The Response of the Magi

When I became a mom the Christmas story took on a whole new meaning for me, especially that Mary pondered these events in her heart. The appearance of an angel, traveling to Bethlehem, giving birth in a stable, the visitation of the shepherds. Then in Matthew 2:10-11 we read that months later Mary is at home with her toddling son when there is a knock at the door. There stand several men, their attire showing they are obviously from another country. They are excited, overwhelmed with great joy. One look at her little son and they fall, faces to the ground, and worship him. Did Mary too rejoice at this unexpected visit, as she watched not only the jubilant worship but the lavish gifts presented to her son?

These Magi rejoiced, worshipped and lavished gifts on Jesus, the child born a king. I know Him as my resurrected Lord, the King of Kings, and I am amazed at my tepid heart of worship at times. I do not doubt that Mary pondered that scene in her mind throughout the years. Perhaps walking home from Jerusalem after Jesus was missing and found in the temple--His Father’s house; as he left home for his ministry throughout Galilee; as he hung on the cross. Three days later Mary no longer pondered--she knew! Did not her rejoicing surpass that day with the Magi? Did not her heart worship in a way worthy of the Son of God? Now Mary had something to carry in her heart for the remainder of her life. Not just the Christmas story, but the reason behind it. Scripture does not fill in the details of the Magi beyond their journey to Bethlehem and their return home. Did they ponder this event for the remainder of their life? Did they return home and share this good news with their countrymen? Perhaps more than 30 years later the gospel came to their own country. They saw the Christ child and they worshipped. The rest of their story is not known to us.

All of this, by grace, is my story too, and I want to rejoice with exceedingly great joy, for I know the fuller story. What the Magi knew caused them great joy. How much more should that be true for me? The Magi were led by a star and had a moment with the King. I have the light of God’s Word to enable me, not just a moment but a lifetime to know the King. Beyond that is eternity, and all of eternity will not exhaust my knowledge of Him. The journey of the Magi could not have been an easy one, but the sight of the child caused them to fall face down in worship. Our journey is not always easy, but it is wonderful to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, where our hearts will find great joy. What a glorious truth! And what is better yet, He is coming again--soon!

Pat Bowditch