Advent Day 12

“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.” (Matthew 3:2-3 ESV)

 The shepherds were never a focus of the Christmas story. They were inconsequential and probably hated in their town, too. But God chose to announce the birth of the Savior to these unimportant, disliked, and insignificant people. We do not even know their names. It is sad. But it reflects Christ’s coming for the sinners, the sick, and the marginal.

Matthew jumps from the shepherds to three wise men—a fascinating story of long-distance travel to see the newly-born prince of peace. The Magi are often called the wise men. Names have developed for them that are not in scripture: Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior. These men were scholars, philosophers, and what Sinclair calls the “pre-scientific scientists of antiquity.” They were astronomers following a star. They believed that heaven would influence the earth.

No one comes out and tells us how the wise men knew to follow the star. As Sinclair points out, the Hebrew Bible gives us some clues. It is possible that biblical knowledge came from Jews in the diaspora to the lands of the Magi. They may have known about the pagan prophet Balaam and his talking donkey. Perhaps the knowledge came from the stories of David, who had been exiled to Babylon. So, it is possible these men were able to put the Christmas narrative together.

I always love to talk about each wise man's decisions about a gift to the child king: gold for the true Kingship of Christ and Frankincense for his true High Priesthood. Lastly, Myrrh said that He would be anointed in death. What a powerful testimony from the wise men of the God/man Jesus.

Whatever it was, something or someone compelled the wise men to follow the star. John Calvin calls it the “secret instinct of the Spirit.” Your journey to Christ, complete or not, is likely not so dramatic. Nonetheless, we are all called by the Spirit in one way or another. I can see how the Spirit led me to Christ and continues to lead me today.

If you know Christ, think about your journey to him. Dramatic or not, it is your testimony of the Spirit and the Lord. If you do not know Christ, ask yourself, why am I reading this? What or who has led me here today? Call the Messiah and ask Him to forgive your sins and take over your life. Ask for His peace, grace, and mercies, which are new daily.

Are you wise? Wise men and women still seek Him.

Grace and Peace!

Sinclair Ferguson, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace”, The Goodbook Company, 2021, 24-28.