Many of us grew up hearing about how “three kings” came to visit the baby Jesus, only to learn later that Matthew actually calls them “magi,” or “wise men,” and doesn’t mention there being only three of them. In fact, much of what we think we know about this passage might be wrong. So who were these men? And is it really likely that they “worshipped” Jesus, as Matthew says? Also: what do we make of their mysterious gifts?

 
…