than 2,000 years ago to see the newly born messiah. >> the gospel of matthew introduces us to the magi and we understand that they are from the east. it doesn't tell us the country and it doesn't actually tell us the number who come. >> while few facts are known about the wise men, they play a big part in today's christmas celebrations. >> the three kings is an aberration. the only reason we think there are three of them is because matthew says they brought gifts, gold, frankincense and miles an myrrh. comet or maybe the planet jupiter or was the star of bethlehem a miraculous event which no one can explain? >> of course, it's a great irony because they come to jerusalem and they come to herrod and they say where is this child born, king of the jews and say there is a sense that the star has led them almost far enough but actually to the wrong king. we often miss that when we just do the christmas carol