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.”
The Magi add a fascinating twist to the Christmas story. They were ancient astrologers who were regarded as the wise men of their time. They were not Jewish and this is the only time that they are mentioned in the Scripture. Their appearance and departure is mysterious and full of imagination. When you contrast them with the other group who knew of the Christ birth, the shepherds, you have a picture of Jews and Gentiles coming together for this event. The gospel is for rich and poor alike. It is for the smart and the uneducated. In other words, the gospel has been sent to the entire world. ~ Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
