There are so many individuals involved in the powerful events in Christ’s arrival to earth. The time of Advent is needed for us to reflect and remember how the arrival of the Babe came to be.

For days, the wise men have been in the forefront of my thoughts.

We don’t know very much about them. They were distinguished and wealthy men who were commissioned by Herod “to go and search carefully for the child” (Matthew 2:8).

Scripture tells us they were guided to Bethlehem by a star they had seen in the east sky. It went ahead of them and only stopped when it came to the place where the child was.

It is this part in the story upon which my attention has been focused:

“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2: 11, NLT)

The wise men were guided by the star but they had to enter in to see Jesus. They could not remain outside the home. One glimpse of Jesus elicited joy and worship as they bowed down before Him.

“Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11b, NLT)

A few days of dwelling on these wise men has taught me three things this week:

1. May we place our trust in God. We are not told that the wise men knew where to find Jesus. We are told they followed the star until it stopped. May we place our trust in God and follow where He leads, even if we are not sure when we are not sure where He is taking us.
2. May we offer our worship to Him alone. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, for as we do, our response will be to worship.
3. May we offer Him our best. The wise men brought gifts which were considered extravagant in their day. May we do the same, offering Him our best. May we not hold back of our time, our talents, or our hearts.

May we not just “see” and stay separated, but fully enter in.
For wise men still seek Him.