The Magi

By Another Way 

 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:12 (ESV)

The Magi are part of Christmas manger scenes, but they did not visit Jesus at the same time as the shepherds. They came much later to a house (Matthew 2:11).

Led by an unusually bright star, they traveled over the desert for many months, without modern transportation or fancy hotels, seeking the “King of the Jews.” In Jerusalem, their inquiries attracted the concern of King Herod who told them, “Go to Bethlehem and when you have found the child, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

When the Magi saw Jesus, they fell down, worshiping him, and gave him gifts. Afterward, God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. They went home by another way.

I’ve always wondered about that trip home. Did their visit with Jesus change their lives?

The first time Jesus became real to me was at a service where a call went out for missionaries. I found myself in tears and went to the altar even though I knew I wasn’t called to be a missionary. When I told the leaders this, they had me sit to one side and went off to speak to the others. They didn’t realize I had responded to a call from God. Nothing seemed to change. I went home the same way.

I believe my spirit was reborn at that time. Years later I discovered that God desired to commune with me regularly through prayer, the Bible, other Christians, books, and websites like this one!

How about you? Has something you’ve read this Christmas stirred a desire to meet Jesus or have you recalled memories of an experience you had years ago? Has your life changed? Do you commune with Him? Will you go into the new year by another way?

DIG DEEPER:

Are you willing to journey wherever God leads to see the Son? Read John 3:6-21 and 6:37-39.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:6. How does God show Himself to us?

Read Colossians 1:9-20. This is what I am praying for you. Who can you pray for?

Nancy J. Baker

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