Virtually every Christmas card you see that includes the "wise men", you'll see three of them, and you'll see them visiting Jesus while He was still in a manger.

To start with, let's correct the obvious errors....

1. Nowhere does the Bible claim that there were three magi. There might have been. There were three gifts, but not necessarily three magi.

2. The magi did not visit Jesus while he was an infant in the manger. The shepherds did, but the magi came much later, when Jesus was a little child. 

But now, it gets perhaps more interesting and definitely more intriguing! Most people think that the magi went to Bethlehem to give the gifts to Jesus. They didn't! In all likelihood, they presented the gifts to Him in Nazareth! Why would I arrive at that conclusion?

First, let's consider Joseph and Mary. Why were they in Bethlehem? Was that their home? No, they were from Nazareth (Luke 1:26; Luke 2:4). The ONLY reason they were in Bethlehem is because Joseph was required by the Roman authorities to register for taxation purposes in the town of his ancestors, some 100 miles away (Luke 2:1-6). Joseph was in the lineage of David, who was from Bethlehem. He was required to go there, and it wouldn't have taken that long to register, and then get back home. However, Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, went along. Under normal circumstances, they would both have gone back home as soon as the registration process was complete. However, the Bible states that while they were there, "the days were accomplished that she should be delivered" (Luke 2:6). In other words, she was full term with her pregnancy with Jesus, and gave birth in Bethlehem - thus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born there! (Micah 5:2) 

But, they didn't stay there long! According to Luke 2:22, when the time came for the purification rites, 33 days later (Lev. 12:4), they went up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, being the first male to open Mary's womb, according to the Mosaic Law (Luke 2:23). After that, there would have been no reason to stay. In fact, they didn't. Luke 2:39 states clearly that immediately after they had completed all the requirements, they returned to Nazareth.

Some time later, perhaps as long as two years, their life was interrupted by a most stunning visit. Magi from the east arrived, looking for the king of the Jews! Can you imagine the amazement in Joseph and Mary as these three dignitaries presented Jesus with three most precious gifts?! And, they bowed down and worshipped Him! Jesus was no longer a baby in a manger; He was a child in a house! (Matt. 2:9 & 11). What an incredible confirmation of the amazing things that happened in Bethlehem regarding the shepherds! 

Then the magi left and returned home. But, joy and amazement were soon to turn to desperation! Joseph had a scary dream! He was told by God to flee to Egypt because Herod was going to try to kill Jesus! What?!! How did that happen? You see, Joseph was not privy to the events that had just happened in Jerusalem!       (continued...)