One of the many traditional Christmas carols we often hear and sing this time of year is We Three Kings. It was written by John Henry Hopkins in 1857. Go ahead—sing a few lines!
Now, I hate to topple a much-loved tradition, but there were likely more than three kings who traveled afar to visit Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). The Bible doesn’t say exactly how many there were, but it was probably quite a large group of men. Which brings up another point— they weren’t kings either. They were foreign dignitaries, members of a Persian priestly class, who were wise advisors to the king.
We don’t get this from the Christmas carol, but many manger scenes also portray the wise men visiting Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus the night He was born in Bethlehem. But that is incorrect as well. The only ones who paid them a visit that night in the stable were a group of local shepherds (Luke 2:8-16). Although the wise men were still in Bethlehem, it actually wasn’t until some time later in a “house” that they “bowed down and worshiped” Jesus (Matthew 2:11).
Even though tradition has struggled to keep the details straight, it still doesn’t change the fact that a number of wise men from the east followed some sort of astrological sign that led them on a search to find a real king—the promised king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2). And when they finally tracked Him down, their first response was to worship Him (Matthew 2:11). Why? Because even though Jesus was a small child, they understood that He was the Son of God. They were in the presence of the Savior of the world.
Whatever traditions we might have, may we also do the same as we grasp the truth of Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18
More:
Worship was a common response by those who grasped who Jesus truly was. Check out Matthew 14:33, 28:9, and John 9:38.
Next:
What are some gifts of worship you can offer to Jesus today? How do your family traditions celebrate the truth of Jesus’ birth?
jstabel on December 8, 2011 at 12:22 am
Thanks Jeff for the reminder and for drawing my attention to the fact that the wise men worshipped Christ in a “house’ and not the manger.I often read it but miss that point.Thank God for the savior that came to dwell with me(man).
Alvin on December 8, 2011 at 6:48 am
bottomline, tradition may mislead us… it may draw us to believing in accounts that really didn’t happen…
The answer is to search the Scriptures personally, meditate on the Word and seek God’s wisdom and guidance on the things we could barely understand. Praise You Lord for Your majestic Word!
Thanks Jeff for the reminder…..
Hoverjeff on December 8, 2011 at 8:02 am
Yes, Jeff..very good reminder. I do question your statement that the Magi worshiped Jesus as the Son of God.. I thought they worshiped Him as a King. I had been taught before that they were king-makers.