Epiphany and Wise Men

Like most Christians, my family continued to perpetrate one of the myths of Christmas during this past season.  We displayed our Nativity Scenes or Creches with the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and assorted animals, and the three "wise men." It's that last part, of course, that doesn't fit.  The Magi of Matthew's Gospel were not present on the night of Jesus' birth along with the adoring shepherds. It's not clear from the record when they came; it may have been a few days later or many months. Some suggest that Herod's order to kill all babies less than 2 years old indicates that the visit of the wise men might have been that much after the birth of Jesus.

The Christian "feast day" of Epiphany traditionally is celebrated 12 days after Christmas, on January 6.  One of the main focuses of this holiday is the commemoration of the arrival of the Magi, representing the manifestation of the Savior to the Gentiles.

Matthew is the only Gospel writer to mention these events.  His record from Matthew 2 gives us some interesting things to ponder.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

These first two verses tell us at least three critical things about the wise men:

1. They were men of understanding. They knew of the prophecies. They must have studied, even what was likely the beliefs of a very different culture from their own.
    
2. They were observant. They recognized the sign when they saw it, and were able to relate it to their understanding of the prophecy.
    
3. They acted once they understood. They didn't just ponder the sign in the heavens; they traveled to be near the scene, to be able to "worship him."

What a wonderful example!  By contrast, Herod and "all Jerusalem" were troubled by the queries of the wise men.  Herod consulted with his "chief priests and scribes" for details; they were at least able to identify Bethlehem as the prophesied location.  But why hadn't they seen the new star?  Why weren't they watching for the signs?  Why weren't they acting on the new knowledge?

The star now leads the wise men directly to the house (not stable) where Mary and her child (not baby) are located.  They rejoice exceedingly, and present their gifts.  Then, as another manifestation of their spiritual sensitivity, they are "warned of God in a dream" not to return to Herod, and depart by another way.

These tender words of Elder Maxwell link each of us to those wise men of long ago:

“No wonder the declaratory focus of the first Christmas was on ‘a Savior is born.’  What greater tidings could there be than those ‘good tiding of great joy’?  No wonder the reverential exclamation praising our planning and loving Father—indeed, ‘Glory to God in the highest’!
“‘Come, let us adore Him,’ Jesus Christ.  The ultimate form of adoration of Him is emulation!  Come, let us glorify God with our daily lives!
“Like the wise men from the east, we too must travel a great distance in order to come unto Christ, the Light of the World.  No matter—He waits for us ‘with open arms’ (Mormon 6:17).  May Christmas cause us deeper contemplation and deeper determination to complete that journey of journeys—in order to experience that resplendent rendezvous.”
- Neal A. Maxwell, "The Christmas Scene" (Bookcraft, 1994), p. 9

We, too, have journeys to travel.  The road is often long and difficult.  But if our understanding is deep enough, if we are observant enough of the signs of God's love for us and his ongoing direction, and if we are willing to act and do our part—then like the wise men of old, we will "rejoice exceedingly" at the realization of that "resplendent rendezvous" we will each experience in returning to the Child of Bethlehem.