Ask Martin Gibbs discussion

How did you become interested in the topic of the Wise Men, Martin?

Hi, sorry for the delay on the response.

The story of the Three Kings has always fascinated me, if only because Matthew gives us such a short glimpse. This past Epiphany, I listened to the sermon and then started thinking more and more about these men and their journey... and a movie began playing in my head, a movie I could not get to shut off.

So I did a little research and came across an early English text, Historia Trium Regum, by John of Hildesheim (mid 1300s), which gave the men names and described a little of their journey. I took that as a template and came up with a plausible journey for these men.

It’s not only a physical but a spiritual journey. It’s a tale of sacrifice and friendship, dedication, and quick-thinking. The devil tests them constantly, yet they keep moving.

One thing I’ve heard from readers is that they can really identify with the kings, that they are not arrogant, holier-than-thou personalities. This was a deliberate characterization; after all, if kings are going to abandon their entire kingdoms to follow a star, there would be little arrogance in them.

So, to answer the question—it’s something I’ve always been interested in, since I can remember setting out their figurines in our manger set. This story brings these mysterious men to life.