They knew they were close, the light shining like a beacon in the night sky. Months they had traveled, following the celestial sign that would lead them to the Great King.
Astronomers believe the star the magi followed was not a star, but planets, likely Jupiter and Venus, whose orbit brought them close enough to appear to touch, their combined reflections of the sun making them shine brighter than ever before. History records the magi of the east to be great astronomers and scholars of prophecy. They must have spent years plotting the course of the planets, calculating the precise time they would intersect and shine brightly on the earth. Their study of prophecy, though they weren’t likely worshippers of the God of Abraham, revealed to them the place of Christ’s birth – Micah 5:2 “But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
So, to Bethlehem they would go. They embarked on this great journey, knowing where they were going but not knowing anything of the places, customs and dangers they would encounter along the way. They went out in faith, believing what the prophets had spoken and followed the great star to find the child who would be Ruler.
The excitement must have been building along the journey. “See? We are nearly there! Soon we will bow before the greatest of all kings, the king heralded by the star. Only a truly great king would be foretold and celebrated by such a heavenly light.”
Finally, after many long months, they found the great king – a child borne to a young peasant girl. No servants met them at the door. No royal robes adorned the child. No crown rested on His head. Yet, they worshipped Him, presented gifts and bowed before Him. Their faith did not waiver. Despite the humble family, they knew He was the King the star had drawn them to.
Are you drawn to the light? What journey have you been traveling, looking for the Savior? What deserts have you passed through in search of Him? How long have you searched for the child heralded by the star? Don’t stop at the manger. Our journey doesn’t end there. Our journey takes us to a cross, outstretched arms, blood and water mingling, pouring down, washing away sin, taking our shame. It takes us to an empty grave, death defeated, the King alive! Our journey brings us to redemption. Our journey brings us the King offering us a gift – the gift of forgiveness, life, and eternity.
