After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during King Herod's reign, the Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem was with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’’
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Scriptures used from Biblegateway.com
As we read these twelve verses about the birth of Christ, we learn that the Magi were three kings from the east who traveled to find the babe and worship him. They encountered King Herod; he wanted to know where the baby was. Knowledge of another king of Jewish heritage disturbed Herod.
King Herod said that he would go to worship the baby when the Magi found him. A star directed the Magi to Christ's exact location, and they were overjoyed.
Upon arrival, the Magi saw the baby with his mother, Mary. They worshipped him. Note, that their hearts were ready to worship. The anticipation yielded a readiness to lay everything else down. The Magi did not carry unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, or malice in their gift bags. Ephesians 4:31 reminds us to lay these things aside. Instead, they brought gold (it's always refined and pure), frankincense (it has anti-inflammatory effects - 5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths), and myrrh (This emanates a fragrant gum from Arabian trees. It symbolizes beauty and holiness. Some use it for embalming or perfuming).
The Magi were ready to worship Christ unapologetically. Do we have that same readiness?
Let's examine our relationships as we gather with family and/or friends. If this could be the
last time that you see someone, how do you want to engage and leave the encounter?
The Magi did not return to Herod to backbite (slander someone in their absence), spread rumors, or discuss how they worshipped. They simply brought gifts, pure hearts, and peace. What are we bringing this Christmas? He welcomes our visits, praises, prayers, and worship. Wise men still seek Him. Proverbs 13:20 advises that he that walks with wise men shall be wise. Let us be wise!
Blessings to you and your family during this special season and greetings for a healthy, safe, and wise 2025!
Call to Action:
1. Forgive.
2. Praise, pray, and worship Christ.
3. Walk as a wise person.
4. Purchase Fully Persuaded Faith to glean helpful prayers and Live Abundantly for wise
occupations on: www.marilynnjames.com.
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