I love the story of the Magi.

Referred to by various names – wise men, kings – they give us a picture of a people determined to celebrate and worship the infant King.

Some traditions say there were three of them, but Scripture only confirms that there were at least three gifts (Matthew 2:11).

The wise men prepared for worship; it was no happenstance activity for them. Their desire to worship cost them.

They left their country, invested in the necessary items for travel, purchased costly gifts, and spent months in travel on dangerous roads risking attack and hardship. Travel in those days required an entourage, so they would not have been inconspicuous on their journey.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, where they assumed the King of the Jews would be, they made no secret of their search. This landed them in front of a capricious king, who sought not to worship but to destroy.

Still, their determination continued and was rewarded by the appearance of the star, which led them to Bethlehem and the Christ Child.

Their search ended, they presented their gifts and they worshipped Him.

Lord, may my heart be so committed to worship that I allow nothing to stop me. Let the sacrifice of my heart and life be Yours. May this season be filled with the awe and wonder of You.

Matthew 2:¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

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