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| Adoration of the Wise Men by Murillo (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Psalm 72:11
King James Version (KJV)
As we approach the Christmas date when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, we might do well to remember the journey of the three kings or wise men--the Magi. The signs of Christ's coming had been foretold for generations from the days of Adam. Did it take a sign in the heavens for the Magi to know about the coming Christ? Did they know why they were going to Bethlehem?
They were "wise men" as tradition tells us, but from whence did their wisdom come? They may have been studied in the prophesies that had previously been declared. Or perhaps they were moved by the spirit. We don't know absolutely why they came or who they were, though there is much speculation based on historical study and early church tradition. The point is that these were important men--royalty even. These were men of high intellect and influence.
If important men like the Magi sought to find Christ and bow down to worship him, wouldn't it make sense that we all should be doing the same?
As we rush and stress about the festive holiday season, don't forget to take pause to praise Jesus and worship the One True King--Lord of lords, the Messiah. If earthly kings were concerned about the Christ, shouldn't we also be thinking about Jesus during the celebration of his first coming to this world as we await his next coming?
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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."
Matthew 2:1-2
New International Version (NIV)
Absolutely, Arlee! And yet, every year we get off track during this Advent journey and find ourselves on the road to the mall instead. Thank you for pointing us in the right direction again.
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