Although commonly seen in most manger scenes, according to the Bible, the wise men were never at the manger where the baby Jesus lay. Instead, they came about two years later when Jesus was called “a young child” and was living in “a house.”

Another popular misconception is that there were three wise men – usually based on the three gifts the Bible mentions – “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). It is quite possible that many – or each of the wise men – offered gold, because it was always welcome. Besides, what better gift could you give a king?

It seems that these wise men – and they are rightly so-called – may have known more about Christ than they are thought to know. It is doubtful that they were Jews, and they had likely come from a considerable distance. No town or country is mentioned – but somehow they knew of the coming of the Savior.

It is possible they learned of Christ from the many Jews that stayed behind in Babylon when they were freed to go back to Israel. Some of those that stayed behind were no doubt instructors of the Bible to those that would listen; but after Babylon was destroyed – they were scattered far and wide.

The three gifts that were offered to Jesus were “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Whether or not the wise men knew of their application to Jesus is uncertain, but they are significant and worthy of note. Bible scholars believe that the gold possibly represented Christ’s Kingship; He is the King of kings. Frankincense is known for its very pleasant fragrance and speaks of Christ’s fragrance of life and His current ministry of intercession.

Myrrh is mentioned three times in the Gospels and each time it is a reference to death. When on the Cross, Christ was offered vinegar (also called “wine” in some places) with myrrh. Myrrh is a bitter tasting spice, and is called “gall” in Mt. 27:34. The other reference to myrrh in the New Testament is when Christ was to be buried: Nicodemus brought “myrrh and aloes” to wrap in the cloths to prepare Christ’s body for burial.

All three of these gifts sum up several characteristics of the Lord Jesus. Although He certainly was a King (Pilate put it on a sign above Christ’s Head), and His life was constantly very fragrant to men and God because He was always doing good, yet Christ’s life cannot be separated from the myrrh – the bitterness of death. Thank God, though, that He rose again!

Christ left the glories of Heaven and He came to die for you and me. His death has benefited millions in the 2,000 years since His death. Many today know Him personally as their Lord and Savior. Will you receive the benefit of His death and resurrection by calling on Him today to save you? He is waiting for your call: “Behold, I stand at the door” (of your heart) “and knock.” Will you answer the door today? He is the greatest Gift anyone could ever have this Christmas season!

The Star Leads People to Jesus

Mt. 2:2 “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Mt. 2:7 “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.”

Mt. 2:9 “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”

Mt. 2:10 “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”

In the Christmas story, the word “star” appears four times. The star had miraculously appeared to guide the wise men to Jesus. Angels are sometimes called “stars” in the Bible.

Most likely, this “star” was an angel sent by God to guide these wise men to Jesus. In that time, wise men were often astrologers. This meant that they studied the movement of the stars and planets. Today, we would likely call them astronomers. God apparently told them that this was a special star and that it was a sign that the Messiah of Israel had been born.

They knew what the Bible said about the Messiah coming and that He would one day be the promised “King of the Jews.” In the Book of Numbers, Balaam prophesied that a “star” would come out of Jacob’s descendants: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth” (Nu. 24:17).

It is important to note that this star, although probably much brighter than the glowing orbs in the night sky, did not try to draw attention to itself. Its goal was to bring these wise men to Jesus that they might meet and worship Him. Although Joseph and Mary were also present at the manger, these wise men did not worship them. They knew that only Jesus was worthy of being worshipped.

Two times in this passage it mentions that the star appeared in “the east.” Later, believers would be reminded that Jesus would call Himself “the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star“ (Re. 22:16).

The wise men stopped to ask directions of King Herod – a Roman ruler. The King lied to them about also wanting to worship Jesus, but his plans were only evil. He really just wanted to kill baby Jesus. He did not know God and became a tool of the Devil to try and carry out the Devil’s desire concerning Christ.

Although it may surprise you, it is important to note that the wise men were never at the manger. Most Bible scholars believer that they came about two years later. This is supported by the fact that the wise men and Herod referred to Jesus as a “young child.” Also, the Bible says: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother” (Mt. 2:11). Notice that they saw Jesus in “the house.”

Shiny things and bright lights can easily catch our attention. When we see the bright lights and beautiful things around this Christmas time, we need to remember that we are not to focus on those shiny things, but on Christ – the One that Christmas is really about. On that night, Jesus was God’s greatest gift to mankind that all people might be saved.

Have you met Him yet and asked Him to become your personal Savior? Whether people choose to recognize Him or not, one day: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).

Some of the greatest news ever heard is that a Savior has been born in Israel. Christ’s greatest work, however, is that He died to give us life – eternal life through the forgiveness of sin. Why not call on Him today and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and save you now?