Neville Turley

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.  Micah 5:2 (NIV)

One can but admire the courage and determination of the wise men (the Magi) who came from the East to worship the baby Jesus. In their studies, they had seen his star rise and determined to follow it. Their journey must have been one of epic proportions, with all the attendant dangers and discomfort that long travel involved in those days.  On reaching Jerusalem, they began asking; “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2)

Bad mistake! The question greatly disturbed King Herod the Great, who was not born King of the Jews. He had been made King of the Jews in 40 BC by order of the Roman senate, where bribery and corruption was rife, according to the Roman historian, Flavius Josephus.

King Herod was ruthless in securing his throne from any threat.  He was also an astute diplomat as can be seen in his handling of the wise men.  To assist the Magi in establishing where the Christ child will be born he called together all the chief priests and teachers of the law.  Bethlehem, they said, quoting Micah 5:2.

Herod then instructed the wise men to go to Bethlehem and carefully search for the child. Once they found him, they were to return to Herod immediately and inform him, as he claimed he also wanted to worship the Christ child.

On their way to Bethlehem, the Magi were overjoyed to see the star again. It stopped directly over the place where Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus were.  On seeing the baby Jesus the Magi bowed down and worshipped him. 

This Christmas day many people will follow in the footsteps of the Magi.  They will pack churches throughout the world to worship Christ the king.  If you are in that number, say a prayer also for fellow Christians whose circumstances make public worship impossible. 

However, there are also believers who by their own free will have no links with any Christian fellowship. I would urge them to also bow down and worship our Heavenly Father this Christmas season.

Wise men do.

Prayer: Almighty God, may the Holy Spirit guide those you have called, to lead lives pleasing to you.  I ask this for Jesus sake. Amen