The Greek word for ‘wisemen’ is “Magi�. So, your Bible might title this part of the story, “The visit of the Wisemen� or “The visit of the Magi�. But what do we know about them?

We know that they studied the stars, which means, they might have been astrologers of sorts. We know that these wisemen knew the prophesies and were, in fact, waiting for the appearance of a particular Star. We know that these men were from the East, and they were seeking the King of the Jews. This may mean that they, themselves, were also Jews, for they were coming to worship Him.

We have a few fabled accounts of them as well. For instance, our popular Nativity Scene shows them at the stable bearing gifts. We do know that they presented Jesus with three gifts: Gold, Myrrh, and Frankincense. However, they noticed the appearance of the Star, and then began to follow it â€" from the East. History tells us they may have come from Persia, because of the quality of their gifts, or Babylon, because of their knowledge of the Jewish prophesy. Either way, they would have traveled a very long way to see the newborn King! Scripture tells us they followed the Star to a “houseâ€� (Matthew 2:11), not a stable. So, although they make the Nativity Scene look complete, the Wisemen were not present on that glorious night.

What we can learn from these wisemen, is that they diligently sought for Jesus until they found Him. When they arrived in Bethlehem, they inquired of Jesus’ location in the palace of Herod the King, but no one knew the exact place of His birth. No one there had searched for the King of Kings. They had the Savior in their city but had not bothered to seek Him. Yet, these foreigners had traveled for months to be in the presence of Jesus. When they found Him, they fell to their knees and worshipped Him! They had been filled with exceeding joy to see the Star and they were overcome with gladness upon finding the King Jesus.

Today, we have the opportunity to come to Jesus without having to travel far. We can fall to our knees and worship Him right where we are. We can present Him with gifts of obedience, devotion, and humility. The Star of wonder guides us to the Perfect Light, so Come, let us adore Him!

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, the wisemen taught us to seek you diligently. This Christmas as I place the Star atop my tree, may it be a reminder of the journey they took to find you. I thank you that worshipping you today requires only that I bow my head, fall on my knees, and adore the King of kings who lives in my heart. In Jesus name, Amen.

1. Matthew 2:1-2.