I like the story of the “wise men” at Christmas. These men, called magi, were astrologers. They searched the heavens for truth and understanding. But a few things separated them from the rest of the seers, interpreters, and soothsayers of their day, enabling us to call them “wise.”
First, they recognized something significant in the heavens. We don’t know how long they followed the stars, but it was apparently months, because Herod, whom they visited before finding Jesus, later ordered all males around the age of two to be killed in an attempt to eliminate this child “king.” Wise men recognize the presence of God, even in creation. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).
Second, they searched diligently for Jesus. They weren’t exactly sure what He looked like, but they knew they had to find Him. Wise men still do the same today. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” James wrote (4:8). Jesus set out this principle, too. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). The wise men sought Him and found Him. Wise men do the same today.
Third, they fell to the ground and worshipped Him when they found Him. That was an act of great humility for such dignified men. It required true wisdom for grown men to recognize their inferiority to a child. The same is true today. When we come in humility and fall in worship, we demonstrate an awareness of who we are compared to who He is. This is a mark of supernatural wisdom.
Finally, they “opened their treasure” and gave gifts to Him. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not cheap offerings. They signified the best these men had. I can imagine people asking Mary and Joseph, “Where’d you get all this gold?” Their response: “Well, these magi showed up at our door one day and worshipped our baby and gave us these valuable gifts.” Talk about a baby shower! When we give the very best we have to Christ, we demonstrate true wisdom.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s keep in mind this lesson. Seek Him, worship Him, and give your best. Then you, too, will be wise.
Randy Robison hosts the LIFE TODAY Plus channel on YouTube and Lightsource. He is the author of God Wants You To Be Happy.
