Their search was over.  It was now only a matter of being directed to the Royal Palace.  They leant over their camels and called down to the people thronging the gateway, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?  for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (King James Bible, Matthew 2:2).

We can imagine how their hearts sank when their question was met with blank astonishment.  It was only too clear that no one knew what they were talking about.  There was no new born King of the Jews.  Herod was now an old man, and the next in succession to the throne were all grown up.

And the Wise Men met the same disheartening surprise when they were summoned to Herod’s court, but their disappointment was short-lived.  They were redirected to Bethlehem and the reappearance of the star pointing the way, restored their shaken faith and, quite certain now that they were on the right road, they hastened on.  Within an hour – Bethlehem is only five miles from Jerusalem – they reached the house over which the star halted.