Did you ever notice the details of the Christmas story are jarringly humble? A young virgin, a common carpenter, submission to unreasonable authority, an arduous trek, a stable, a manger, lowly shepherds. And then…
Enter the Magi—wise men, kings, visitors from the East, Gentiles. Royalty arrives.
Jesus is not yet two. It is unclear whether the family returned to Nazareth or remained in Bethlehem, but they were unknowingly positioned for an amazing visit. Regardless of their address, a star supernaturally led wise men from the East to their doorstep.
Royalty joined the cast of humble participants in the Christmas narrative. When the kings saw the Christ, they fell to their knees and worshiped Him. Men who were wealthy, learned, prestigious, foreign, and respected, knelt before the King of all kings, presenting Him with rich gifts and highest praise. Isaiah foretold this event hundreds of years prior:
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn….
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.*
Both the lowly Jewish shepherds and the royal Gentile magi worshiped when saw they the Christ. When we see Him, not on the pages of a book but through the eyes of faith, we also fall down and worship.
Like the wise men, let’s accompany the worship of our King with unrestrained, freely given, generous gifts from our time, talents, and treasure.
*Isaiah 60:3,6
BARBARA HIGBY 