The Visit of the Magi
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 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." Matthew 2:1-2
"MAGI"
...We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar...
If you would like the lyrics or background of this song, written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins
please CLICK here
WHO WERE THESE TRAVELLERS THAT CAME SO FAR,
KNOWN TO MANY OF US AS THE
"MAGI"?
The Bible gives us the direction, East and the legend states that the wise men were from Persia (Iran) - Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar - thus being priests of Zarathustra religion, the mages. Obviously the pilgrimage had some religious significance for these men, otherwise they would not have taken the trouble and risk of travelling so far. But what was it? An astrological phenomenon, the Star?
It's something for us to think about, because the scriptures do not give us much information about them. But if you are curious for MORE information, you can read that at Answers.com. This was not the reason that I began a brief study on the MAGI or this post, yet I'm intrigued.
I explained when I started my blog, about "mazmagi" in one of my earliest posts here... and that is the URL of my blog http://mazmagi.blogspot.com ... I did not know enough or much about blogging and for some reason felt I needed to create something that identified this blog to me, without really identifying myself, and then they have you give a complete profile ... so that certainly was a good clue that it's not a secret alias identification, but you can be who you are.
[Briefly the "maz" was for where I was currently living in Mexico, abbreviated from Mazatlan, meaning "land of the deer" and also that "mas" (maz) means MORE added to the word "MAGI", which to me, meant gift bearer. When I first began "mission" service here in Mexico, I tended to be a "gift bearer" or at least, each trip, I would bring as much as I could to give away to the many in need. Nothing very grand just the very basics like shoes or gloves or even "coffee" (instant) since I was always being asked for "money for coffee", I was sure this was easier. Of course, I'd bring candy or toys for kids but I just never really brought or had enough but it was the thought that I think counted. I wanted to be MAGI, a gift bearer. I also thought my nickname in Spanish like Maggie, would be Magi...the trouble was that it is not spelled as I thought "Magi" but "Magui" (to get the sound right).] WOW...that was alot for briefly. :0( sorry!
Anyways, that is also the reason that I've chosen the background I use from The Cutest Blog and the header,that I tried to make fit right, of the "Star of Bethlehem". I kept loosing my blog in the process and no matter how many tries, I could not get the image to stretch across. But I did learn that there is an Advent series called from "Nazareth to Bethlehem".
However, as I start my first week of Advent, without a "Advent devotional" that I like, I began reading the various accounts of the events leading up to Christ's birth. Though the story of the Magi, is certainly not the first, it is the first one that leaves me wanting to know more.
I think of these travelers wandering, following a STAR and I can't help but be filled with wonder of who they are and why they were drawn to follow this particular star or better yet, why they were chosen to have a part in this story.
Since the first candle lit for ADVENT is that of HOPE or anticipation, I thought who besides Mary, was filled with such HOPE. And I decided that it must have been these wise men.
I identify with them somewhat, not because of wisdom or sorcery (heaven forbid) but because they were headed off on a journey, not knowing where they were going or how they were to go but GO they must. Much like my blog title indicates, they seem to be traveling in a MAZE, like I have at times in my life, as I start out on my own "seeking" a way. Their MAZE involved traveling many miles, gazing into a sky filled with stars, yet focused on one STAR. This star was their guiding force and pointed them to the place of their destiny. I try to put myself in their place and travel along this journey.
The best part of my journey, which was a MAZE for much of my life, that is similar to this journey of the MAGI, would be my decision to finally answer the call on my life to serve as a missionary in afar off land. Which one and what part was God calling me to minister? How was I to decide with the many needs and opportunities available? Where and for what was I equipped best? How would I know when I was in the right place that God wanted me to serve? If I followed the MAZE of my life and the preparation I had done, clearly it must be a Spanish speaking country. (after all I speak Spanish fluently and majored in the language). Now that eliminates alot of countries, but the amount left is still more than 20. And on and on, when my discourse... to eliminate. But you see God had a plan, God had my destiny, God knew all along. Why didn't I just ask Him? Why didn't I just TRUST Him that He really would make a way?
Well, He did lead me to where I am and He did confirm this place because I came and went many times and to other parts. Since I began this blog, I have shared about my SUSANA story, which is my confirmation of my journey here. But every so often, I need to look to the STAR and ask once more,
"Am I where you want me?"
"Am I doing what you purposed for me when you called me in sixth grade?"
"Have I wandered off course again?"
"Am I following You and the STAR or am I following my own way again, doing as I want not Your will?"
"Am I in a MAZE or am I just aMazed of Your Incredible Plan for me & each of us?
Sometimes we walk in a MAZE not knowing which way to turn, or which direction will keep us moving forward to the goal or destiny. Yet it becomes very clear that God needs to direct our steps.
That we need to keep our FOCUS and steer clear of dead ends. I don't think the wise men went around in circles or kept crossing the same desert or wilderness. They had a destiny and they were focused on following that STAR. They were WISE! All the preparations and studies had brought them exactly the route that their journey was meant to follow to end up at the precise time to behold a babe, lying in a lowly manger, that is the KING they were seeking.
We are SEEKING this King as well. We need a VISION! We need a DREAM! We need to closely follow Our Savior, Our Guiding Light, Our STAR ... and as we do, we become more aMazed at His Grace, Mercy, Power and WHO HE IS! We are filled with HOPE for His return. We anticipate the moment and yet we wander and we wonder...
When will we meet Him face to face?
WHO IS THIS KING of GLORY?
Dear God, I may not have excellence or be as wise as some people, but this one thing I know, that Jesus Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for my sin and has risen to sit at Your right hand, so that I may receive Your forgiveness, a new life, and eternal life with You. Though I may be weak and fearful at times, I can be strong through the power of Your Spirit. God, please speak through me and live through me that I might touch the lives and hearts of the people I come in contact with each day. May You be glorified.
Father, forgive me for the many times I have gone ahead of you or done things my own way instead of WAITING for You to direct my steps. Forgive me for the times, I wandered in a MAZE. Forgive me for any time I take my eyes off of the STAR. Forgive me Jesus when I am not focused on You, when I am not following You or listening to Your Word.
Teach me, O LORD to follow with HOPE as the Wise Men did that night long ago, searching for You. Fill me with HOPE. Keep Your vision alive in me. Keep me following after You in all I do. Keep me on a path of righteousness. Guide my steps with Your wisdom, Your will and Your Word. Encourage me when HOPE grows dim. Prepare me.
May Your light be my light as You shine through me. Empty me and fill me with more of You. Thank You for leading me out of each MAZE and placing my foot where You desire that I serve. May I serve You with the love I show to others and how I show others Your Love for them. Thank You for being our HOPE.
I praise You. I exalt You. I give all Glory, Honor and Power to You and I AWAIT Your coming with a grateful heart... in Jesus beloved Name, I pray.
Twila Paris wrote this song and I heard it back when I felt this strong TUG on my heart to wander back in the mid 90s, the urge to GO was so URGENT and may HE GUIDE YOUR WANDERING:
FOLLOW THAT STAR, FOLLOW YOUR HEART
~ with God's WISDOM, be WISE ~
FOLLOW HIM
More Resources about the Magi:
