"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."

Matthew 2:1-12

The Wise Men, or the Magi, are perhaps the most mysterious characters in the Christmas story. We aren’t sure exactly where they came from. We aren’t sure exactly how far they traveled. We aren’t sure exactly when they arrived. We don’t even know how many there were. We often assume 3 since there were 3 gifts, but we aren’t told there were 3. For all we don’t know, there are a few things we do know.

We know they were watchers. They saw what appeared to them as a sign in the sky. It wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t luck. They watched for signs. It’s what they did. This Christmas and New Year, I pray that we will be watchers, always looking for what God wants to tell us next. Never closed off to His direction and His guidance in our lives.

I pray that we will watch in His Word for the truth He has given us. The Wise Men somehow knew the prophecies of Micah the prophet. They quoted those words to Herod. How did they know about the Jewish Savior? We don’t know. But God has a way of revealing Himself to people who are watching. God has a way of speaking to people who are listening. As the Wise Men watched the skies, may we watch and listen for the ways God is speaking to us.

We know they were seekers. They did more than watch. When they sensed they had witnessed a sign, sensed they had been given a message, they moved. They followed it. They acted on it. When God speaks to us in this coming year, will we move? Will we follow?

It’s one thing to hear God’s Word. It’s one thing to sense God’s prompting. It’s something else to begin to move in the direction God is leading. The Wise Men had to move in order to discover what God had planned for them. Don’t just be a watcher. Move where God leads. Step when God shows the path.

We know they were givers. They brought what was precious and costly. They gave what they were led to give. In the very next verse (13), God tells Mary and Joseph to take the child and flee to Egypt because Herod wants to murder all of the young boys in the kingdom. Many believe the gifts of the Wise Men provided the resources Mary and Joseph needed to travel to Egypt and begin a life there before they returned home after Herod’s death.

You are probably celebrating giving today. Giving is a major part of our celebration of Christmas. You have purchased and wrapped and now, perhaps, unwrapped. There is joy in giving. There is joy in receiving. Giving isn’t just for Christmas. Giving is for all year long. May we be open to how God wants to meet needs in others’ lives through our generosity. May we live with open hands to see others and help others.

The greatest gift has come. A gift far greater than gold or frankincense or myrrh. The gift of a Savior who entered into our world, into our lives, has been given. Now, watch (and listen) for how He will direct you in the coming year. When you see His direction then follow. Move. Go. And always live your life with the open hand of generosity.

In doing so, you will live in the way of the Wise Men.

Merry Christmas!

Ken Sirmans