Christmas Reflection: Travellers from the East

In the Gospel according to St Matthew, we read about the Magi who travelled to see Jesus.

Matthew 2 v 1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

These Magi were likely pagan astrologers who lived in Persia. The place were the Jews had been exiled, around 500 years earlier.

And this is the same region Abram came from. This is where God told him to go to the Land of Canaan. Later to be known as the Promised Land.

Genesis 12 v 1

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

He was called out to become a great nation and a blessing.

Like Abram, the Magi lived in the East and were called to the Promised Land too. But rather than a voice, it was the Star, shining brightly in the sky.

Like Abram, they travelled in faith. They knew a king was to be born. Though they didn’t know his lineage, they did not know His name, or the exact place of His birth. But they trusted that the Star would be a sign and lead them to His courts.

Similarly, the Christian is like Abram and the Magi. We hear God’s voice. He calls us out of the worldly culture, and towards the Promised Land.

He provides the Star, the Light of World. Which guides us out of cultural darkness, and draws us towards His heavenly courts.

Whereas Abram trusted God would make a great nation from his lineage, the Magi hoped to celebrate the birth of a great king. And we are looking for Him to be our saviour.

This Christmas, let us all look to the Light of the World to guide us, to let Him lead us out of the darkness and brings us safely to His Holy Kingdom.