- Also a few talking points for the icons - St John Chrysostom
reminds us of the odd behavior of such a star that led the Magi
from the east. It appeared in daylight! It acted like no other
by coming down from the heavens to practically eye level. It
disappeared while in the presence of Herod, and reappeared
afterward. - Also, the magi themselves were well trained in the
behavior of stars - this was their daily work! Traveling far,
their ethnicity symbolizes that the Gospel will reach the
Gentiles and people of the East. Their gifts are full of meaning
- gold for the King of all ages, frankincense for God of all,
and myrrh for His three days in the tomb as fully man. -
Sometimes we ask why is Joseph turned away? The theological
answer is often because he shows us he is not the father of
Christ, and others say he is deep in thought, contemplating the
virgin birth. In various icons, a grim figure is depicted
tempting Joseph with harmful doubts, or another younger man
walks with them as they travel to Egypt. Jus