Matthew 2:1-2: 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 and have come to worship him.”

With the coming of the Magi we see those who are open and earnestly seek the coming of the King. They were foreign experts in dreams, astrology and magic. Yet they followed the star and actively sought after he that was the King of the Jews. Whether they understood the significance of the star through astrological means or through a dream is unclear, yet they opened their hearts, making a long and dangerous journey.

After making inquiries in Jerusalem concerning the newborn King, they follow the star; and upon arriving in Bethlehem they worship the child born King. Thus these Gentile magicians offer up worship from the nations of the earth to the Christ-child. Then they open their treasury and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, giving their very best. These gifts symbolically proclaim the reality of his personhood. Gold is the gift for a king; frankincense is the gift for a priest; while myrrh is the gift for one who is to die. Finally they obey God’s warning that came to them in a dream.

All the way through the story they were obedient to all that God had revealed to them. So that even in their departure they obeyed God and helped protect the child-King from those who would harm him. In doing so they entered into a special relationship with the one who came to Bethlehem to be the saviour of the world.

How will you respond to the newborn King this Christmas season?

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to receive and welcome the child-King this Christmas Season!