Gospel Note
Read as a kerygmatic statement rather than an historical account, this story of (unnumbered) Eastern wise men (astrologers, not kings) and their coming to witness the child (not baby) Jesus in a house (not a stable) as a result of having followed "his star's rising" (not a star in the East) is Matthew's declaration of the cosmic and universal significance of the appearance of Jesus. Ancient peoples considered extraordinary celestial phenomena portents of momentous events.

Liturgical Color
White

Suggested Hymns
Bright And…