At the annual Christmas pageant, splendidly adorned in their fathers’ bathrobes and cardboard crowns, three squirrely boys, carrying packages, proudly parade to the front of the church as the congregation sings “We three kings of Orient are …” Perhaps you have participated in programs like this in your childhood.
It may be disappointing to learn they weren’t kings. The Bible says they were “magi” which, means “astrologers.” They weren’t Oriental but were more likely from Persia, Babylon or Arabia. They didn’t arrive in Bethlehem on the first Christmas night, but up to two years later. We don’t even know for sure if there were three wise men. Although tradition gives them names (Melchior, Balthazar and Casper), the only hint of three is the number of gifts.
What we DO know is that they followed a star to Bethlehem in search of the royal child and they are the first on record to worship and honor Jesus as King.
Why did God select pagan astrologers from so far away to be memorialized in the inaugural worship of his Son? They seem like the least likely candidates for such a privilege. He certainly could have found more appropriate prospects among the rabbis or temple priests closer to home.
BUT GOD specializes in least likelies! He works beyond our imagination. His love reaches beyond boundaries. God created and deeply loves everybody. All were designed to worship him — even the ones who seem far removed. Those who appear to be a long distance from God are not lost causes; they are lost treasures. Jesus came to earth to collect his lost treasures from every tribe, nation and tongue. Thus, summoning pagan astrologers from over 500 miles away to serve on his welcoming committee in Bethlehem is no stretch. It fits beautifully with his heart and mission for the world.
The magi carried unusual gifts for the newborn king. At first glance, we might scratch our heads and conclude these guys must have gone shopping without consulting their wives. How useful are gold, frankincense and myrrh to babies? Surely, they could have brought something much more practical. But God, in his infinite wisdom, knew exactly what was needed to memorialize the incarnation. From at least the third century, Christians have drawn beautiful symbolism from these gifts: gold (for Christ’s royalty — King of kings), myrrh (denoting his humanity — The Suffering Servant) and frankincense (declaring his divinity — our Savior and Lord).
These gifts weren’t some sort of benevolent care package. Instead, they were brought as expensive royal/political tributes of honor. But God saw a far deeper prophetic fulfillment. Only one other place in the Bible mentions gold, frankincense and myrrh: Exodus 30. In this passage, they come together in the altar of incense which stands in the Holy Place at the entrance of the Most Holy Place. It represents our deepest prayers and heart longings to fully experience God’s presence. Echoing this, the gifts of the magi proclaim Jesus as our Most Holy Place! He answers our deepest prayers. He meets our heart longings. He calls us unto holiness, and we are all invited in!
The Bethlehem pilgrimage carries hints of Isaiah’s prophetic words: “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn … Herds of camels will cover your land … And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD” (Is. 60:3, 6).
They came to Bethlehem bearing gifts for Jesus — but, ironically, what they carried symbolized the wonderful gift this child would offer to them: Himself! Eternal life! (Rom. 6:23). “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given …” (Is. 9:6a, NLT). “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).
Rev. Dr. Mark O. Wilson is the chair of the Division of Religion at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
