They Sought the King
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him'" (2:1-2). "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 and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2 2:1-2,11
As we come to the end of the twelve days of Christmas it is traditionally considered the time when the Magi (the wise men), find the Savior. The twelfth day is also known as Epiphany or Three Kings Day.
There’s little actual information regarding these traveling wisemen other than they came from a region east of Jerusalem. Some suggest they may have been Jews who remained in the area known as Persia. The Jews remaining in Persia were part of the Babylonian exile. Persia later took over Babylon. That might have made them prophets following the Old Testament prophecy regarding the coming Messiah. Perhaps the star guiding them was the Spirit moving them westward on their divine errand. Commercial portrayals depict them as eastern astrologers based on the mention of a “new star”. That’s certainly not where we must focus our attention regarding the Magi. Our focus is to be on the “why”. Why men from Persia?
Their mission was not only to witness the child and lavish Him with gifts, but to complete the mission they were to return to their region to announce the king, Immanuel, was alive in Bethlehem. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2).
The star, a sign placed in the skies by God -this would be something unique that would capture the eye of the Magi. The shepherds weren’t likely to head out for Persia to share the news that they too were selected to discover. These Persians came to Israel, to Herod’s palace but not finding what they were seeking, they follow the prophecy of Micah and continue to Bethlehem. There they make the discovery of Jesus, lavish their gifts upon him and return to Persia to share the news.
We are, in a way, like the Magi but we don’t follow a star. We have God’s Word and the sacraments to light our way to discover the Savior, King of kings. Epiphany is about God’s mission to seek and save the lost. Epiphany proclaims that Jesus came into the world not only for those who were close to Him – religiously, culturally, and geographically. He came also for those who were far away. He came for the world and that includes us.
The Magi returned home changed or transformed by finding the promised Savior. Jesus has a way of transforming our lives who, like the Magi, recognize that He is indeed the promised Savior.
Christmas is truly a magical time. Spirits just seem to be lifted this time of year. We really seem to be open to being the people Jesus intends us to be and we should be all year round. May we choose as the wisemen did, recognize Him as King, and give the best of our gifts in service to Him.
Lord, as the season of Christmas ends and we resume normal life again, help me to carry on the season each day by building on the fruit of your Spirit. May I help to bring the world Your light as the Magi did their people. In Your precious name I pray, AMEN.