Advent Season The Significance of the Participants The Wise Men

Scripture Thought for the Week: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the Time of King Herod, 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. Matthew 2:1-2
In every nativity scene wise men are present with the shepherds as they surround the manger where Baby Jesus lay sleeping. Only written about in the gospel of Matthew, these men have been referred to as Magi, Kings, or more commonly known as the three wise men. Whatever their official title, they were very distinguished gentlemen who came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Since there were three gifts, we have presumably focused on the number three. Scripture notes at least two reasons for their travels to find the baby. First, the wise men saw his star in the east and secondly, they came to worship the King of the Jews. These men, who have been identified in research as possibly Babylonians, Persians or Jews from Yemen, and whom the Armenian tradition identifies the Magi of Bethlehem, Balthasar of Arabia, Melchior of Persia and Gaspar of India have been given important information. The King of the Jews has been born! Regardless of their origin, Im of the simple opinion that God intended these particular men to find the Baby Jesus whether it was shortly after his birth or when Jesus was a young boy. But for the sake of this devotional, I will focus on the meaning of the descriptive words, wise men and what I believe to be their significance in the Christmas story. Knowledgeable, scholarly, well-educated individuals, schooled in astrology and covenant promises, were led by a bright star in the eastern sky to find the King of the Jews. Once their mission was accomplished and the child, Jesus, was found, they kneeled before Him as a sign of respect given to a King. Bearing gifts, each one held a special significance to the Messiah. Gold, a valuable and appropriate gift for a King, also symbolized kingship on earth. Frankincense was the representation of deity and myrrh was embalming oil that served as a sign of death. At the scene of the nativity that many of us have displayed in our homes during this advent season, figurines of shepherds and wise men are represented. Coming from various educational, ethnic, social, economic and perhaps religious backgrounds, these participants

continue to embody the human race in the 21st century. Regardless of who we happen to be or what we possess, the Lord Jesus loves us and came as a baby in a manger to prove that love to us. It is no accident that the participants gathered around the Messiah at the time of His birth represented all social and economic levels. He desired that we realize we are all accepted. Lets celebrate His birth. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

All I can say, Lord Jesus, is thank you for loving me so much. Amen!