HEALTHY...WEALTHY.....WISE MEN!

The story of the Wise Men really takes place some time AFTER the birth of Christ…but, for all of us, the Nativity scene would not be the same without the figures of the wise men kneeling at the manger. In scripture we read, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2

The first thing we learn regarding these men of wisdom…. they were searching for answers….that’s why they were constantly viewing the night sky. They were looking to the stars in the heavens to divulge the secrets of the universe. They were able to predict the changing of the seasons, the coming of storms or other weather conditions; perhaps, even the fortunes of men and countries…all from charting the movement of the constellations.

But now, they had witnessed a phenomenon of great magnitude …a star in the Eastern sky that ancient manuscripts foretold would acknowledge the birth of a king. It was their constant and consistent search of the skies that led them to leave hearth and home to find this king. So, they packed up their camels and with caravan in tow, they set out to find this emperor that would rule the Jews. Unfortunately, their first encounter was Herod….a real buzz kill to be sure!

After hearing the story of the wise men’s journey, Herod was greatly troubled and sought to dupe the wise men into telling him when and where he could find this child-king. “Go and search diligently for this child and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him. After listening to the king, they went on their way.” Matthew 2:8-9a

But the best part of the story occurs next; “And behold, the star that they had seen rose and went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9b-11

The journey had been long; the path fraught with danger and disappointment….even a surly and ill-mannered king who offered little help; but, they would not be deterred for they had come too far to go home empty-handed.

So, they did what had gotten them to this point…they sought answers in the heavens and behold, the star went before them. It was that same single, bright, illuminating star that held their focus from the beginning of their journey that was still leading them to their final destination…an opportunity to worship the King…and they would not be denied.

When the star stopped, they stopped ….and their search for the king was rewarded. And so they entered his presence with presents….and falling before this child, they worshipped the Savior of all mankind.

Are you wise enough to seek the child of Bethlehem….are you willing to go the distance to lay your gifts at the feet of this King of the Jews…are you searching the heavens looking for answers only God can provide?

This Christmas seek the Christ-child …diligently follow the star to the place where Jesus awaits your worship…open you heart and give him the gift greater than gold or frankincense or myrrh…Give Him Your Heart, yielded and still. Give him your obedience …give him the love and adoration of one who belongs to Him.

For on that first Christmas, He came to us so that we could come to Him….and forever belong to Him. Jesus came as a baby; fully human and fully divine….and even though our small, earth-bound minds can never fully understand the how or the why of our Creator, know this….He came into the muck and the mire of this world as a man….so if we would let Him in, He would pull us out….into glorious union with Him.

Be wise this Christmas….seek the Child, God’s Only Son. Then you, too, can rejoice with exceeding great joy…just like the three wise men of old.

Wiser in worship of the newborn king….Merry Christmas,

WPQ

Poem for the day:

Sailing across the desert, riding upon their camels back
Carrying all their riches, nothing did they lack;
In search of the king foretold, born in a land afar
Following the heavenly path of the bright and shining star.

It led them to Bethlehem and in that small Judean town
They came into His presence; each fell prostrate on the ground.
They worshipped the Christ-child and felt their hearts astir
They offered Him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The journey had been arduous; they never would get there
Every step had been treacherous and fraught with despair….
But they had come to seek the King, born of royal birth;
The Son of God…the King of Kings…God Incarnate come to earth.

WPQ December 2009