introduces us to the magi, and we understand that they're from the east. it doesn't tell us the country, and it doesn't actually tell us the number of magi 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 elaboration, and the only reason we think that there are three of them is because matthew says they brought gifts -- gold, frankincense, and myrrh. >> just as mysterious as the wise men was the sign they followed. today's astronomers suggest the magi saw an exploding star or a comet or maybe the planet jupiter. or was the star of bethlehem a miraculous event which no one can explain? >> and of course, it's a great irony because they come to jerusalem and they come to herod and they say, "where is this child born, the king of the jews?" and so there's a sense that the star has led them almost far enough, but actually to the wrong king, and we often miss that when we just do the christmas carol thing, that this is actually much more about the