January 3, 2016 // The Wise Men, gentiles from a pagan religion, were the first non-family members to begin to grasp who Jesus was. As part of their religion, they watched the stars for signs according to a prophecy that foretold of a coming Messiah. It took incredible faith to travel West to follow that unusual star, enduring a very difficult journey through deserts, storms, robbers, hunger, and many other obstacles. They brought three gifts: Gold, recognizing Jesus as a King; Frankincense, recognizing Jesus as High Priest; and Myrrh, a strong-smelling herb used at burial recognizing Jesus’s upcoming death and resurrection. Matthew 2:1-12.