December 20

“… Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” —MATTHEW 2:1-2

When the Magi were following the Star of Bethlehem in search of a new born king, they were seeking for something that would give them meaning and purpose to life. Inside every human heart, there is that same need – to find something outside of ourselves that transcends beyond our mortal lives to which we can relate.

Though we don’t know what star the Magi saw, we know that it spoke to them about the birth of a new king whom they wanted to worship. In their search for meaning and purpose, this new king was something they began to place their hope in. They weren’t only inquisitive and curious, but physically followed the implication of it.

There have been various attempts to identify the Star of Bethlehem with the line up of planets at the time of Christ’s birth, and how that may explain the Magi’s understanding of a king being born. Though not substantiated, there is speculation around that time, there was a triple conjunction of the planets Saturn, Jupiter and Mars. In those days, Jupiter was understood to be the star of kings and Saturn was associated with the Jews. In combining Jupiter and Saturn, the interpretation was that of a king of the Jews being born.

The Magi were not seeking fulfillment in any kind of superficial pursuit, but to find God, Himself, and to worship Him. When Herod decreed the massacre of all baby boys in Bethlehem, Joseph was warned in a dream, and fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Hosea had written 800 years earlier, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” After Herod had died, Joseph returned to his home in Nazareth where Jesus grew up. The book of Isaiah, written 700 years before, says, “He will be called a Nazarene”, and this was before the town of Nazareth existed. We have much more reason to believe Scripture than because of what it says, but because of its prophesies, written centuries before, that came to fulfillment.

Our search for meaning and purpose to life is not found in temporary passing fads, but in something deeply rooted that goes back in time and deals with the future as well as the present. It is only in that which is eternal we find significance and meaning to our lives. Christmas brings the story of the birth of Jesus, and what the Magi discover is that in our three score years and ten, life will only find meaning when we start to connect and become integrated with the much bigger story, which is God Himself, and the redemption of humankind.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, the whole human race is blessed with the birth, death and resurrection of Your Son. Thank You for sending Him as our only means to eternal life with You.

TO REFLECT UPON: Is my pursuit of happiness and joy designed with eternity in mind?