It’s been said that if the wise MEN had been wise WOMEN things would have been different at Christ’s birth.  They would have asked directions. They would have arrived on time, helped with the birth, and would have brought practical gifts.  We get a laugh out of that, but let’s consider the areas in which the wise men were wise.

They were wise in their decision to search for Jesus.  These men were familiar with the world God had created.  They studied the stars and the solar system and were familiar enough with Hebrew writings to know that one day the Messiah would come.  Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”

They were wise in their determination to search for Jesus.  It is estimated that  the wise men traveled around 1,000 miles and took up to two years to find Jesus.  How many people would have been as determined to find the Savior as these men were?  We have Bibles on our shelves and a church on every corner; yet, many won’t travel 10 miles in a car to meet with the Lord (knowing that where two or three are gathered He’s in the midst).  Jesus was deserving of the time it took to find Him, and the wise men received a blessing because of their steadfastness.  Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

They were also wise in the devotion given to the Christ child.  When they found Jesus, they bowed themselves and worshiped Him.  Not only did the wise men offer their worship, but they also gave an offering of gifts.  They gave a gift worthy of his Lordship – gold (Revelation 19:16: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”), a gift worthy of His Holiness – frankincense (Isaiah 9:6: ” For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, THE MIGHTY GOD, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”), and a gift worthy of His sacrifice – myrrh (Matthew 1:21: “And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins.”).

This Christmas we would do well to follow these wisemen when it comes to worshipping our Savior.  May we not be so distracted that we forget to give Jesus the worship He is so worthy of receiving.

Merry Christmas,
Seth Mulford