After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9-11 NIV
Visiting Jesus
According to Ian Smith a Bermudian Certified Tourist Ambassador, “in Canada Christmas is usually spent at the family home. Younger people might visit their parents for Christmas dinner and Christmas morning. Families with young children probably have their own Christmas, and the visiting role reverses to grandparents visiting them. If you are new to Canada and Christmas is not in your cultural heritage and want to participate, speak to someone close to you or who has helped you through your entrance to Canadian society. Ask them about Christmas. That is not presumptuous.”
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The magi, whom we know as the Three Kings, although the Bible doesn’t tell us how many of them there were, teach us some important lessons about how to approach Jesus. Matthew 2:7-12 tells us that Herod sent the magi to find Jesus in Bethlehem and to come back and tell him where the child is. Verses 9-11 say, “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” We are called to Jesus as well, and like the magi, that ought to fill us with joy. The Creator of the Universe is with us and invites us to come to Him. When they arrived, the magi worshipped Him, and offered Him their best. We are called to do likewise as we enter into His presence.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley