Christmas

The tale of the Magi, often encapsulated in the serene manger scenes of nativity plays and Christmas cards, has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. Their journey, immortalized in the biblical book of Matthew, has transcended mere historical recounting, morphing into a blend of myth, legend, and spiritual symbolism. This article seeks to navigate through the intricate tapestry of stories surrounding the Magi, exploring the historical, mythological, and spiritual dimensions of their journey to meet the newborn King, Jesus Christ.

Who Were the Magi?

The Magi, often depicted as wise men or kings, have been enshrouded in a myriad of myths and legends. Contrary to the popular belief of them being three kings, the Bible does not specify their number. The assumption of them being three stems from the gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Furthermore, while western traditions cap their number at three, the Eastern Orthodox Church suggests there were twelve. The Magi were not kings but were likely part of a priestly caste in Persia, well-versed in astrology and astronomy, and held in high regard for their ability to interpret celestial events.

The Magi in Biblical and Historical Context

The biblical account in Matthew 2:1-12 narrates the Magi’s journey from the East to Jerusalem, following a star that ultimately led them to Jesus. Their quest was not merely to witness a newborn but was significantly rooted in prophecies and celestial signs that indicated the birth of a ruler, the King of the Jews. King Herod, disturbed by this, instructed the Magi to report back to him upon finding the child, under the guise of wanting to worship him. However, warned in a dream, the Magi chose a different route home, safeguarding the whereabouts of Jesus.

The Magi: A Connection to Daniel

Matthew is not the first time the Magi are mentioned in the Bible. In the book of Daniel, the Magi (or magicians) were among the wise men that Daniel, a Jewish captive, was chief of during King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign in Babylon. Daniel, known for interpreting dreams and prophecies, might have influenced the Magi’s later understanding and expectations of a coming Messiah, as indicated by their determined journey to find Jesus upon his birth.

Conclusion

Although not much is known about the Magi, we do know that they were mentioned in the Bible in Daniel which placed them in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar during the time of Daniel where they could have heard prophecies of the Messiah which ultimately led to their followers following the star to find Jesus. Also see our post on the significance of the three gifts the Magi brought to Jesus.

In the heart of the Christmas narrative, nestled within the Gospel of Matthew, lies the poignant story of the Wise Men, who embarked on a journey, guided by a star, to present three gifts to the newborn Jesus. These gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – were not arbitrary but laden with deep symbolic meanings that transcend mere wealth and opulence. They speak volumes about Jesus’ identity, mission, and the salvation narrative that would unfold in His life and death.

Who were the Wise Men?

The Wise Men, or Magi, embarked on a quest, following the star which arose in the constellation of Virgo, to honor the birth of Jesus, whom they recognized as “the king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). Their journey from Persia signifies a royal visit, as they sought to worship and present gifts to the newborn King.

The Gift of Gold – Jesus as our King

Gold, a precious metal, has long been associated with royalty and wealth. The gift of gold to baby Jesus symbolized His kingship. In the Old Testament, gold was a common gift presented to kings, as seen when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, bringing 120 talents of gold among her gifts (1 Kings 10:10). Thus, gold, as a symbol of kingship, acknowledges Jesus as the prophesied King, destined to reign eternally.

The Gift of Frankincense – Jesus’ Priesthood

Frankincense, a fragrant gum resin used in worship and as a sacred incense, symbolized Jesus’ divinity and role as a high priest. In the Old Testament, frankincense was a vital component of the sacred anointing oil used in the temple (Exodus 30:34). The gift of frankincense to Jesus underscored His role as our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11).

The Gift of Myrrh

Myrrh, a spice used for anointing and burial, foreshadowed Jesus’ suffering and death. It was a common practice to use myrrh for embalming, as witnessed in the burial of Joseph of Arimathea, where a mixture of myrrh and aloes was used to prepare the body of Jesus for burial (John 19:39). The gift of myrrh, thus, prophetically pointed to Jesus’ sacrificial death and His role as the Savior, who would die for the redemption of humanity.

Interpretations and Theological Perspectives

The gifts of the Magi have been subject to various theological interpretations, each unraveling layers of meaning and significance. Some scholars perceive the gifts as symbols of Christ’s threefold office as Prophet (frankincense), Priest (myrrh), and King (gold). Others view them as emblematic of Jesus’ dual nature as fully divine (gold and frankincense) and fully human (myrrh), bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the historical and cultural context of the ancient world, the gifts of the Magi were not only valuable but also highly symbolic. Gold was a universal symbol of wealth and power; frankincense was associated with the divine due to its use in religious rituals; and myrrh, often used in burials, was a symbol of mortality. These gifts, presented to Jesus, were not only practical in nature but also prophetically significant, aligning with the various aspects of His life, death, and resurrection.

Relevance to Jesus’ Life and Ministry

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, while symbolizing kingship, divinity, and sacrifice respectively, also find resonance in Jesus’ life and ministry. His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection embody these symbols, offering a pathway to eternal life for humanity. The Magi’s gifts, therefore, were not merely offerings of wealth but a prophetic acknowledgment of the pivotal role Jesus would play in the salvation history.

Conclusion

The gifts from the Wise Men to baby Jesus extend beyond the physical offerings of wealth and luxury. They are imbued with profound symbolism, each gift echoing a facet of Jesus’ identity and mission on earth. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, thus, serve as timeless symbols of Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and sacrificial love, weaving a rich tapestry that intertwines the earthly and the divine in the miraculous story of the first Christmas.

Category: Christmas

WHO WERE THE MAGI?

THE BIBLICAL SYMBOLISM OF THE THREE GIFTS FROM THE WISE MEN TO BABY JESUS