Shepherds, wisemen, or magi?
Whichever you call them, their story in the Gospel of Matthew is an intriguing part of the Christmas narrative.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled…; and he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men …and he sent them to Bethlehem… they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was… they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Let’s pray – Jesus our Savior. May the light of your love inspire us like the star of the East, and may we be changed like the Magi by our encounter with you. Amen.