A WORD TO THE WISE…
By Dwila Flynn
Christmas 2019
I have this thing with God. Every year, as the Christmas season approaches, I ask God for some fresh insight or revelation about Christmas to think about during the season so that Christmas will always be new and fresh—not old, redundant, or stale to me.
As I contemplated Christmas in early November, the “wise men” came to mind. The Bible has very little to say about these men. Here is a little bit of what it records.
(Mat 2:1-2 NLT) Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, {2} "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship Him."
History records that these men were astrologers who were considered the most intelligent of their time. Their positions were similar to Daniel and his three friends in the Babylonian Empire spoken of in the book of Daniel. The historians postulate that these men came from Persia, India, and Northern Africa. It is likely that there were more than just three “wise men” that came. They each likely had an entourage of men with them. Tradition says there were three because three gifts are mentioned—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
If historians are correct, it is interesting that these wise men came from various distant lands yet they arrived in Jerusalem at the same time declaring the same thing—“…we have seen His star AS IT AROSE and have come to worship Him,” They watched for the star to come, and then all followed that star SEEKING to find “Him”.
These astrologers were avid star gazers and saw this special star come up in the sky. They obviously knew of Jewish prophecies that connected a “star” with a Jewish “king” that was to come. They all felt compelled to seek after the one connected with this special star.
While pondering this, this phrase came by the Holy Spirit—“Wise men still SEEK Him.” We see this phrase all over Christmas cards and signs at this time of year. But, upon closer reflection, the phrase presents valid revelation. Webster’s dictionary defines the word “seek” as: 1) to go in search of; 2) to look for, 3) to try to discover.
Ahh, now we see the revelation. Just as the Biblical “wise men” had to go in search of, look for, and try to discover where Israel’s prophesied king was, so wise men and women today will diligently be in search of, look for and try to discover Jesus. Those “wise men” traveled for as much as two years, over hundreds of miles, across tough terrain, and in all kinds of weather. They show us that SEEKING IS INTENTIONAL AND TAKES EFFORT.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, determine to intentionally put forth the effort to SEEK Jesus. You may be amazed at what you discover! Have a Merry Christmas!
