A more mysterious group of travelers would be difficult to find. Reportedly they come from the East. That’s a little vague don’t you think? I mean, the East is a pretty big place. That’s kind of a like saying “up north.”
They have been called “Magi” a root word which we recognize as a part of the word magician.
It only adds to the mystery.
Some have said they are kings…rich, wealthy kings. Others have suggested that they might be Zoroastrian Priests…or Persian Priests. Still others say that they are ancient astrologers, individuals who studied the heavens…and the stars…They are elites to be sure. Eastern mystics also describes them quite well. They are also strangers, foreigners, and Gentiles. They have been referred to as being “Wise Men.” Much to the chagrin of many a female who believe that to be a “total oxymoron…” Whatever.
There never was a consensus. There still isn’t!
Perhaps we should just refer to them as being “earnest seekers.” They are seeking truth…therefore making them a kind of truth hunter…
In this specific case, they are in search of a new king.
There is a strange-ness to this story…it involves a clash of cultures. The birth of this new king, transcends the boundaries of cultures and differing faiths.
It obviously is some kind of major event.
Just so you know, this is no minor detail in the Gospel account. It is one of the ways, by which scholars can tell us when Jesus was born.
These strange visitors and their visit help us to pinpoint that date.
It is a known fact that King Herod died in the year 4 BC…
So if this event occurred during the reign of King Herod – the birth must have occurred between 8 and 4 BC.
Science tells us that possible “star conjunctions” could have involved Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC, or Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, in 6 BC, or there was a comet in 5 and again in 4 BC and a nova or exploding star in 5 BC.
Again, all of these were major star conjunctions at that time.
“Celestial events” such as these were always understood as being omens for the future.
The signs or the omens in the skies frightened a great many people.
Another piece of the equation has to do with the census itself. These were not world-wide censuses, by any means…but were local. They were aimed at getting more money out of local populations that Rome had invaded and assumed complete control over…
An area census was called for in 6BC.
The city Bethlehem was an auspicious place to be born. It was the birth place of the greatest king in Israel’s history, none other than King David.
It was to King David that God promised – a descendent of his would always be King of Israel.
Then there is the Biblical reference to Micah 5.2. Micah was considered to be a minor prophet, one of the twelve.
Micah reproaches unjust leaders – defends the rights of the poor against the rich and powerful; while looking forward to a time of “the world being at peace” centered on Mount Zion (or Jerusalem) under the leadership of a “new Davidic monarch or King.”
Micah 5. 2 actually says, “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me “one who is to rule in Israel,” whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”
This was the Biblical witness that apparently shook King Herod to his core.
A King. A new king. A Davidic King. David’s line and lineage being continued…
The Magi were overjoyed. They were explosive with delight. This is a powerful word. Their journey was not in vain.
One must think of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness…have seen a great light; light has shone on those who lived in a land of darkness. You have multiplied the nation and have increased their joy.”
These travelers from the east, bearing exotic-luxurious gifts, obviously fit for a King, prostrate themselves before the infant-boy-child and his mother.
And just what is Mary supposed to think of all of this?
This child is indeed different and something is definitely going on…and we call it, “The Feast of the Epiphany.”
And we too, along with Mary are supposed to connect the dots. Amen.