On January 6, the arrival of the magi and the recognition of Jesus as the Son of God is celebrated as the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day in Christian tradition. Being warned in a dream, they do not return to Herod but take an alternate route home. Following a star, they find the child and present him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. According to the gospel of Matthew, wise men from the East come to Jerusalem seeking “the king of the Jews.” Fearing this potential political threat, King Herod, the ruler of Judea, sends them to Bethlehem and instructs them to report to him when they have found the child. This traditional crowded nativity scene is not depicted in the New Testament gospels but constitutes a mash-up of different accounts of the birth of Jesus.
He is both a token addition and a celebrated king.
His inclusion illustrates the complexities of blackness in different time periods and locations. Those bringing gifts to the baby Jesus are three magi or wise men, one of whom is frequently depicted as a black man. Whether comprised of gingerbread, porcelain, or live performers, such nativity scenes usually include Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus surrounded by shepherds, angels, and assorted farm animals. LOS ANGELES - “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.” When we think of baby Jesus at Christmas, we may typically think of a nativity scene. The magi bring gifts to Jesus as he sits on Mary’s lap as the star of Bethlehem shines between them, 4th century CE, early Christian sarcophagus lid from Rome now at the Pio Cristiano Museum, Vatican Museum, Vatican City, Italy (image by Sarah E.