Matthew 2:1-12
The story of the visit of the Magi is fascinating.
It is mysterious!
Mysterious wise men come from mysterious places following a mysterious star in search
of a child destined to be a king.
Mystery is the seed bed of the sciences, the philosophies, and the religions.
By searching out a matter, discoveries are made; discoveries of continents, principles, planets,
laws, and the ways and purposes of God.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the honor of kings is to search out a matter"
(Proverbs 25: 2).
"Seek and Ye shall find," said Jesus.
This is a story of adventure.
The lands to the east of Palestine have always been filled with mystery and romance.
We read between the lines of Matthew's story and fill in the details of the wise men's venture,
of their coming from ancient lands and of their visit to a Jerusalem palace.
"When they saw the star they stopped studying and began traveling."
The story is fascinating because we find that prophecy is fulfilled.
"Where is it that the Messiah is to be born?" Asked Herod.
"At Bethlehem in Judea," the prophet, Micah, had answered some 700 years before.
The contrast of this story are so very vivid.
The wise men are in contrast with the humble shepherds of Luke's lovely narrative.
And of course, the contrast between the wicked tyrant at Jerusalem and the Babe at Bethlehem
is exceedingly impressive.
The symbolism of this story excites our imagination.
We have the guiding star.
We also have the gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
We have wise men, (tradition makes them kings) bowing before a child born in a stable.
Song and story, music and the graphic arts, for over 2000 years, have caught the symbolism
of Matthew's story.
It is also great drama.
This is an inspiring story!
This story should inspire all who go on searches for wisdom.