The Christmas story is full of wondrous happenings—Mary’s encounter with the angel, Joseph’s dreams, and the shepherds’ glorious invite to the birth—but perhaps the most intriguing is the determined quest of the wise men.
After a lengthy journey God leads them to the child, and their response gives us great wisdom for approaching our own Christmas.
In a season full of jolly but busy traditions, quiet your heart by doing as the wise men did—earnestly, joyfully, and generously adoring Jesus.
Quiet your heart this season by doing as the wise men did—earnestly, joyfully, & generously adoring Jesus. Share on XSeek Out Christ
What was the wise men’s first step? Cultivating a desire for Christ’s presence. These astrologers sought out Jesus with unexpected eagerness, all because of their hunger for God’s Word. Traveling from a far, foreign place, they had studied the Jewish Scriptures and were stirred to the point of hunting across miles for the prophesied Messiah.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
In verse 2, the Greek word for “saying” conveys the idea of continual action.* The men were on a mission, actively searching the streets and asking anyone and everyone to find the mysterious King. Their zeal was so noticeable that it even takes them to the king of the land himself, Herod.
In this way, we too can pursue Jesus in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle by going to the Bible.
This December and year-round, let’s dive into the Scriptures like the wise men, seeing Christ’s glory and finding Him time and time again, witnessing to others along the way.
P.S. I also have 30-day printable devotionals that explore Scripture and lead you into deeper prayer.
Exude Joy Over Christ
Secondly, the wise men looked for days on their own strength, but it is by God’s power that they finally reach Jesus. What is their response? Great joy!
“After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9-10
The result of our daily search in the Word for Christ should be rejoicing! Why? Because in His faithfulness God has led us to Himself, giving us eternal love and hope.
With all the outward pleasures of Christmas, there is one joy that should surpass them all – an inner delight that Christ has come, granting salvation to His people.
Whatever difficulties the wise men may have experienced on their journey, they conclude it with celebratory recognition of the Messiah. Likewise, whatever struggles or sins we have faced this past year, we can also finish strong by embracing the everlasting security we have in our Savior.
It is by God’s grace that you have “found” and know the Son. It is by His grace that you can always have joy, because of the gift of Jesus.
Give to Christ
Lastly, the jubilant wise men enter into worship, their goal all along.
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
The wise men didn’t only come to admire Christ, but to acknowledge Him as King with offerings. They had given of their time, their energy, their resources, their very selves in this quest for Jesus. Their journey culminates in this moment, when they “fell down” and gave unto Him precious presents.
In this season of giving, we can sacrificially show Christ is King by giving to His church and giving of ourselves.
What will you “give” to Him this year? How can you honor Him in worship? Perhaps it’s as simple as obeying His Word more closely and trusting His sovereignty more deeply.
We can fall down in our hearts, surrendering to Him anew as we begin a new year, continuing our own earthly journey to glorify Him.
You can study Scripture like the Wise Men with a printable Christmas reading plan – sign up and access it in the freebie library by subscribing!
Thank You for this! I’ve been Fascinated by the Wise Men recently. When you think of all that was involved in their journey, not to mention their gifts! It’s incredible, inspiring, and helps us focus on the Main Thing!
They are so fascinating! Thank you for stopping by, Aryn!
Amen! We go in search of so many things during this harried season. Thanks for calling us to a more fruitful seeking.
Yes, there’s one Person we need to seek above all other things, and I love how the wise men show us that. Thanks for visiting, Michele!
Beautiful and inspiring! I love how they ended their journey worshipping, which was their goal all along. I love your list of readings – I’ll read them with my kids for morning Bible time 🙂
I know – what a neat example for us! Every detail of the Christmas story can teach us. And awesome – hope it’s a blessing Elizabeth! 🙂
This is truly an amazing message. Seeking Christ like the Wise Men. We don’t really think about the determination to not only seek Jesus out but to bring Him worship. I love that line that they didn’t come to JUST admire Jesus, they came to acknowledge Him as King with gifts. What beautiful gifts they brought and their gifts kind of showed that they truly understood who He was and what His mission would be. Beautiful! I’ll definitely be saving this post to read again!
Aw, thank you Erin! As I read this portion of Scripture I was drawn deeper and deeper into their eagerness to find Him. I want to have such faith too, and pray this inspires others as well! I appreciate your visit, friend!
My desire this year is to focus on Jesus. To give sacrificially in His name, and to share His love with my loved ones. God used this to affirm some things. Thank you!
That is the best desire to have – I’m right there with you sister! Praise God for using this post to encourage your heart. Blessings, Sabrina!
Thank you for this beautiful message… Amazing. Love it! Lets focus on JESUS.
Amen! Let’s focus on Him! Thank you for reading, Lillian!
Thank you so much for sharing everything with us. This is a rough holiday season for my family and I. The only thing that is keeping me in the light is drawing closer to Jesus. I would love to fast forward to January if I could. Keeping the true meaning of Christmas at the front of my mind will definitely help me through.
Oh, Kim, I dearly pray for your family to hold fast to Him during this time. Holidays can be the hardest to endure sometimes, but keeping our eyes on Jesus definitely brings great hope and promise to our hearts! I encourage you to search His Word and find comfort. Seeing His glory always gives us a refreshed and stronger perspective, knowing He does all things for our good. Blessings, sister!
Amen. Very inspirational word of encouragement to the believers. I want to understand deep in the word because it is life to me.
Praise the Lord this was a blessing. His Word is indeed our life!
This word is like a Christmas gift to me. I love it. Amen.
Thank you really for sharing and exegeting such a beautiful journey of wise men.
Thank you for sharing!! What a wonderful idea!