Christmas ViewpointSample

The Magi Quest

'After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”'

Most crèche scenes include the Magi, but interestingly, these men never darkened the door of the stable where Jesus was born. They met him much later. Bible scholars estimate about two years later because the scripture no longer calls him a newborn but a 'child'. Over the years, we have conveniently included them at the scene of the manger, which might be the source of confusion.

The only reference to these men in the Bible is in chapter 2 of the Gospel of Matthew and, depending on the Bible translation, they are called wise men, kings, or 'magi', meaning a member of a priestly caste. They are knowledgeable in astrology as they identify the Star of David prophetically, signifying the arrival of the Messiah.

It seems these men of science are driven to find answers. They studied the historical scriptures and the formation of stars in the sky, and all information seemed to be in proper alignment with the birth of the Messiah. '"Where is the one who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the East, and we have come to worship him.”' (Matthew 2:2)

It seems these men are driven initially to satisfy their quest for knowledge. They had a deep desire to connect all the dots.

The Magi’s quest for information was a noble pursuit, but was the outcome what they expected?

Viewpoint Reflection

When was a time your quest for more information led to an unexpected transformation?