The 11th Song of Christmas
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him…” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:1,2,9-11
Magi – commonly referred to as “wise men”. What made them so wise, so special, that Matthew would devote 12 verses to them? They were not Jews, not of the chosen race, yet they left their homes and traveled for about 2 years just to see the King of the Jews. So what made them so wise? Was it their knowledge or intelligence? Their experience or status?
Well, I’m glad you asked. These men had undoubtedly heard of the great Messiah from one or more of the Jews during their time in captivity. Perhaps the story had been handed down and told for many generations. So for many years, these men were watching, vigilant, for the sign of the Christ child. When it appeared, they recognized it and immediately made preparations to honor Him. They quickly gathered gifts fit for a King and began their long journey. When they found Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him!
So what made them so wise? They believed that God would keep His promise. They were attentive to the sign that God was at work. They searched diligently and dedicated their lives to finding the Savior. And when they found Him, they worshipped Him. That’s right, these gentiles, possibly rulers of foreign lands, acknowledged the incomparable sovereignty of the one and only all mighty God, in human flesh. Now how about you?
Wise men still seek Him and bow down before the great I AM in worship!
We Three Kings of Orient Are
by John Henry Hopkins Jr., 1857
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Magi – commonly referred to as “wise men”. What made them so wise, so special, that Matthew would devote 12 verses to them? They were not Jews, not of the chosen race, yet they left their homes and traveled for about 2 years just to see the King of the Jews. So what made them so wise? Was it their knowledge or intelligence? Their experience or status?
Well, I’m glad you asked. These men had undoubtedly heard of the great Messiah from one or more of the Jews during their time in captivity. Perhaps the story had been handed down and told for many generations. So for many years, these men were watching, vigilant, for the sign of the Christ child. When it appeared, they recognized it and immediately made preparations to honor Him. They quickly gathered gifts fit for a King and began their long journey. When they found Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him!
So what made them so wise? They believed that God would keep His promise. They were attentive to the sign that God was at work. They searched diligently and dedicated their lives to finding the Savior. And when they found Him, they worshipped Him. That’s right, these gentiles, possibly rulers of foreign lands, acknowledged the incomparable sovereignty of the one and only all mighty God, in human flesh. Now how about you?
Wise men still seek Him and bow down before the great I AM in worship!
We Three Kings of Orient Are
by John Henry Hopkins Jr., 1857
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
posted by Carl Wheeler at 1:11 AM
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