O Brilliant Star the Kings Did See!
Guided by an especially brilliant star, the Three Wise Men travelled from the East in search of the Divine King whose birth had been foretold.
Our Lord's Epiphany—or His public manifestation as King—was prophesied in the Old Testament, while the Gospel of St. Matthew gives the actual account of events, as can be read below.
We also offer a poem about the Star of Bethlehem and its appointed role to guide the Three Magi to the Infant King.
The Epiphany in Holy Writ
The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts: And all kings of the earth shall adore him: all nations shall serve him. Psalm 71:10-11
Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord. Isaias 60:1, 6
When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-6, 9-11
O brilliant Star the kings did see!
Orient’s kings
traversed afar,
beckoned by
the shining Star;
O brilliant Star,
the kings did see;
Star of David[1]
shining brightly...
O most glorious
Epiphany!
Magi
from the
lands of East
seek in Jerusalem,[2]
the Prince of Peace;[3]
But, woeful,
they do find instead,
a king of hate...
doleful Herod
“Where shall
the King
of the Jews
be born?”[4]
the kings inquire
of king forlorn;[5]
the priests
and scribes
search the Word
of God
“In Bethlehem
of Juda,
shall come
the Rod
of Jesse,”[6]
so it is read,
as the prophets
of Juda foresaid,
so they tell
jealous Herod
And so...
the wise men
from the East
set out
to see what this
is all about;
they travel to
the House of Bread
till, once again,
the Star, they see...
shining brightly
overhead[7]
The kings rejoice
with great joy,[8]
having found
the infant Boy,
from distant lands,
they do bring
precious gifts
to Christ the King:
gold,
frankincense,
and myrrh,[9]
boldly they concur...
His royalty,
His Divinity,
His humanity;
bowing down,
the kings adore,[10]
humbly prostrate,
they render praise,
kneeling before,
the King of kings
and Lord of lords[11]...
cloaked in the robe
of a helpless Babe.
Orient’s kings
traversed afar,
beckoned by
the shining Star;
O brilliant Star,
the kings did see;
Star of David
shining brightly...
O most glorious
Epiphany!
Footnotes
1 Numbers 24:17.
2 Matthew 2:1.
3 Isaias 9:6.
4 Matthew 2:2.
5 Matthew 2:3.
6 Micheas 5:2; Isaias 11:1; Matthew 2:5-6.
7 Matthew 2:9.
8 Matthew 2:10.
9 Matthew 2:11; Isaias 60:6.
10 Matthew 2:11; Psalm 71:10-11.
11 Apocalypse 17:14, 19:16.
