We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
The dream shifted to a dusty market place in a typical Middle-eastern town. Sam could feel the heat rising through her sandal-clad feet, as it baked down on her from above. It appeared to be close to midday, judging by the location of the sun.
A hand took her elbow, and directed her to their right, 'We need to go this way.'
They walked for a few minutes till they arrived at a humble building. The entrance to the courtyard, which was shaded by a large tree, was to the left of the building. Beneath the tree was a carpenter. He had his tools out, and was busy working on a project. Nearer to the house they could see a woman seated, busy working with some food, and at her feet was a dark-haired toddler, playing with some blocks of wood.
'Oh my word, that's Jesus?' Sam put the puzzle together. 'He's gorgeous! He must be around Billy's age. And that's Mary, and Joseph ...' Sam delightedly identified the people around her.
'Yes, that's my son. He's almost two. Now come, you need to see this,' her companion urged her into the shade under the tree.
As they moved, several people arrived at the entrance to the courtyard - six to be exact. Three of them were dressed in striking clothes, the others in plainer attire.
They walked straight to where Mary and Jesus were, and each of them knelt down before the toddler. They bowed down with their foreheads to the ground, placing before them a box each, as though offering gifts. The little boy stood up, and walked gravely towards each of them, laying his little hand on each of their heads in turn in a type of benediction.
The last thing Sam knew was a warm, encouraging squeeze on her right shoulder before she awoke.
Song extract from "We Three Kings"
