We now turn to the Magi, and hopefully we shall uncover what God reveals to us in this aspect of the Christmas narrative related in both Matthew and Luke. The Magi do not appear in Luke, but appear in Matthew, and I think that a Kingly connection is probably what is pertinent. They came from quite a distance in the East, and it is mostly accepted that they arrived around 2 years after Jesus’ birth. Hence the need for the Star that appears. The star leads them to Jesus’ temporary home in Bethlehem, What we seem to cram into 12 days this Christmas narrative was 2 years in the making. It sort of punches definite devastating holes in traditional narratives that we repeat year after year, where in some homes, come 26th December the decorations have gone, the carols, books and songs consigned for the darkness for another year. Yet the Biblical narrative knows no rush to complete.
The language of the Magi to Herod the Great is marked with knowledge. They called the Star, “We have seen His Star in the East.” They associated the star with the announcement of the birth of a great King. They were accustomed to the movements in the heavens and made interpretations regarding them, yet this star must have defied all interpretation and I am sure through all their spiritual context, God surely must have got through to them. We know this by their gifts which symbolised the identity of the Messiah fully. These were men guided by wisdom. They were of the type of Joseph whose wisdom shaped the nation of Egypt in His time.
There are many signs in the Christmas story, but none shines brighter than this star. This Star being identified in Revelation 22:16 as Jesus the Morning Star. Yet what we miss is that here there is a transition taking place. Isaiah 14:12 says that Lucifer was the Morning Star, yet now Jesus in Revelation has replaced Him. This has all to do with the keys of Revelation, which spoke of the dominions that Jesus took from Lucifer through His Earthly mission. It seems from Hebrews 2, the subjection of all things is absolute yet what we see around us it seems we are not experiencing it fully. You may cast your eyes on the last year and verify what you feel that you missed. The struggles in many areas, where you sensed you thoroughly lost sight of these truths. God then shines a light in the darkness, as Isaiah says, in which those who were in the shadows were brought into the fulness of light, Isaiah 60 speaking for us to reflect that light that has come to us. That light is not an element it is Jesus Himself, for this reason the Magi named it His Star. The star is what appears as a precursor to the full light of day, and Jesus for us now is a forerunner to darkness being banished forever.
We must recognise it is His Star, then receive His Message, because it is an announcement that whilst the full light of the sun there is a proclamation of the Morning Star who promises the spiritual day. The gross darkness that covers the earth and its peoples is departing. This is that very message that motivates the Magi, to not only recognise the identity of the Star, but what His coming means. For them to know that a “Star” has come down from the heavens to rule over men was motivation for them to depart their usual studies, and their usual places of living. Christmas is about receiving afresh the Message, knowing its context. This time we are moving into a transition where is no longer a proclamation to receive the Saviour but to receive the King of all kings. Psalm 24 puts it well. It calls for the lifting of gates, opening of doors, to let the King of Glory come in. The question very often is “who is this King of Glory?” From those who should know. So much time has been given in preaching and teaching the coming of the Saviour that when the King is at the door, they recognise Him not. It is time for the Church to picture herself a Bride and love her Bridegroom. The Christmas story is prophetic because Christmas of a different nature is coming, we are to welcome Him and His Glory shall shine. We shall become His participants of His Coming if we reflect Him in our offering of life and service. What we will do to meet Him? The Magi knew that the Star beckoned them as the Call of God did for Abraham to leave Haran, to God’s land.
Then from receiving His Message they must reach Him by going to Him. The Coming of Christ is many times about Him coming to us, for us, yet there are aspects in the intimacy of these things, in their comprehension, that there is a sense we must go out to Him. Matthew 25 speaks of the Virgins who go out to the Bridegroom who comes…albeit late, yet 3 things they needed when He comes, a lamp, the oil, and the fire. In these days it is these things we need to prepare in our spiritual journey…we need the Word, the Spirit and the Fire. It is these things that qualify us to Meet Him.
Their journey is long and hard, and determination because of their discovery of the significance of this Star is what motivates them. Are you journeying in your spiritual walk to meet with Him? Has the way been long and hard? Yet the effort, the sacrifice shall pay off, because the Star shall guide you. And in whatever form you encounter Him, no matter if it is outside your expectation you will recognise the King. It is time for us to recognise the King. The journey prepares us for this.
And when they came to the place of His abode, they worshipped Him. God saw it fit to include them, because no matter He was a babe they showed the same reverence of their worship and God brought them into the intimacy of His Purposes. God is preparing a people of worship for these times. So that when we come to His place of Abode we shall know how to revere Him. Their gifts showed how much they comprehended Him. What will we offer Him this Christmas? Will our offering reflect His person?
In conclusion we must be like the Magi, recognising His Signs, receive His Message and reaching the distance to Meet with Him, this is Christmas! Be blessed.
Maranatha! Jesus we go to you quickly.
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