Each Christmas season many people display the manger scene in their homes. The statues of the Wise Men (Balthasar, Melchior, Gasper) will be placed somewhere near the manger. Each figurine is holding a gift—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The story tells us that they saw an unusual star and knew it told of the birth of a king.

While this is true, the timeframe is not. By the time the Wise Men found Jesus, He would have been between one or two years old. However, the timespan really isn’t important. The Wise Men came to worship the King of kings and believed He was the Messiah. They bowed in reverence as they worshiped Him while presenting their gifts.

We should follow their example. The birth of Jesus was not an ordinary birth. The Magi found Jesus as a young child, but we find Him as the living Christ. We worship Him because He is worthy; He is the Messiah and the Son of God. The wise among us seek Him just like the Wise Men of old. So, as you think about the manger scene, remember the Magi and present your gift of thankfulness throughout the New Year.

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