Lessons from the Wise Men: Searching for Christ

No nativity set is complete without the three wise men presenting their gifts to the newborn Savior. While folklore often represents the presence of three men of royalty at the manger, the Bible’s account of the gift bearers offers a different perspective and a valuable insight into how we can pursue Christ this Christmas.

The Bible does not provide a record of how many wise men there were, but we assume they were from several different countries or nations. The Bible does tell us that they were from the East and were royal astronomers, also called “Magi,” who were tracking a heavenly phenomenon that rose to symbolize the birth of the king of the Jews, according to Old Testament prophets.

While their appearance in Scripture is brief, I believe there are three lessons we can learn from the wise men this Christmas season.

1. THE WISE MEN WERE OBSERVANT

As ones who studied the stars and planets, it is no doubt that the wise men had an eye for detail. Their knowledge of astronomy was something that was highly respected at that time, especially by kings. Yet with all of the importance that came with the job of a royal astronomer, the men never got swept up in their status and remained observant to this divine occurrence. Had they lost sight of the details, they would have missed their chance to meet Jesus.

For the believer, staying observant to the promises God has and is fulfilling in Scripture helps keep our hearts and minds prepared for his return. This Christmas, may we not be distracted by the busyness or stress of the season, and may we remain observant of all that God has done and has promised to do for His children.

2. THEY WERE PERSISTENT

When the wise men saw the star, the Bible says that they followed it to Jerusalem. There was no GPS and there was no “estimated time of arrival” given to the wise men. Instead, they packed up and followed the star with persistence and blind-faith. We aren’t told how long their journey was, but we can assume that it was not short.

As royal astronomers, the wise men were of the upper class at the time and assumedly used to living a comfortable life. But as soon as they saw the star, they knew that they were being led to the Messiah and left the comforts of home to pursue an unknown king in an unfamiliar land for an undetermined distance.

When they arrived at the house over which the star had stopped, I can only imagine that there was some confusion as they approached the door, only to see such a young mother tending to little Jesus. Mary and Joseph did not live in a palace, nor were they likely considered middle-class. Mary and Joseph were poor and young, not exactly the profile the wise men were probably expecting. Yet they continued on their mission and approached the house. Upon seeing the face of the Savior, they were certain that this was the child of whom prophets had foretold.

This kind of persistence is what God still calls us to today in our search for Christ. Though the path is not clear and the distance of the journey is a mystery, the faith to step out of our comfort zones and pursue Christ, is the ultimate act of faith as believers.

3. THEY WERE OVERJOYED

The Bible does not give much detail about the wise men, but in the short passage regarding their journey found in Matthew 2, it is clear that they were overjoyed and overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Jesus. We are told that when they saw Him, they bowed, worshiped Him, and presented Him with their gifts.

As Christians, we know that when we truly encounter Jesus, the joy that floods our spirits leaves us with no other response than to humble ourselves in worship before Him. Can you imagine how much better it is going to be when we finally see Jesus face to face? In the same way the wise men honored Jesus, so we will bow ourselves before Him and offer our heavenly treasures to Him as an offering of praise.

This Christmas season, I invite you to remain observant of all that God is doing, respond in persistent faith when you’re called, and don’t let the chaos and to-dos of the Christmas season keep you from being overjoyed that “for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). And when you sing, “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” may it be more than a carol, may it be the posture of your life.