#threekings

ADVENT CALENDAR DAY 4

Stained-glass panel by Winfred S. Hyatt and Lawrence Saint from the Christmas window in Glencairn’s Chapel. The window was made from 1928 to 1956. Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, PA.

This stained-glass panel, made in the Bryn Athyn glassworks, depicts the visit of the Wise Men (sometimes called Magi) to the infant Jesus, with the Star of Bethlehem shining above. According to the Gospel of Matthew, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” (2:9–12). This scene is in the Christmas window on the south wall of Glencairn’s Chapel. 

The meaning of the term Magi (in Greek magoi) in the context of Matthew’s narrative has been a topic of discussion since the early days of the Christian Church. They have been variously described as “sages,” “diviners,” “astrologers,” or “priests.” As early as the third century, however, some interpreters of the Bible began to identify the Wise Men as kings, in connection with a prophesy found in the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible: “May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!” (Psalm 72:10). By the time of the Middle Ages, the “three kings” were being depicted in art with crowns and elaborate garments.

Every day, from December 1 through December 25, a new work of Nativity art from the Glencairn Museum collection will appear on the home page of our Advent calendar (Follow the Star: A 2021 Advent Calendar). To receive these in your newsfeed, follow our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr).

ADVENT CALENDAR DAY 8

Limestone relief of the Adoration of the Wise Men, 13th-century France. (Detail photo on top.) Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, PA, 09.SP.119.

This limestone relief with the Adoration of the Wise Men was made in 13th-century France. It illustrates the biblical story describing these travelers, who came “from the East,” saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Gospel of Matthew 2:1–2). 

During the construction of Glencairn, Raymond Pitcairn set this relief into the north wall of the inglenook in the Great Hall, where it remains today. All three of the Wise Men are represented as kings wearing crowns, in keeping with medieval tradition. The foremost king, whose arm is broken off, is shown kneeling to present a gift—either gold, frankincense, or myrrh (Matthew 2:11). 

Every day, from December 1 through December 25, a new work of Nativity art from the Glencairn Museum collection will appear on the home page of our Advent calendar (Follow the Star: A 2021 Advent Calendar). To receive these in your newsfeed, follow our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr).