Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Three Wise Men Traveling to Bethlehem" Signed and dated lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canadian 39c Angel stamp issued October 29, 1986. In the nearly two thousand years since it occurred, many stories have been associated with the birth of Christ, but the Story of the Magi is among the most magnificent and inspiring for Christians around the world. Its powerful appeal lies in the reverence with which these great men paid homage to Christ's divine authority. Before the birth of the Christ Child, Three Magi -- wise men named Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar -- set out from their faraway homelands following a special, dazzling star. This star led them to Bethlehem where the Christ Child had been born. The three Magi each bore a special gift for the Child. As they knelt in adoration of the Savior, one presented Him with Gold, the next gave Him Frankincense, and the third Myrrh. Since that time, the gifts they bestowed on the Child have sparked great interest among biblical scholars. Many now believe that gold was symbolic of God's love for his Kingdom on earth. Frankincense -- an extremely sweet-scented spice -- is thought to represent prayer and hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Finally, Myrrh -- which is taken from a tree bearing thorns -- symbolizes suffering and foretells of Christ's sacrifice which enabled the Kingdom of Earth to share in the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. Image Size: 17.5 x 15.25 in. Overall Size: 27.25 x 22 in. Unframed. (B09192)