Section 3: The Light Dawns
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-23, Jeremiah 31:15-17
The wise men have always been, at least to me, some of the most perplexing parts of the traditional Christmas story. They appear in nativity sets, kids always play them in pageants, and we even sing traditional hymns about them. The perplexing piece is, however, that Scripture doesn’t really lead us to include them at Christmas time. And yet, their story reflects an unavoidable and beautiful truth about Jesus: you don’t have to fit a script to worship Him.
The magi came to Jesus after His birth; scholars suggest even up to two years after He was born. Magi were non-Jewish mystics who studied astrology and had a special relationship, they believed, with the stars. These magi heard whispers of a king born and saw an unusual star, which they felt compelled to follow. So they set off with gifts to see who the star portended.
When the magi arrived, though, Scripture is clear about what happened. These men of magic and stars fell immediately to their knees in the presence of Jesus. They worshiped Him. They gave Him fine gifts, of gold and frankincense and myrrh. And even though the wicked King Herod had instructed them to tell him where this baby King was, they fled in another direction. They worshiped and they believed. They were changed.
This is the gift of our King Jesus. No matter why or when or how you come to Him, His majesty and glory are undeniable. His presence commands us to fall to our knees and worship; He is that great, that awesome, that good. The magi left home following a hunch and a burning ball of gas in the night sky; they left Mary and Joseph’s home with a newfound knowledge of what was good and true. They, the first Gentiles to worship the Messiah, show us in their story how powerful the love of Christ is.
And so even if they don’t exactly fit in the Christmas story chronologically, the magi show us what it means to be in the presence of Jesus, God incarnate. God with us. May we soak in the goodness and presence of our Lord this season, no matter where we’ve been or what brought us to this place. May we fall on our knees and worship Him.
Written by Melanie Rainer
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77 thoughts on "Wise Men Visit the King"
I love you Jesus
Merry Christmas
This reminds me that it’s not complicated. Scripture doesn’t tell us they had 100 and 1 questions etc just that they fell to their knees and worshipped. Help us today God to step out of our humanity and fall to our knees. That’s all we need.
On my, so well written. This really touched my heart and soul.
This is so encouraging for me! No matter where we are in our walk of faith, the love of Christ can make us turn from what we think we know- what we worship or follow- and just fall on our knees to worship Him! Wow!
I always forget that the wise men came after his birth, not before. I’ve also never thought of them as being changed by Jesus or the first Gentiles to believe, but today’s devotional was refreshing!!!
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TRACI GENDRON, I just read your post and pray that you have a night of good, restful sleep. In your most recent comment you said you were more at peace. I will be praying for that to continue grow as you work through this tremendous grief.
VICTORIA E, so glad you are doing well after the vaccine!
Traci, I will pray for your peace. Remember that God is in charge and knows all, including when you are born and when you will die. Release that burden of which you could not control. I know, it is easier said than done. Just try to rethink it in terms of control, it is His not yours. Blessings upon you and all you endured. I cannot begin to know your pain. I only have one daughter and 2 grands so I know I would be devastated and probably thinking like you are. Love and peace.
Maria, I love this!
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Thank you all for your words. It truly has helped me. I was so peaceful at first. I’m not sure what happened. Lack of sleep can make you crazy. I know that it was Tanner’s time. He had so much decline from Cystinosis that if not now, it would have been soon.
May I fall to my knees and worship you Lord
Myrrh… I spelled it wrong. I hate that! Prayers for you and your youngest, as well, CORAL.
Oh, TRACI, don’t listen to the enemy! I can’t even imagine how you must feel. You must keep your eyes on Jesus through your grief. And KATIE… prayers for your interview. Keep us posted. I have never thought of the significance of myrh before, LISA and KASSIE. Thank you for sharing that.
Traci, I am praying that God floods you with His peace and that you are able to rest in him. Covid has been so difficult for so many of us. There are so many different perspectives and sometimes it is hard to know what to think. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it must be for you right now. I’m sure you did all that you could. I do know this, that only God is in control.
Praying so hard for peace for you, Traci.
AZ Walker , Jennifer Anapol, Claire B, and all who prayed thank you. Feeling good still, praying to remain that way! Traci Gendron I can see why you would ask yourself those questions but please know that God is in control. As a physician the entire COVID situation has been difficult for me as well and I have had to constantly turn it over to God. I am praying so hard for your peace right now. Katie praying for your interview.
Amen. I don’t have kids of my own, and I find it so hard. I cannot even begin to comprehend what that would do to a mother.
The Massacre of the Innocents (here and in Exodus) has been so much harder to read as a mom, and especially now that I have a son who would fall in that category. I know God is good, and just, and merciful, but I find myself tearing up with all those moms from long ago. Many consider those babies the first martyrs. May we never forget their story and their memory.
@Traci Gendron I’m so sorry for your loss and I will be praying that the peace that passes understanding surrounds you so that you may find rest. May you also be blessed resting in the knowledge that despite everything, as much as it sometimes may not make sense, Jesus is enough. Blessings my friend.
Amen!
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Praising God for today’s devotional…Herod the great was an evil and cruel ruler especially in his last days. Yet, God used him to weave into His story. Nothing is by accident, God is in control – no matter how hard the circumstances might be. His way is perfect, always – even if it doesn’t agree with ours.
@Traci – praying God’s peace upon you. Don’t let Satan fill your mind with doubts, he wants you to suffer – but God wants you to have peace. All is in God’s timing, and if it wasn’t Tanner’s time – God would have stopped it. I can’t imagine losing a child – but God can. My heart and prayers go out to you today. May you have perfect peace and rest in God our Savior.
Blessings to all my SRT sisters today.
@Maria Baer…. I loved your childhood memories. Thank you for sharing with us. I think I mentioned to here, when I was between 9-11, I went to Mexico during Christmas time. It was beautiful to experience what it’s like there in the Mexican culture. Just like you, Santa is not really mentioned. The focus is Jesus! Everyone, especially the children anticipate the birth of Jesus. And I got to experience a Posada. My kids are grown and we always taught them about Jesus and his birth and why we celebrate Christmas. 
Dear Traci, please know that you did all that you were supposed to with Tanner. His life was not in your hands to control. God knew the timing He had for Tanner’s home going. If it were God’s plan for Tanner. To have continued here God would have kept him here. He knew Tanner was suffering, He was in complete control when it was time for Tanner to begin to enjoy the glories of heaven. Know that he is no longer suffering and is gladly waiting for you one day when the Lord says it is your time Traci, come join Tanner. That of course does not diminish your grief of your loss of Tanner, but do not let Satan try to guilt you into such thoughts. Blessings, praying for you as you go through this grieving process. Hold on tight to the Lord.
So true thank you ERB for this. Interestingly I was having this conversation with my son when I dropped him off at work.
I’m having trouble sleeping. I keep thinking in the middle of the night about Tanner’s last days. Did I do all I could have? Because of Covid, our first trip to the ER they sent us home. Saying they didn’t want him there because he was immunosuppressed. I couldn’t believe it. I had to call 911 that same night. They took us to a different hospital. I keep replaying it all. I need to stop questioning all of it. I’m so mad about Covid and how it affected Tanner’s last two years of life. I see people as selfish not wanting to protect those that couldn’t protect themselves. It has all become so political. I NEED to stop. God help me take my focus off of what I cannot change and put it back onto You. I need peace. I need sleep. I’m having a hard time getting all I could from this study because I’m so tired. Please pray that God blessed me with peace knowing I did all I could.
So good Dorthy, loves those thoughts, and how EVERYTHING comes together in every detail!! The podcast this week is really good too! Its funny how I would try to read the “bible in a year” years ago, and found it so hard to read and study! She Reads Truth has been so amazing and helpful over these last several years to really grasp and understand. God will keep growing you when you are intend to study His word. I remember I would pray for God to lead me, and bring me big things to testify to His glory, but He was working in me to first know Him on a deeper level.
Keep sharing the light, and sharing SRT study and podcast! We must bring more people into the light, it doesn’t end with Christmas, it continues! I can’t wait to see what the Lord will bring! We will rejoice through the bad and the good, whatever shall come. -R
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Melanie’s devotion left me with several thoughts: 1.) Were the Wise Men/Magi actually the first gentiles to worship Christ, what about the shepherds, do we know for sure they were Jewish, they may have been gentiles also. 2.) Here’s a child who commands so much authority that even royalty from other countries bow down on their knees to Him!! WOW!! 3.) I think of just the AWESOMENESS of being there. 4.) The gifts they brought and knowing these items would be needed in the future. The gold for the trip to Egypt. The frankincense was used later for prayer and worship (according to what I have found out). And the myrrh was used for Christ burial. This is so AMAZING to think about how they would know what to bring.
BUT GOD, then I think about it further and realize that God had a hand in it and knew what He was doing.
“No matter why or when or how you come to Him, His majesty and glory are undeniable. His presence commands us to fall to our knees and worship; He is that great, that awesome, that good.” These statements makes me want to worship the Lord even more. Thank you Melanie for a great devotion today.
Sisters be blessed and don’t forget to bring your gift(s) to the Lord no matter how big or small, no matter talent or monetary or prayer.
By Sarah Bessey
Book that talks about God and Jesus’ love for women.
“Jesus Feminist” by Sarah Bessey. A book all about how God and Jesus love women. It’s not about feminism, it’s about Jesus’ radical acceptance and love.
“Jesus Feminist
This reminds me that we all need to listen to that inner VOICE, The prompting of the Holy Spirit who guides us. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been driving, or walking or on a run (not currently running right now) and I feel something deep within my heart to go in another direction. I listen.
Good morning to you all my beautiful sisters. I took a long nap yesterday and went to bed late and I wanted to make sure to get up early to enjoy “quiet” time before taking my son to work.
This reminds me that we all need to listen to that inner VOICE, The prompting of the Holy Spirit who guides us. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been driving, or walking or on a run (not currently running right now) and I feel something deep within my heart to go in another direction. I listen.
Thank you Maria sharing your sweet traditions growing up in Puerto Rico. I love hearing about family traditions. I leave my decorations up until the weekend after Jan 6. Praying for all, Victoria E and your healthy pregnancy, Katie’s interview, ERB and many in pain, Martha and Traci and others here feeling loss, upcoming dr appts, safe travels to those traveling. Thank you to those who prayed for me and my job situation, my exemption was approved. Wishing all peace. ❤️Love from Arizona
Praying!
My pastor also taught us what the meaning of each gift was…gold to represent he was King…frankincense to show he is Healer…and myrrh was what they put on those who were dead. So even as a baby, his death was predicted…that he would die and rise again for us. My pastor does a way better way of teaching it. O holy night by adventure church :)
Maria, I love that!!! Thank you for sharing!
Praying for you Katie!! I recently heard that it’s good to have a question to ask your interviewer and the suggestion was to ask what they like about working for their company. Hope this helps!!
The Magi couldn’t resist worshipping the Savior. Joseph and Mary trusted and obeyed the Lord wholeheartedly. What a beautiful picture. May I live my life in the same way!
Maria, thank you for sharing these beautiful traditions!
In church this past week, our pastor talked about the gifts the magi brought. I know what gold is and even frankincense. I even knew myrrh, a type of incense, but it was used for embalming in the day. Interesting gift to bring, but knowing the end of the story, it makes sense to us. I wonder what Mary thought?
Today is the day of the innocents. May we all today think of the innocent babies that were killed.. who are surely in God’s house now. And may we always thank God for comforting us in out times of need
Can you please pray for my mom? We got in a argument ( really just more of a talk) this morning because she thinks that God hates women. I was trying to tell her that God isn’t like that.. but I don’t think she’ll listen just yet. I hate to see her be so far from God.
I Love this tradition! Thank you for sharing it.
Here’s a cool bit of information about the magi from the Grace to You website: https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0207/who-were-the-magi
I’ve read these verses many times before, but this was the first time Joseph stood out to me. Every time he received a message from the Lord he immediately followed His instruction. Sometimes I delay on following the spirit’s leading, like I’m waiting for lightning to strike or my own visit from an angel. Are you sure God? Am I hearing you right? I pray that I will be ready to act upon His calling in His time, not when I feel ready. On a side note, your posts are a daily blessing to me. I’m thankful to start my day in the word, with a cup of coffee, and you Jesus loving gals from all over the world.
I’ve read these verses many times before, but this was the first time Joseph stood out to me. Every time he received a message from the Lord he immediately followed His instruction. Sometimes I delay on following the spirit’s leading, like I’m waiting for lightning to strike or my own visit from an angel. Are you sure God? Am I hearing you right? I pray that I will be ready to act upon His calling in His time, not when I feel ready.
Lord that I ways fall to my knees in wonder and worship of You. In Jesus name, Amen
I’m grateful for the account of the magi. It reminds me that Jesus is not just a teacher, healer and Savior. He is a King. That was why Herod was so disturbed. A new king was a threat to his rule. Herod was not about to allow this new king to usurp his kingdom, the legacy he intended for his sons. All of Jerusalem was disturbed because when the king was disturbed they knew they would pay for his anger.
A king commands two things: allegiance and obedience. King Jesus commands the same. How am I doing with those commands? Do my thoughts, words and actions reveal my allegiance and obedience to my King? Every day I have to choose who is my king. Is it me or is it Jesus?
I would be so thankful for prayer as I move my youngest out of state and we are both struggling to be so brave and concerned about the drive. Blessings and fresh hope to you all in the name of our most beautiful perfect savior, Jesus. Xo
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tradition, Maria!
Just prayed for you, Katie. Please keep us posted!
Prayers for peace and the Lord’s will at your interview Katie!
Maria, this is a beautiful way to celebrate our Lord! It has so much more meaning. Thank you, for sharing!
Thank you for sharing Maria! Praying for you Katie!
@Maria Baer I love that!! What a great way to have all of the fun, memories, etc., but keep the focus on Jesus and the true story of Christmas.
KATIE, sending you my prayer! You got this. I am a recruiter and always tell candidates to remember that— if you made it to the interview you have the qualifications. The interview is all about determining if you fit the team. So be yourself!
Maria – thank you for sharing! That sounds like a beautiful tradition.
People are always surprised when I tell them that, being born and raise in Puerto Rico, Christmas was different, especially when it comes to the Three Kings. Allow me to share some aspects of my culture: December 24th we call it ‘Noche Buena’ or Good Night. At midnight we all went to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Interestingly, Santa was not a big presence for us kids on December 25, and we only got a small present because the focus is on The Greatest Gift of all. Our big gifting day is on January 6, when we celebrate Epiphany and the Three Kings visiting the baby Jesus. On this day we wrote letters to the Kings, telling them how good we were all year :) We also collected grass in shoe boxes so the camels wouldn’t be hungry (I love the innocence of childhood). Then in the morning we would wake up to find all kinds of gift! But the true proof the Magi was the grass all over the floor. After presents we’re opened, we would spend the day with friends and family stopping by for celebration, food and also singing our version of Christmas carols. In the afternoon we would go to to a Three Kings Day parade that would end at the cathedral so all the kids to say hello. This was my childhood Christmas and I’ve always appreciated (if not at the time, that we had such a focus on Jesus and his birth, and we also recognize the important of epiphany. It is a lovely tradition that I cherish. Have a wonderful day friends.
Thank you for sharing Maria. What a beautiful tradition .
Wonderful tradition! Thanks for sharing.
Praying for Katie!
KATIE – may the Lord fill you with peace now and through your interview tomorrow. Let us know how it goes!
As I was thinking about the magi, I was trying to imagine this group of men (we don’t know how many, just that 3 gifts were given) and their caravan entering into the town of Bethlehem. Imagine some impotant dignitary and his security detail pulling up in YOUR driveway! I’m sure their arrival caused quite a stir.
I also thought about Abraham. God promised all nations would be blessed by his seed and to reinforce the promise of many descendants God had Abraham look at the stars. Now these magi who watched those same stars were led to the promised Seed by a special star that they were curious enough to follow.
Unlike the religous leaders and scribes in Jerusalem who KNEW where Messiah would be born, yet no record is made of any going to look for the child with the magi.
ASHLEIGH MATOS – praying that your dentist appointment goes well.
Great comparison. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy this study goes on after Christmas. Reading about Simeon, Anna and the Wise Men…they saw Jesus and oh how they all celebrated and worshipped! They teach me how special this time truly is. Jesus is our great King. We read how He came and why He died. It’s our turn to wait for Him to come back. In the meantime, we tell the old, old story and hope for the day our King returns!
Praying for Katie! I want to seek like the wise men – Jesus promises those that seek, find. Asking the LORD to draw my children to him.
Praying for you Katie Jorgensen!
You’ve got this Katie!! Sending prayers your way.
Praise God, what a aspect of Christmas, they were so like such! No not rich, but they searched just like us. Before being saved we searched and searched until we were brought to our knees and offered the gift of ou lives to Him.
Oh how I remember wanting to tell the world but God made me realize I had to show them through the person I had become and what I would do for Him. Amen
I love the story of the magi because it reminds us that Jesus is with us, ALL the time, through every season, every struggle, every victory…He is with us everyday, every hour, every minute and every second!!! So glad to know that the story and Truth of Christmas continues all throughout our year and throughout our lives!!! ❤️
Praying for you, KATIE, for calmness and peace.
MAURA – praying for Tigist and her baby, how cool that you are still in contact with her.
KRISTIN – wow – praise the Lord for the protection of your m-i-l … Amazing protection.
Praying for you Katie
Praying now for you Katie Jorgensen! From
Hi All, please pray for me as I prepare for an important interview tomorrow. I am kind of nervous but I know the Lord will guide me and be with me. Please pray peace will come over me! Thank you all and I will pray for you all as well!
Thanks, Melanie for tbis writing above: May we soak in the goodness and presence of our Lord this season, no matter where we’ve been or what brought us to this place. May we fall on our knees and worship Him.
Yes! Thank You, Jesus! You are worthy of honor and praise! Glory to Your Name! Please God, we know every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Gather. in Your mercy, please Draw all of them to You and to repent and to bow now! Amen!