The Wise Men of the East and Jesus as the Light of the World

Epiphany

First Edition

Gospel Matthew 2:1–12 Jesus, the Light of the World

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the sky, and we have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. He called together the chief priests and the scribes of the people and inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they replied, “for thus it is written by the prophet:

- And you, Bethlehem, Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of your tribes,

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod secretly called the wise men and learned from them exactly when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem. “Go,” he said, “and search carefully. When you find the child, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” When the wise men heard the king’s words, they set out, and the star they had seen rising in the sky went ahead of them. When the star came and stopped over the place where the child was, it stopped there. The men saw the star and were filled with great joy. They went into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Then they bowed down and worshiped the child. They opened their treasures and presented him with valuable gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In a dream, God warned the wise men not to return to Herod, so they returned to their own country by another route. (Matthew 2:1–12 First Edition)

Epiphany and the Magi

The Christmas season ends with the Epiphany, which commemorates the three wise men from the East. In our time, many may doubt the story of the wise men from the east. How great was their faith and why were they interested in riding across the sandy deserts because of a bright star? The Bible does not tell everything. Perhaps the wise men were distant descendants of the exiles and they knew exactly about the expectation of the Messiah from their ancestors. The outstanding astronomers of later times have found out through their calculations that there was a really bright star observation at the time of Jesus’ birth.

Christmas time brings an atmosphere of peace and joy to many. It is a special moment when we remember the birth of Jesus. However, after this beautiful celebration comes an epiphany that reminds us of the third wise man from the east. They followed a bright star to find a new king. But why did these wise men, from far away and unknown lands, set out on this long and arduous journey? What motivated them? The biblical text, especially the Gospel of Matthew (Matt. 2:1–12), challenges us to ponder the background and depths of this significant story. The story of the Magi opens up a journey of faith that leads to a life of glory.

Three magi

The Magi are fascinating characters, but the details of their story are not always clear. Although the Bible does not fully reveal their backgrounds, it is possible that they were descendants of Jews who had lived in exile. This could explain why they felt the expectation of a new Messiah. Studies of astronomical phenomena at the time of Jesus’ birth support this story. For example, astronomers have suggested that in 7 BC a Bright Star appeared that could explain the events of the time. This study shows how science can strengthen and deepen faith, and it reminds us that the light we seek may already be within our sight.

Heavenly Signs - God's Guidance

The appearance of the star in those days was not just a random phenomenon. The wise men from the East traveled along the Euphrates River. They were both astrologers and scientists who observed the heavens. For example, they may have spent their time creating star charts and observing phenomena in the universe. I believe that this combination of scientific interest and religious conviction enabled them to follow the star on their journey, which was a sign of hope. Scholars have even found references in cuneiform writings that support this historical account. This connection gives more weight to the significance of Jesus' birth and reminds us of how light can guide us even today.

Faith on the Journey - The Need to Seek Light

In this day and age, when the news is often disturbing, it is easy to forget the faith that led the wise men from the East on their journey. They were not just interested in astronomy; they were seeking hope. Faith has the power to keep us moving and motivate us forward.

We can also look at how far they traveled. According to history, the wise men traveled about 1,000 kilometers, which took them weeks. This journey was full of dangers, but they did not give up. The Bible says that "all things are possible to those who believe." This is a reminder of how strong faith can propel us forward.

Jesus, the Light of the World

Christ, the Light of the World, has come to earth! This world, whose shadows are covered with despair, is in need of light. In the Bible, Jesus suggests that "he who follows righteousness does not walk in darkness, but has the light of life." This idea brings hope that we can all change the direction of our lives with the help of light. It is important to remember that in every era, light is needed to guide people towards better times. This light does not only represent knowledge, but also peace and life. Although in our daily lives we may forget its meaning, it is always present.

Understanding the Meaning of Light

For many, the birth of Jesus is the foundation of faith. It signifies the coming of light into darkness. When we face difficult times, light does not have to be distant; it can be the one that guides us from hopelessness to new possibilities. Jesus brings light to moments when life seems dark. During Christmas, as we enjoy peace and joy, we often reflect on those times when we experience darkness. Sorrow and pain are part of life, but it is important to note that light is always present. It is meant to guide us on our paths in life. Jesus is the light that calls us to peace.

Praying for Light

As we reflect on the Magi of the East, we understand how important it is to pray and ask for God’s guidance. Prayer is a powerful tool to overcome the power of darkness. When we pray, we can ask that God lead us and nations into His light. By speaking about the power and significance of our faith today, when the world is in need of light, we can do more. Praying is not enough; we must also act on the good things that move us towards a better future.

Thoughts on the Journey of Light

The story of the Magi from the East reminds us that faith can be found in unexpected places. Although their journey was long and full of challenges, they did not give up on their goal. They believed that a star would guide them in the right direction. We also have the opportunity to find light that will lead us to meaningful moments. Although the darkness of the world may seem overwhelming, the gift of Jesus - his glory - can and should always guide us. This Christmas and Epiphany, we can stop to think about how each of us can be a light for ourselves and for each other. When we believe in the light, we can share it with others. This is our journey of faith, and it will take us through glory. It is a journey that opens us to God's plans.