The Mystery of the MagiSýnishorn

  Beyond the Nativity Scene 

 One part of the Christmas story that is very mysterious, highly unusual, but also deeply compelling, is the arrival of the “wise men,” also known as the “Magi.” Their association with Christ’s birth almost seems out of place and only Matthew’s Gospel mentions their visit. He gives no explanation or background to the Magi, yet there is a clear prophetic significance to their presence. They connect with something from the past, announce something about the present, and predict something in the future. 

In popular nativity scenes, the Magi have been portrayed as three camel-riding kings who attended the birth of Christ along with the shepherds and barnyard animals; but we know from Scripture that several aspects of this traditional folklore are incorrect. 

First, the Magi were not kings. The word “Magi” refers to pagan astrologers from the east who sought knowledge from the stars and planets, and interpreted dreams. Second, the Magi did not join the shepherds to visit Jesus on the day of His birth, they came on a separate occasion.[1] Finally, the Bible never specifies that there were only three Magi. All we know is that their caravan was large because all of Jerusalem knew when they entered town (Matthew 2:3). 

What intrigue they bring to the Christmas story! Rather than, as the song says, “We three kings of orient are…,” these strange stargazers came from foreign places to seek the Jewish King. How did a star guide them to this special Child? Why would they dare to call Him “King of the Jews,” confirming their praise with extravagant gifts? What was the significance of those specific gifts? Keep reading as we discover the answers to these questions, that reveal a crucial, but often neglected, aspect of the Christmas story: The Mystery of the Magi.

    

[1]The shepherds visited Jesus immediately after His birth (Luke 2:11-16),

while the Magi visited sometime after his birth (Matt 2:2), up to two

years later (Matt 2:16).