Vicar's Voice, 1 December 2019

Traditionally we have always thought of the wise men who visited Jesus as being three in number. This is because there are the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh mentioned in the Scripture (Matthew 2:1-12). But the number is not specified. There could have been 2 or 42 or 26. I am inclined to think there were more than just three.

Typically, in pageants and on Christmas cards we see these gifts depicted as small packages carried by the wise men and offered to baby Jesus as love offerings to him. But I would like to challenge this picture we have conjured up over the years. If these visitors coming from a very distant place, travelled so far on their camels, to honour a new king, would they only bring a few small packages? Not likely. They probably brought several camel-loads of gold, frankincense and myrrh, all packed in “treasure chests” (v. 11).

These men were also known as magi or magoi which implies much more than just wisdom. They were more like sorcerers and practitioners of occultic activities according to the ancient religions of their home country, probably somewhere east of Babylon. They were not believers in Yahweh, the Almighty God of the Jews, though they probably knew something of the Jewish religion through travellers from Israel.

They would have a strong affinity to astrology and were searching the skies when they saw the Star of the King. They had observed the star and knew, perhaps through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that this was the sign of the coming Messiah of the Jewish people. So, they head off to Jerusalem, following the star, to find this king. The amazing thing we note in the scriptures is that when they arrive, they tell King Herod that they have come to worship the new king! They have already decided they are giving up their previous religious pursuits and now they want to follow this new King of the Jews! No wonder Herod was not impressed, he was supposed to be the king. He and all Jerusalem were frightened. What if the magoi were right, what a pickle he would be in. He became king through dishonest means and was known for his cruelty and exploitation of his subjects. He had good reason to be afraid, if God is going to visit right now, he has got some explaining to do.

The magoi find Jesus. Literally, when they saw the star “stop and stay” (as the old carol puts it), they were filled with joy! When they entered the place where Jesus was staying, they fell down and worshipped him and presented their gifts. They had already grown to love the Lord and were devoted to him. I am sure that when they returned to their home country that they told others about what they had seen and done.

Jesus still calls us today to share the good news of his birthday and the significance of his life and ministry, and his death and resurrection. Our sins are forgiven, and we have the hope of eternal life when we put our trust in Jesus.

In Christ,

Alan Wood