On this day, "they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell downe, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, Gold, and Frankincense, and Myrrhe."
--from the King James Bible, four centuries old this year.
In her Christmas message twelve days ago, Queen Elizabeth II described the King James Bible as a "masterpiece of English prose" and the "most vivid translation of the scriptures". The "glorious language of this bible" has influenced all English speakers, Christian or not, Anglican or not.
Click here to read the story of the Magi from the King James Bible of 1611, digitized for the 400th anniversary. (Enter 2 for the chapter, then double-click to enlarge the page.)
For events planned for the anniversary of the King James Bible, including several in the United States and Canada, click here.
For a glimpse of London in 1611, click here.
