When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matt 2:10-11
The baby Jesus is no doubt one of the most familiar and acceptable concepts surrounding Christmas. What’s not to love about a sweet, soft, warm and rosy newborn baby? The baby Jesus at Christmas time has been celebrated and commemorated for over two thousand years. Most denominations will uphold the month of December with a hardy acknowledgment of the birth of the Christ child. Over the years there’s also been a widely upheld belief that Christmas is all about peace and goodwill toward our fellow-man. We’ve bought into the idea of a sentimental season to show benevolence and generosity and step away from our troubles and bring a little bit of joy to the world. And of course, the media has encouraged us all to get a little something for ourselves as we’re checking off our naughty and nice lists.
The why of Christmas cannot be fully appreciated with any soul throbbing significance apart from the “what” in the night that the wise men came to see Jesus.
“What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? The casual onlooker knew that Jesus was Mary and Joseph’s son. But the wise men have much to tell us in their response to Jesus once they laid eyes on Him.
No one knows for sure who they were. It may be likely that they were from a prominent class of royal advisors in Persia. Perhaps they had heard about the Messiah from the Jews scattered through their country since the captivity. They may have read the prophet Daniel since he was a prominent leader in Babylon and Persia centuries before. Somehow they had knowledge of the Jewish Messiah and, through this special star, God had revealed the Messiah’s birth. (J.C. Ryle)
Nevertheless, the wise men responded to the light God gave them by seeking the Lord Jesus Christ. They were clear in their purpose: We “have come to worship Him” (2:2). In spite of many obstacles, they sought this newborn King until they found Him; and finding Him, they worshiped Him.
Several things could have hindered them from seeking and finding the Savior. These men had to go on a long, difficult journey. You and I can get on an airplane, we simply can’t identify. It took them weeks or months. There were nights in the cold and the constant danger of robbers. Can you imagine how these Gentile magi felt? They had traveled for weeks to worship the newborn King of the Jews.
They had wealth and influence. But what does scripture reveal in their response? They are bowing down on the dirt floor of a modest home in Bethlehem before a Jewish baby, proclaiming Him as their own Sovereign and King! Verse 10 tells us that when they saw the star as they left Jerusalem bound for Bethlehem, “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew gives us several superlatives to let us know that these men were excited! When they got to the house, they weren’t hindered by their own dignity or pride from falling in worship before the Lord Jesus.
We no longer worship Him as the Babe of Bethlehem, but as the risen, sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, who is returning in might and majesty to reign forever. Herod and the Jewish religious leaders kept their pride but missed their King. The magi sacrificed their comfort but gained Jesus as their King.
After the magi gave their gifts, “they departed for their own country” (2:12). They quietly returned home and went on with their lives. But they were different men now, men who by faith had seen the King and worshiped Him.
What does this say to me and to you? This Christmas, yes, let’s remember that He came to be our Savior (oh thank you Jesus!) but He is also Lord. May we like the wise men fall on our knees and worship Him. And may we remember His rightful rule in our hearts and lives.
There can be no “peace on earth” or in our lives until there is first “glory to God in highest”.