In 1970, Russian writer and activist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Stripped of his freedom, he had spent eight years in prisons and forced labor camps in the former Soviet Union. He was awarded the Nobel Prize because he had made the world aware of the dehumanizing and repressive measures of the communist state.

Sumptuously robed, the Magi pay homage to the barely clad Jesus “ who … became poor although he was rich, so that, by his poverty, [we] might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).

Led by the bright light of a star, they have found their way through science to “ the true Light who enlightens everyone” (Jn 1:9). And now they make their act of faith.