These wise men –the magi—were probably scholars from Persia or somewhere far east of Israel .  They were well received by the Herod's court which tells us something of their dignity.  However, it must have been the Holy Spirit who worked in their heart to bring them on such a long journey for the purpose of worshipping before an infant. To worship is to acknowledge God's worth. They were acknowledging that this was the one God sent to be the Messiah. Even more, they were worshipping the Messiah Himself. The Jews had been dispersed across the ancient world and took the Scriptures with them. These Scriptures spoke of the coming Messiah as one for all nations. “In Him shall all the families of the earth be blessed,” was the promise made to Abraham. These scholars believed what God said in His word. And they believed the time had come that the Messiah had arrived. It was such a glorious event. The centuries had come to their fulfillment; the King from Heaven had arrived. By their gifts they were pledging themselves as His subjects. ‘All that I am and all that I have belongs to you,’ is the language of worship. 

The paradox is that those who should have known about the Messiah did not know. These were scribes who had the Hebrew Scriptures. They knew where he would be born but they did not know he was here. They did not go investigate it. They did not have a heart for the Messiah. They let the magi proceed on their quest. It is strange that many in a society that has heard of Jesus often do not worship him. But may the Spirit help us to say: All I have and All I am, I pledge to Him.

The wise men were seekers. The scribes and Herod were indifferent. Which am I this Christmas season?

Thank you Lord Jesus for coming to be my Savior. I give you the gold of my affections as King. I give you the myrrh of sorrow for my sins.  I give you the frankincense of my joyful and adoring prayers. It is only by your work on the cross that we can be forgiven. The gift of Yourself to us is our greatest gift. We rest in the gift of your love. Lord may each who reads this article give himself/herself to You in surrender, in repentance, and in faith.