Three kings sounds like a respectable winning poker hand, but in the weeks preceding Christmas, it heralds a different kind of winning. In the tunes celebrating the season, we hear of the three kings of the orient (or eastern lands), and their journey following a special star. In the brief mention in the book of Matthew, we read that these visitors followed that star to the birthplace of Jesus. We read further that they came prepared to offer tribute and honor the subject of their travels.

As brief as the passages are that describe this event, their importance to the story is significant.

These foreign visitors have been described as “wise men,” “kings,” or “royal astrologers,” depending on which translation or interpretation you consult. In all probability, the term “astrologers” is the most accurate. It would explain why these men would follow a star that stood out as unusual in the night sky.

In our quest to unite logic with faith, this event stands out as dramatic evidence of the credibility of the Christmas story. While astrology was undoubtedly practiced by other cultures throughout the world, undertaking such a quest on the basis of the appearance of a unique star, has to be unparalleled in world history. While others may have attempted to chase down random steller events, it is unlikely that those investigating similar sightings would have bothered to pack gifts.

While the volume of the description of this event is relatively modest, the significance is major. A logical consideration of this story suggests several questions.

How dramatic was the appearance of this star?

How do three royal astrologers agree on the importance of this sighting?

How is it that these three wise men agree on the need to make the journey?

What convinces them that they should bring valuable gifts?

It is fairly easy to conclude that something of great importance was happening – something that would change the world.

The birth of Jesus Christ.