I’ve often wondered, what was the experience like for those Magi who visited Jesus? When they set out on their long journey to follow the new star in the night sky, what were they expecting to find? We get little insight in the Christmas Story about them and their experience.
They were educated men, considered to be among the most wise of their people. They were men of influence. They had enough clout to gain an audience with King Herod. They were wealthy. The length of the journey and the gifts that they brought proved that… but what did they think about Jesus when they found him?
I mean, they had to be expecting silken sheets and palaces, right? Surely they were picturing earthly royalty and authority. I can’t imagine they were prepared for the humble family that they finally encountered after their months long journey.
How many conversations did they have on their trip in the evenings about who they expected to find? How much did the anticipation build as they drew closer to the end of their journey? And then, when they finally found Jesus, how did they feel about who they found? There is no doubt they were confident in their prediction for the reason behind the new star, because Matthew tells us that despite finding Jesus in the most humble of situations… they worshipped him. And then they went home.
So… how did that story end? Did they just go on about their normal lives? Did they seek to keep track of Jesus as he grew older? Were they aware of all the miracles he performed as he did ministry? Were they even alive still when he went to the cross? I guess we will never know the answers to these questions this side of Heaven, but one thing is sure, they encountered the High King of Heaven. How that encounter effected their life, however; might remain a mystery.
Have you encountered the High King of Heaven? How has that effected your life? What act of worship can you bring him as a gift this Christmas season? Because one thing is certain, despite his humble birth, he is worthy of our worship.
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