In Matthew, chapter 2, we read about the wise men and their journey to the manger.  This night contained their long awaited joy.

(my grandson Travis in the middle, with his two buddies)

The wise men came a long way.  They had been watching the stars, searching the heavens, for a long time.  Why did they come?  What do you see in your mind when you picture the wise men?  Were they “rough and ready”, tough, desert travelers, kicking dust, out to conquer any terrain?

Were they sages and seers, those who diligently studied the stars and sought the deepest truth through the signs of the heavens?

(from “The Story of Christmas” by Felix Hoffmann)

Were the wise men royalty, dressed in regalia, a presence of power and influence seeking to encounter  a greater mystery?

(from “The Indescribable Gift” by Richard Exley, artist Phil Boatright)

 

We can only imagine.  But here is what we do know.  There are two words which stand out in this scripture.  “We have SEEN his star in the east and are COME to worship him.” ( verse 2).  In the original Greek language, the word used here for “see” is not merely to observe or see with the eyes.  It is to see at a deeper level, to see also with the mind, to understand, to personally experience.  When the wise men saw the star, “his star”, it was not just any star, not just a special star with an exceptionally bright light.  What they saw was the light of Christ, and they KNEW.  They would follow this star to the ends of the earth because they had personally experienced the light of their salvation.  Their lives were changed forever.

So they came to worship the Christ Child.  The Greek word used here was not just to travel from one place to another.  The word here, “COME” was equivalent to “BELIEVE”. Worship then becomes a natural response to coming to Jesus and believing.  They were Kings who came because they believed and could do nothing less than worship the true King.  The Greek word here for “WORSHIP” is to fall prostrate in reverence and awe, and to adore.  ” And when they came they saw the young child…fell down and worshiped him, and opened their treasures.”

When we, by God’s grace, truly COME and SEE, would we not also fall on our knees before this child who is God and with everything in us adore him?  I want that!

nk

Pondering…

How do you picture the wise men?

How might you and I adore the Baby Jesus?

What treasure might we bring?