.
The Three Kings’ saga serves as an inspiration for people to embark on their own personal journey of faith , generosity and hope. Their story is a reminder that we all have the potential to seek and find meaning in our lives, and to make a positive impact on the world around us.
As told, the Three Kings skipped seeing Herod on their journey back home at the advice of the angels.