Advent 2006
The Magi

After stopping in Jerusalem, the Magi followed the star to find Jesus. Note that they stopped not at the manger of Bethlehem but at His house. It seems certain that Jesus was no longer a new born and, as a result, the event probably did not take place in Bethlehem. The ordering of the death of boys two years and younger seems to indicate that Jesus could have been as old as two. We know these “wise men” brought three gifts but there is no indication of how many Magi there were. The popular Christmas carol is uncorroborated on two points—they were not kings and there is no proof of 3 in the party of travelers. The gifts presented carry the marks of prophecy. Gold as a precious metal has through the ages been a special gift to royalty. Frankincense was an expensive fragrance having special significance in Old Testament Worship. The Magi knew Jesus was royalty and brought Him gold and because they came to worship Him as deity, they brought Him frankincense. The gift of myrrh was, however, another story. Myrrh was used for embalming the dead. Why would this gift be given to the new, young King? The gifts of the Magi show us that Jesus Christ was God, King and Savior. Today, we all must worship Him acknowledging Who and what He is. Even at the celebration of His birth, we must never forget why He came. Jesus Christ was born to die. Thanks be to the Triune God of Scripture and the Universe for providing the Savior from our sin and His wrath.