Tuesday

December 8

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem….10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matthew 2:1-10 (KJV)

For centuries, men have researched and debated the meaning behind the three wise men and their precious gifts.  A lot of what we “know” about these men is really just conjecture.  These three men are invariably described as “kings,” “wise men,” or “magi.”  They were most likely astronomers or astrologers who studied the stars and practiced some sort of what Christians and Jews would consider evil magic.  The word “magi” is where we get our root for “magician.”

Prior to this experience, these men were most likely not of any Judeo-Christian background.  Three magi came from the east (of “orient”) and brought a Jewish boy, albeit probably not a newborn infant, gifts that were fit for a king!  And they rejoiced and were exceedingly glad when they met him.

Let us rejoice in the child who is worth the search.

Dear God, we celebrate Your Son who is worth the journey to discovery.  Help us to rejoice in the one who delivers us from empty religion to faith.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Nathan Gilbert