The story of the Magi, or wise men from the East, holds a bit of mystery. Who were these learned men, and how did they come to recognize the heavenly body pointing to a recently born king? When they arrived in Israel they asked for directions—Where is the one born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.

Certainly these were educated men, wealthy enough to set out on a costly journey bearing expensive gifts. But some force beyond intellectual curiosity propelled them, an internal churn to meet this king of which they knew little. Imagine their surprise to find Jesus not in a palace, but living in humble means in the tiny village of Bethlehem.

Which didn’t matter to these seekers at all. The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

This Christmas day we exchange gifts due to a tradition dating back to the Magi. But more importantly, we reflect their desire to seek out God among us. Jesus himself promised, Seek and you will find. The Magi sought and found. Their story holds promise for you and me as well. May we also find Jesus at the end of our journey.

Merry Christmas!

Matthew 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Robert Thiemann