Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the
King, behold, there came WISE MEN from the East to Jerusalem saying,
"Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the
East, and are come to worship Him.... And, lo, the star, which they saw in the
East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child
was." (Matthew 2:9)
The WISE MEN recognized and understood the meaning of the star. Their wisdom
can be characterized as, "the children of Issachar, which were men that had
understanding of the times." (I Chronicles 12:32) The quest of these wise
travelers began with a revelation from God and continued by God's
providence. In wisdom they doffed their worldly concerns and allowed the
Heavenly Father to lead them. As Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses before
them, they sensed God's leading and understood.
By faith, the WISE MEN followed the pointing star. By faith, the WISE MEN
set out on a journey to pay homage to a newborn King. These educated men
whose counsel was probably highly sought after, lived their life by faith.
In the Gospel of St Matthew we are told, "...we have seen His star and are
come." (Matthew 2:2)
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Obediently, the WISE MEN followed the star. God sent them a sign of the
Messiah Himself, signifying the light He will shed upon the world. In
ancient times a star signified a god, a deified king. The WISE MEN trusted
in the Lord and followed the star into an uncertain direction. The WISE MEN
obeyed the will of God. We are given a specific example of the obedience of
the WISE MEN in Matthew 2:12, "Then, being divinely warned in a dream that
they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another
way." Due to their obedience we can assume that according to the Gospel of
St. Matthew, these Wise Men were among the first to honor the infant Lord
Jesus.
St. Matthew, writing for Jewish Christians, cites the Gentile WISE MEN as
among the first worshippers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to worship the
King of Kings and Lord of Lords we know the WISE MEN arrived unexpectedly.
Yet, their gifts were significant of a newborn Savior.
Gold, from one represented the Christ Divine, the King of Kings. The Lord
Jesus Christ laid aside His eternal wealth for His earthly ministry.
Frankincense represented God; the fragrant aroma of Life itself, The Prince
of Peace came willingly to give His life. It also was representative of His
priesthood. Myrrh represented the death that was to come of our Lord and
Savior. The WISE MEN knew of the impending sacrificial life of the Lord
Jesus Christ. They foresaw that the Lord Jesus Christ would suffer and die.
Wisdom is a high degree of knowledge by learned men. The wise use good
practical judgment. The wise can make true and right decisions. In the
"Fraction of St. Epiphanius" we are told:
.... Wisdom is brighter than the sun and all the stars.
Wisdom is the light of the Father, existing with Him from Eternity.
Wisdom has existed from Eternity; she renews everyone.
She enters the souls of the righteous through all ages.
Wisdom is more precious than pearls, and unequal to all honors.
Wisdom has counsel, might, and knowledge.
By wisdom kings reign, the great men are honored.
And the princes of the earth govern!
Wisdom loves those who love her and protects those who keep her.
Those who seek wisdom find grace!
Wisdom walks in the way of justice, and moves in the path of truth.
Wisdom grants richness to those who acknowledge her, and fills their
treasures with joy.
We can tell why the WISE MEN were considered truly "WISE" MEN by
contemplating on the lessons their examples teach us. First, they followed
the star sensing God's leading. Isaiah 2:3 plainly states, "And He will
teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.
With the Glorious Feast of the Nativity renew your commitment to allow God
to direct your life.
As "Wise" MEN they responded in faith. The faith of the WISE MEN was an
active one. They responded to the will of God. One can only imagine what
hardships and uncertainty they faced traveling to pay homage to the newborn
Lord Jesus Christ. One thing is certain though; God was not secondary in
their life. The Magi is symbolic of the Church whose membership is
determined by faith, not ethnic ancestry. An active faith, such as that of
the WISE MEN, will always place God and the Church first and foremost in
your life.
The WISE MEN never lost sight of what they were seeking. They were informed
that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. They trusted and obeyed the
Divine Inspiration they had received. We also must obey the Word of God
found in the Bible. We, as the WISE MEN, through obedience will find the
true "Bright and Morning Star."
The wisdom of the WISE MEN sent them searching for the King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. Gifts prophetic of a life to come were given to our Lord and
Savior. Gifts befitting more than an ordinary king were presented. Do we
offer the Lord Jesus Christ our best gifts as the Magi did?
In contemplation of the approaching Glorious Feast of the Nativity let each
of us follow in the example of the WISE MEN and allow the Lord Jesus Christ
to direct our way. Ask for faith that you might see the path of God. Follow
where the Lord leads you. Trust and obey His Instructions. Humbly pray that
as you travel life's journey, you will worship as the WISE MEN. Kneel before
the infant Child. Experience true joy in "the Wisdom of God." (I Corinthians
1:24)
Ask for insight and wisdom as each day unfolds. His is the greatest and most
challenging Mystery from first to last. Perhaps this is why "WISE" MEN still
seek Him......
May the blessings of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
H.G. Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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