The Visit of the Magi
What’s happening at this scene?
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 when it rose and have come to worship him.” …The star they had seen when it rose 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, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew’s Gospel chapter 2 verses 1-2 and 9-11
God had planned this even longer ago:
‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.’
Isaiah chapter 60 verses 1-3
What does it mean today?
The gift of Jesus’ birth was not only for his own people – the Jews – but for the whole world. It was God’s will that everyone – even those living in far-away lands- would have access to his light. Today, there are Christians living in almost every country of the world, speaking numerous languages and worshipping in all sorts of different ways – but the freedom to celebrate Christmas is not universal. In fact, for many, it is an illegal and dangerous activity.
How can we respond?
Open Doors supports persecuted Christians in over 50 countries around the world by encouraging them in their faith, providing emergency aid, campaigning for religious freedom and raising awareness of their plight. You can learn more by clicking the link below.
