Reading # 25: The Wise Men And Their Gifts
Reflections on Christ’s First and Second Coming
A specially-prepared “star” guided the Magi right to the Bethlehem residence of Mary and Joseph. This star went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed (Matthew 2:9-10). Here we see the wise men hardly able to contain themselves (maybe dancing with their camels?) as the star of wonder hovers over the abode of the little King. At this point, Jesus is probably between one and two years old. Mary and Joseph are living in a “house” in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:11). Perhaps this is the same house where Jesus had been born—in an animal shelter underneath the house, or adjacent to it. But the shepherds who were the first to visit the Christ child are long gone. This means, of course, that our modern day nativity scenes are chronologically incorrect. The wise men didn’t actually show up at the manger and stand alongside the shepherds just hours after Christ’s birth. They arrived many months later. Nevertheless, we all love the look of our crowded nativity scenes which compress the entire Christmas story into one heartwarming snapshot.
Mary and Joseph weren’t expecting company like this! Try to imagine the astonishment on their faces when this entourage of foreigners came knocking on their door! How did the Magi introduce themselves and explain why they were there? Did they just point up into the sky at the star? All we know is that, when they were invited inside, they had finally found the one they were looking for! On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him (Matthew 2:11). The wise men humbly entered into the little King’s presence. They got low in order to acknowledge his highness. Grown men fell on their knees and put their foreheads to the floor, not merely paying homage to royalty. They seemingly understood that this boy on Mary’s lap is the King of Kings who deserved their worship! King Jesus deserves our worship too! Even if we don’t bow down bodily before him like the wise men did, humble adoration should at least be the posture of our heart.
Significantly, the Magi also came into his presence—with presents! After they picked themselves up off the floor, they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, [as well as the exotically fragrant spices and perfumes] frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The wise men had not come before the King empty-handed! They offered to the boy the kind of extravagant, expensive gifts you would give to royalty. Notice that Bible tells us the wise men presented three gifts to Jesus. This is interesting because Scripture never says how many wise men went on this journey to find the King! There could have been ten or more, for all we know. But traditionally we envision three Magi only because these men, however many of them made the trip, brought the Christ-child three gifts. So, in passing, I will point out that the title of a certain Christmas carol apparently gets it wrong in every way! We Three Kings Of Orient Are. No, the Magi weren’t “kings.” There probably weren’t “three” of them. And they weren’t from what we now call the “Orient” (far east Asia). But other than all that, it’s a great title!
The wise men bringing gifts to Jesus became the forerunner of our modern day practice of gift-giving at Christmastime. Presents lying under our Christmas trees will soon be opened, if they haven’t been already. This time of year, many of us make gift lists that contain the names of people we want to give something to. Some of these names might not be crossed off your list yet because you’re still trying to figure out what to get them. How about Jesus? Is he on your Christmas gift list? What are you planning to give him this year? Probably not gold, frankincense, or myrrh! But how about investing more of your time and resources to help those who are poor, needy, and marginalized? Keep in mind that Jesus himself said (later on in this same gospel) that when we feed the hungry, offer a cup of water to the thirsty, attend to the sick, provide clothes for the destitute, visit those in prison, or show hospitality to the lonely, we’re actually giving these gifts of mercy and compassion TO HIM! (Matthew 25:34-40) Think of something to give Jesus this year! You aren’t a wise man (or woman) if you come into the presence of your King with idle or empty hands!