In the well-known Christian story of the Three Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus, there is another version that tells of Three Wise Women who also made a significant impact on the life of the holy infant. While the men are traditionally the focus of the story, the Three Wise Women also played a crucial role in the early life of Jesus.
According to the apocryphal Gospel of Matthew, the Three Wise Men were actually Three Wise Women, known as Mary Salome, Mary Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. These women were highly regarded for their wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual guidance and were known to have traveled from the East to visit the newborn Jesus.
The Three Wise Women brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, much like the Three Wise Men. However, these women also brought gifts of healing herbs, precious oils, and wisdom passed down through generations. It is said that they offered these gifts to Jesus and his family, providing them with guidance and support during their early years.
In this version of the story, the Three Wise Women were not only visitors, but also mentors to the young Jesus, passing on their knowledge of healing and spirituality. They are said to have provided comfort and support to Mary, Jesus’ mother, and offered guidance to Joseph, Jesus’ father, as they raised the holy child.
As Jesus grew older, the Three Wise Women continued to be a presence in his life, offering him guidance and support as he embarked on his spiritual journey. It is said that their teachings and wisdom influenced Jesus’ own spiritual beliefs and teachings, shaping the person he would become.
While the story of the Three Wise Women visiting the baby Jesus may not be as widely known as the traditional tale of the Three Wise Men, it is a powerful and meaningful addition to the Christmas story. It highlights the important role that women have played throughout history and emphasizes the impact that their wisdom, knowledge, and guidance can have on others.
The story of the Three Wise Women encourages us to recognize the valuable contributions of women in the biblical narrative and in our own lives. It serves as a reminder of the power of female wisdom and the important role that women have played in shaping and influencing the world around us.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us remember the Three Wise Women who visited the baby Jesus and recognize their significant impact on his life. May their story inspire us to honor and celebrate the wisdom and guidance of women in our own lives and in the world around us.