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They Came Bearing Gifts
By Ann Zlotnik
Whether you refer to the newborn Christ’s gift-bearing visitors as Magi, kings or wise men, their visit from afar begins to usher out the Christmas season on the Catholic liturgical calendar and usher in Ordinary Time. Ordinary, however, is not how many would describe these travelers. Artistic depictions of them in Nativity scenes are far from ordinary as well. From feathers to frogs, Nativities from the Marian Library’s Crèche Collection represent this popular trio in vastly different ways.
This Nativity by P. Ramalho is from Portugal. The three kings stand tall on the highest tier as they display their gifts for the child Jesus.
This Nativity by P. Ramalho is from Portugal. The three kings stand tall on the highest tier as they display their gifts for the child Jesus.
The visitors in this Nativity from Kenya by Paul Kitamba were meant to be seen, wearing headpieces of bright white feathers.
The visitors in this Nativity from Kenya by Paul Kitamba were meant to be seen, wearing headpieces of bright white feathers.
Plain and simple is the theme of this Nativity by Esther O’Hara of the United States. These wise men do not bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to the manger; instead, they bear gifts of nourishment for the Holy Family.
Plain and simple is the theme of this Nativity by Esther O’Hara of the United States. These wise men do not bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to the manger; instead, they bear gifts of nourishment for the Holy Family.
The three kings in this Nativity set from Mexico make a grand entrance on camel, horse and elephant.
The three kings in this Nativity set from Mexico make a grand entrance on camel, horse and elephant.
Lush greens and colorful butterflies portray what life in Ghana may have looked like for the Holy Family. The Magi in this Nativity by Joana Lekia Nelson are dressed in colorful garments representative of Ghanaian culture as they visit with gifts in hand.
Lush greens and colorful butterflies portray what life in Ghana may have looked like for the Holy Family. The Magi in this Nativity by Joana Lekia Nelson are dressed in colorful garments representative of Ghanaian culture as they visit with gifts in hand.
Whimsical frogs make up this lighthearted Nativity by Kitty Cantrell. One of the kings seems to be lifted high on his “camel” of acrobatic frogs.
Whimsical frogs make up this lighthearted Nativity by Kitty Cantrell. One of the kings seems to be lifted high on his “camel” of acrobatic frogs.
In most depictions, the wise men have already made it to the stable and are in the act of presenting their gifts. In this scene crafted by Harry and Cecilia Mushenheim, the journey of the astronomers is the story. Watch as they scientifically plan their course to reach the star that shines far off in the distance.
In most depictions, the wise men have already made it to the stable and are in the act of presenting their gifts. In this scene crafted by Harry and Cecilia Mushenheim, the journey of the astronomers is the story. Watch as they scientifically plan their course to reach the star that shines far off in the distance.
Last but not least, this Italian representation of the three kings at the manger has a more traditional feel. Created by Angela Tripi and Peter Wolf, the figures stoop, bend and kneel as they reverently look upon the newborn king.