The Lodestar

Several assumptions are made about the legendary Wisemen in the Christmas story. Some assume they were kings from the East, while others identify them as astrologers from ancient Iran or India.

The Magi's (Wisemen) visit is significant in the story of Jesus' birth. The shepherds sleeping in the open field outside the town of Bethlehem visited him the same night he was born. The Wisemen might have taken a few days or months to arrive at the spot where Jesus and his mother were.

However, the contrast is evident. These people belonged to two social classes from the two extremes. One had nothing to offer as they hurried with empty hands to visit the baby, and the Magi came thoughtfully with royal presents. The gospel writers included everyone in between by presenting the two extremes to affirm that the entire world, from the lowest shepherds to the people of loftiest wisdom, came worshipping the Godchild.

Jesus was feared, hated, rejected, and crucified. But that is only one side of his story. The dominant view is that, while on earth, his work and words were not only admirable but also compelled people to worship him.

When he calmed the storm, "And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God'" (Matthew 14:33). The blind man who received sight, at his first sight of Jesus, said "'Lord, I believe,' and he worshipped him" (John 9:38). Whenever he appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, the disciples worshipped him. John the Apostle saw in the vision that he was being adored in heaven. His followers here on earth join this angelic choir with feeble voices and wavering lips.

He was born worship-worthy, from infancy to the cross and beyond to his exaltation.

So, let us join the choir to sing:

"O come, all ye faithful,

joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him, born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore him...."

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