Wise Men – Epiphany Resources

Free online resources based on the Biblical story of the wise men, or the Magi. Also known as Epiphany, this story can be found in the Bible in the book of Matthew. See below for links to sermons, songs, stories and entertaining sites for this Christmas story.

Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.” –  Matthew 2:1-2 NLT

The Wise Men, Kings or Magi Summary – Summary

Epiphany is the day we celebrate the visit of the Magi, or the Wise Men. Not much is known about these visitors other than what Matthew records in the first book of the New Testament. We know they were from the East and studied the stars. We also know that they had some knowledge of the history and prophecies concerning Israel. They followed a star to Bethlehem, but contrary to the popular Nativity scenes, they probably arrived a year or two after Jesus’ birth.

There is no mention of the number of wise men, although it has been assumed that there were three based on the three gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh. Religious tradition has even given them names: Balthazar, Caspar (or Gaspar), and Melchior.

We do know for a fact that wise men came and worshiped Jesus. It was an important enough event for Matthew to add it to his account of the birth of Jesus. This was God announcing his long-awaited son’s arrival on the earth to the Gentile world. And it provides further confirmation of God’s universal love.

Epiphany in 2012 is celebrated on Friday, January 6th. The other important events of the Christmas season include:

Advent – (11/28-12/24) Preparation for Christ’s arrival.
Christmas Eve – (12/24) The Night Before Christmas.
Christmas Day – (12/25) Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
The Twelve Days of Christmas – (12/25-1/5) Twelve days starting Christmas night until the day before Epiphany.

Epiphany – (1/6) Also known as Three Kings’ Day celebrates the visit of the Magi.

Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.” — Matthew 2:7-8 HCSB

Read the Epiphany story in five popular translations – AMP, KJV, HCSB, NIV, The Message:

Epiphany

Matthew 2 – Visit of the Magi and escape to Egypt.

Read the Old Testament Prophecies Related To the Visit of the Magi

Micah 5:2 – Bethlehem would be the birthplace.

Psalm 72:10-11 – Kings will present him gifts.

Jeremiah 31:15 – The massacre of Bethlehem’s children.

Hosea 11:1 – The escape to Egypt.

Check out all the wonderful Christian content linked below and learn more about the visit of the wise men.

Children’s Bible Stories – Scriptures and Adaptations of the Epiphany Story

The Wise Men – A Bible paraphrase for kids

Shepherds and Wise Men – A Bible story with discussion questions

Children’s Stories – Original Fiction Based on the Wise Men Story

Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem – A little star’s faith in God is rewarded when she is selected to be the Christmas star and announce Jesus’ birth.

The Three Camels – A story about the camels that carried the Magi to see Jesus. Includes links to a Bible lesson based on the story.

Children’s Activities, Crafts, Coloring Pages, Music, Plays & Poetry for the Magi Story

The Three Wise Men – Bible coloring page

The Three Wise Men – Bible coloring page

The Christmas Star – How to make a Christmas Star

The Three Wise Men – An idea for a play about the wise men for little kids

Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem – A Christmas play based on an adaptation of a Christmas story (see link above in fiction category) about a little star who learns that God doesn’t look for the biggest or the brightest, but those willing to put their complete faith in what He can do in their lives.

The Three Camels – A Christmas play based on an adaptation of a Christmas story (see link above in fiction category) about the three wise men and their camels: Erin, Nina, and Penda. The camels asked God to send them on a great adventure and boy did He ever!

Children’s Sermons & Lessons on the Epiphany Story

The Three Camels – An Animal Parable Bible lesson based on this story – a parable about seeing the whole picture

The Wise Men – Background info on the Wise Men from AnniesHomePage.com – dedicated page

All The Wise Men – A short lesson about the wise men

Epiphany – A classroom presentation on the wise men

Wise Men Worship Jesus – A presentation on Epiphany

Wise Men – A Bible lesson on the wise men

Devotions, Discussions & Sermons and Other Resources About Epiphany and Christmas

Christmas Resources For Teachers – Christmas stories and activities

Christmas Resources For Teachers #2 – Christmas stories, poems, skits, activities and much more

Christmas Resources – Links to Christian Christmas resources and ideas

Christian Christmas Resources – Links to Christian Christmas resources and ideas

Christmas Poems And Stories – A collection of classic poems and stories

Christmas Short Stories – Christmas articles and stories from Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries

The Birth Of Jesus – An article by Daniel B. Wallace, PhD on the birth of Christ

The Coming Of Christ – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Luke 2:7&11

The Birth Of Salvation – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Luke 2:8-20.

The Search For Christ – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Matthew 2:1-12

The Origin Of “Xmas” – An article that debunks the urban legends concerning the symbol “X” in place of Christ. Good reading in preparation for all the Christmas chain emails claiming an evil plot to remove Christ from Christmas.

The Magi And The Star Of Bethlehem – A lesson on the Wise Men

The Christmas Star – A thorough site that discusses the Christmas star

The Christmas Season – A nice overview of traditions and meaning of the Christmas season

Christmas Traditions – Several articles on the origin of Christmas traditions

Christian Christmas Stories – This lens addresses different events of the Christmas story and is very inspiring for all ages.

The Season Of Advent – An excellent source for information on Advent and related Church customs for the Christmas season

The Twelve Days Of Christmas – An overview of customs and history surrounding the Twelve Days of Christmas including the song by the same name

Wise Men Went Back “Another Way” – A devotion on how God changes lives based on the wise men story from Pen Holder Ministries.

The Three Wise Men – Background study on the story of the Three Wise Men – for teens and adults

When Magi Camped in Bethlehem – An article by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson on the story of the Three Wise Men

The Wise Men – Separating truth from myth about the wise men.

The Magi or Wise Men – Info on the wise men from the Catholic encyclopedia

How did the wise men know to come? – An informative discussion on prophecy and the wise men

The Wise Men – The Magi/Wise Men FAQ

The Journey of the Magi – A poem by T. S. Eliot

Epiphany – Through the eyes of the secular world

Epiphany – Celebrations around the world

Nativity of Jesus In Art – Nativity artwork throughout history

Nativity Scene – The origins of the nativity scene

Search for Other Christian Web Sites.

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