“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, 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.” (Matt. 2:9-11 KJV)
His birth was announced by angels. The shepherds broadcast it to the city. After that, Simeon and Anna were moved by the Holy Spirit and proclaimed him to everyone who would listen. Now, we should think that the chief priests and religious leaders at the very least would have embraced the Messiah. Yet, he was ignored for nearly two years until these wise men came searching for him. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). It is a sad truth that those who are not looking cannot see what is directly in front of them.
These wise men from the East — Gentiles — had been looking toward heaven and were blessed to discover an extraordinary star announcing the birth of an extraordinary person, which they concluded was a king. Note that our Lord’s birth was announced to the Jewish shepherds by an angel, but to the Gentile astronomers by a star. God “spoke” to both in their own languages and in the way they best understood. The purpose? To direct them to the same Christ. The Apostle Peter preached, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Act 10:34-35).
When these wise men understood that they were in the wrong city, they went to Bethlehem resolved to seek him until they found him. Obviously, King Herod didn’t think they would be successful in their search, otherwise he would have sent someone with them. Not one person of the court or religious establishment accompanied them. Evidently, no one was even curious to see the new king. Yet, the Easterners persisted in their search. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD” (Jer 29:13-14). The songwriter penned this determination, “though no one join me still I will follow . . . I have decided to follow Jesus.” It is essential to be personally committed to Christ even if we serve him alone. Matthew Henry wrote, “whatever others do, we must serve the Lord; if they will not go to heaven with us, yet we must not go to hell with them.”
These wise men were not bewildered by the circumstances in which they found the new king. The Holy Spirit revealed his identity to them and they fell down at his feet in worship, giving their gifts to him. Everyone who “finds” Christ will bow before him, submit to him, and worship him. He is Savior and Lord! The wisest people will humble themselves and faithfully worship Christ. We surrender ourselves – giving our most valuable gifts – to him.
Dear Father, thank you for your gift of Christmas. Empower us to give ourselves to you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by giving yourself to Christ,