“the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:9-11 KJV) [The Wise Men’s Witness — Matthew 2:1-12]
Imagine that you had become an expert in a field of study and one day as you were reviewing your field a new phenomenon appeared, never before seen. Imagine it further, as this new phenomenon became clearer and focused, a new revelation flashed into your mind. What would you do? How would you react?
Would you start on a two-year journey to find the one that was revealed by the new phenomenon? That is what the magi from the East did. Experts in their field, they discovered a new phenomenon in the field of astronomy — a star that was not there previously. And that star revealed a new king to them, one who would be prophet, priest and savior to the world. Their revelation would not let them rest until they had seen and worshipped the One whose star they had discovered.
While his birth didn’t make headline news in Jerusalem or even Bethlehem, it was the pivotal event of all history. And a star appeared to those who were looking for his birth. It still amazes me that our Lord’s birth was announced to the wise men of the East, probably about the time angels were serenading a group of shepherds on a hillside just outside Bethlehem.
As we sing the Christmas story this year, note that most of our carols begin with the angels’ herald of the baby’s birth, move to the shepherds finding him in a manger and tell about the wise men worshipping him. And all people — believers and doubters — are invited once again to bow before him in worship.
The angel of the Lord directed the shepherds to the new king. A star led the wise men to him. Christmas still points to who he is. The wise men did not question his identity, they simply fell down in worship. Wise men and women still worship him! “O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him. O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.”
Dear Father, thank you for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Empower us to worship him all the days of our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and follow Christ – the star of all stars,