The birth of Jesus is the greatest event to ever take place on this earth. Nothing can match what He did for us. For unto us a child was born who was more than a man, but God, who came to save His people from their sins. Wow! What an amazing time this must have been for those people that saw and experienced Jesus’s birth in person. One such group of people that were able to participate in this glorious event were the wise men. And because this event was spectacular, I will share it with you all now. So in Matthew, chapter 2, it starts with, 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, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:1-6) What faith and knowledge of God’s Word did these men had to have, in order to know when Jesus would be born. This is amazing, for they knew their Messiah was coming into the world and were looking for Him. So it would make sense that they would want to worship their King.
The wise men were also very smart, and because of this, they were able to sense who was for the coming Messiah, and who was not. For this reason, did they know that Herod had no good intentions for Jesus but to kill Him, even as a baby, so they did not return to him. This is that story, 1“then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. Then they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” (Matthew 2:7-12) And here we have the main event unfolding unto these wise men. They followed the star in the east until it led them to where Joseph and Mary were, in their home. We don’t know how long after the birth of Jesus this was, but he was at least under the age of two when this occurred, for this is the age group that king Herod’s men killed later on after they left. The point of the matter is that they were able to finally see their King and worship Him.
These wise men of God knew who their king was right away when they met Him. The light around Jesus must have been vibrant, for He is Lord of all. Truly, He deserved their worship, as does He require ours as well. Their gifts were a symbol of their love for Him. Them being gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Though these things were valuable and very sought after, they were specially designed for Jesus, the King of Israel. Now, we don’t know exactly why these specific gifts were given to Jesus, but we know that the wise men had a reason unknown to us. Frankincense back then was often used in incense, while myrrh was often used in perfumes and medicines. And looking back into history, they were often as valuable as gold. So whatever uses Joseph and Mary had for them and their young child, Jesus, it must have helped their journey into Egypt go smoother. Of which they went to escape Herod the king. So these gifts were given to the Lord then, as we are to now give Him our heart, mind, and strength to Him also. By doing this, we show that we love Him. The greatest gift we can give to the Lord, our God, now is to follow Him and do His will. This is what Jesus desires for each person that believes in Him. We are not to stand idly by doing our own sinful things of the flesh, but become willful servants for His kingdom. Then, can His love come inside of us. Once this happens we are able to bless others as He blesses us. Truly, Jesus came into the world that we might find true love and also share that same love with other people. Isn’t He so good? Now, let us worship Him and give Him the praise and glory that He deserves.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, my King, I love You so much. I come at Your feet now and worship You. I give You all the glory, all the power, and all the praise to You, my dear Savior. Because You came, Jesus, into this world, there is a new light that shines brightly. We are not left alone, for You are here to lead and guide us safely home to Your presence on high. We have peace in this life because You brought peace into this world at Your birth. Gloria in Excelsis Deo, my heart sings out to my Lord and my God. In the name of Jesus do I sing out to You. Thank You, God, for coming down to this earth to save us from our sins. There is so much joy in my life now, for You have made my life joyous in every way. You have taken my sorrows away and replaced those feels of doubt with Your peace. My burdens are undone, for You have filled me with Your love. Thank You, Lord. To think of Your birth makes me so happy. I can’t stop beaming from head to toe, because of what You have done for me and all people that believe in You. Goodness cannot even describe the type of person You are. You are more than good, but gracious, kind, compassionate, forgiving, merciful, loving, humble, gentle, patient, obedient, honest, self-controlled, and prayerful. These are the types of qualities I wish I could have, therefore I abide In Your love always. May I be an example of Your love for all people, young and old. I wish to bless others as You have blessed me. Thank You for rescuing me. You are the greatest part of my life now. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 2 (KJV)
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,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
