Location: Babylon
Time: Circa 5 B.C.
Primary Scriptures: Luke 1-2 — The birth of Jesus and the search of the Magi.
A Magi, draped in rich robes that reflect his status as a scholar and astrologer of Babylon, stands beneath the open night sky. His eyes trace the constellations as he recounts the remarkable journey that led him and his companions to seek the King of the Jews.
From a Magi:
For generations, we have studied the heavens, charting the movements of stars and planets, interpreting their alignments as messages from the divine. Yet, among all the celestial signs we have observed, none has been as compelling or mysterious as the star that rose to the west, heralding the birth of a king — not just any king, but the King of the Jews.
Our journey began not with the appearance of the star, but with the teachings passed down from our forebears. Among the scrolls we treasure in Babylon are the writings of Daniel, a man whose wisdom and insight into divine mysteries have shaped the practices of our order. Daniel, though a servant of our kings, remained faithful to the God of Israel. Through his visions, he spoke of kingdoms rising and falling, of a time when the God of heaven would establish a kingdom that would never be destroyed.
Could it be, we wondered, that this star signified the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecies? Were we witnessing the advent of the promised King of the Jews, whose reign would extend beyond earthly boundaries and bring peace and justice to all?
The star itself was unlike any we had seen before. It moved with a purpose, drawing our attention not only to its brilliance but to its message. Interpreting the sign, we felt compelled to act. This was no ordinary celestial event; it was a summons, a call to find and honor the one it proclaimed.
Our preparations were meticulous. We gathered treasures befitting a king — gold, for its purity and value; frankincense, for its association with divinity and worship; and myrrh, for its profound symbolism of life and death. These gifts were not chosen lightly. They reflected our belief that this King would be no ordinary ruler, but one who bridged the realms of the human and the divine.
The journey was long and arduous. We crossed deserts and mountains, guided by the star and sustained by the hope of what lay at its end. As we traveled, we spoke often of what we might find. Would this King be surrounded by armies and courtiers, ruling from a grand palace? Or would He be hidden, waiting for the appointed time to reveal His glory?
When we arrived in Jerusalem, the city buzzed with anticipation, yet no one seemed to know of the birth of this King. We sought an audience with King Herod, certain that he would share our excitement. But his response was troubling. Though he feigned interest, his questions revealed fear and jealousy. He summoned the chief priests and teachers of the law, who spoke of Bethlehem, the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2).
With this knowledge, we set out once more, the star leading us to a humble home in Bethlehem. There, we found Him — not in a palace but in the arms of His mother, Mary. The moment we saw the child, we knew our journey had not been in vain. This was the one we had sought, the King foretold by the heavens and the prophets. We fell to our knees, offering our gifts and our worship.
This child, born in obscurity, possessed an authority that transcended earthly power. Though He was young, His presence spoke of a kingdom not built by human hands, a kingdom that would endure forever. In that moment, I understood that our quest was not merely to honor a king but to witness the dawn of a new era — one that would change the course of history.
Before returning home, we were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. It was clear that his intentions were not to honor this child but to destroy Him. So we departed by another route, carrying with us the memory of what we had seen and the conviction that this King would one day fulfill all that had been promised.
To those who hear my story, I urge you to seek the truth with all your heart. The star we followed was not just for us; it was a sign for all people, a beacon of hope that the Savior of the world had come. Open your eyes to the signs around you, and when you see them, follow where they lead. You may find, as we did, that the journey is long and difficult, but at its end is a treasure greater than anything this world can offer.
Closing Thought:
The journey to Jesus is one of faith and discovery, guided by the signs of God’s love and fulfilled in the worship of the true King.
— A Magi
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