What is Epiphany? 5 things every believer should know

3. Were the Magi bringing gifts or medicine? 

Scholars and theologians have been weighing in on the wise men who traveled to Bethlehem since the first century, offering interpretations varying from the traditional to the symbolic to the medicinal. 

Of course, gold, frankincense and myrrh were considered gifts for royalty in those days, many theologians have argued the gifts were identified as such simply for their symbolic value: gold representing Jesus as the coming King, frankincense as a symbol of his role as High Priest, and myrrh in reference to his prophesied death.

However, some researchers at Cardiff University in the U.K. have suggested a third  alternative: the Magi brought frankincense for its anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Biblical Archaeological Society.

Researchers who have studied the ancient aromatic resin say it’s possible the Magi were aware of its healing properties when they presented it before the infant Jesus.