Matthew 2:1-2,10-11
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
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.
Comments
The only thing more amazing than lowly shepherds getting a special invitation to the birth of the Christ Child was the invitation extended to the Magi.
These “wise men” were certainly not lowly as their extravagant gifts were fit for a king. The Magi were Zoroastrian astrologers from Persia (Iran on today’s maps) who would be criticized on all accounts by many Christians today.
Reflections
There were countless pious Jews whom God could have invited to visit the Christ Child, but he chose to invite these Magi from a different land and a different religion instead. Do you think it possible that God speaks to people in different religions today?
Have you ever had a serious conversation with someone from a non-Christian religion? Did it quickly turn into an argument about who’s right and who’s wrong, or were you able to find common ground from which you could show respect to their beliefs without setting aside your own?
Prayer
Forgive me, Lord, for the arrogance that says only those who believe like me can be touched by you.
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