“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
One of the most interesting groups of people that Bible tells us about, in the birth of Jesus, are the three Wise Men or Magi. These men are surrounded by a host of traditions. Most Christmas plays show them coming to the manger but they actually come after Mary’s purification period (at least 40 days), when Jesus is described as a “child” (NIV) and Mary and Joseph are no longer in the place of Jesus’ birth. Tradition also lends towards there being three wise men because of the three gifts. I believe there were more than three Wise Men or Kings.
The Wise Men are the gentile participants in Christ’s birth and play an important role depicting many things, along with showing God’s providential care and provision of Jesus. Like the Wise Men, may we make Jesus our “King” and “bow down and worship Him daily. May the gifts we give Him start first with ourselves, the most precious gift of all.
Prayer: Lord, like the star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem, may we be sensitive to your guidance this day. Lead us again, in this Christmas season, to your Son and your will for us. May we be filled with “joy” on our journey, like the Wise Men and may it lead us to “worship.” In Jesus’ name Amen.
