Magi Archives - Behind the Music

Who were the Magi?

October 11, 2023November 23, 2021 by debisimons

So, to begin, let me just say, once again, with feeling, that the Magi did not show up on Christmas night with the shepherds. The Gospel of Matthew 2:11 says, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” At this point it makes sense to think that it’s been at least a year since the Magi set out from their home. I know that those colorfully-bedecked camels (which are never mentioned in the biblical narrative) add quite a splash to the manger scenes we set up every year, but they weren’t there.

So, what are “frankincense and myrrh”?

December 10, 2020November 20, 2014 by debisimons

I think we all have a vague idea that these two items, brought by the Magi as gifts (along with gold) to the Christ child, have something to do with perfume or incense, but that’s probably about it. They’re very interesting, though, both in themselves and in their symbolism. So I do want to talk about all that, but first let me say here that the Magi did not come to the stable. All those manger scenes with them and their camels are just plain wrong. But without them the scene wouldn’t be nearly as colorful, would it? So I guess we won’t insist too loudly on scriptural accuracy in decorations.