When the Magi went to Bethlehem
Many people grew up knowing about (and possibly playing with) crèche scenes of the Nativity of Jesus, which are useful to communicate the birth of Jesus. There are many traditions in Christianity that have little to do with the Bible.
Do not disunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with such images. But they are not quite right. One wrong detail is that Jesus was born in a stable because there was "no room in the inn," and another has the three wise men or magi with the family, shepherds, and animals all together.
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| Magi yard decoration, Pixabay / Michelle Raponi |
The magi were important people, which is one reason Herod got all agitated by them. It is interesting to note that they were very likely knowledgeable of the teachings and prophecies of Daniel. Mayhaps you and I will have a lasting impact after we're gone, like Daniel. Should we remove the magi from our crèche scenes, or even discard them altogether? Nah. Again, they are useful illustrations of the narrative of how the Creator of the universe took human form. Jesus grew up so he could be crucified and raised from the dead for you and for me.
January 6 is traditionally celebrated as the day the magi visited Jesus, and it marks the end of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” These magi, or wise men, saw the rising of a new star in the sky and traveled to Jerusalem to find the newborn king. When they understandably went to the palace to find this king, they set into motion events that would lead to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt and also lead to the death of all boys two years and under in Bethlehem.
To read the rest, journey to "Who Were the Magi Who Visited Jesus?"
Wishing all y'all a blessed Christmas!
— Cowboy Bob Sorensen