The Music of Christmas, Day 19

 Serenade

Read Matthew 2:1-9
“Where is he who was born to be king of the Jews? 

For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” – the Magi

The wise men. Iconic and mysterious members of the Christmas cast. These sage travelers from a distant land followed a star, defied a tyrannical king, and stood among the few who recognized the Christ child. What’s even more intriguing is their aid in rescuing Jesus from Herod. They are to the Christmas story what secret agents are to a spy movie!

 

Bible students have wondered and speculated about the origins of this mysterious group of truth seekers. Based on Matthew’s account, the men had been watching for something, or someone, that many in Israel had long forgotten. The shepherds who worshipped Jesus that night received specific instructions from a heavenly chorus. The Easterners, as far as the Bible records, had no such instruction. They came from people who knew of an ancient prophecy and had faithfully waited and watched the sky, generation after generation. But how did they know, specifically, to follow the star? Who told them where it would lead?

 

The only possible answer is found in the Old Testament. Six hundred years before Jesus’ birth, King Nebuchadnezzar, the Assyrian king of Babylon, invaded Jerusalem and carried hundreds of Jews into captivity. Among those captives were four young men: Daniel, Hananiah, Michael, and Azariah (better known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). These four individuals achieved prestige while in captivity, securing significant positions of influence among Babylonian authority. In Daniel 5:11, we discover that Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel “chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers.” In other words, Daniel was the appointed leader of the Magi.

 

Assuming the Easterners who followed the star to Bethlehem were actually Persians hailing from Babylon, it stands to reason that their knowledge of a coming king was handed down from Daniel, a Hebrew. We don’t often associate Daniel with the Christmas story, but maybe we should. This faithful servant who, as a teenager, was forcibly taken by the enemy and then lived his entire life in captivity awaiting a Savior. Daniel’s godly character and integrity set him apart, and as he grew older, he also rose in authority. However, his accomplishments never distracted him from searching for the redemption of his people. Given the character Daniel demonstrated, it seems likely that he “passed the baton” to his protégés -- the elite group of Magi that he led -- in searching for the Messiah.

 

Daniel died having never seen the star. It’s easy to picture Daniel, as long as he had breath, teaching generations of young astrologers to recognize the signs, to pray, and to watch vigilantly for the movement of God. Six hundred years after Daniel’s death, his hope was realized. The Christ had come. Meanwhile, Jewish leaders living in Jerusalem, serving in the temple courts, and well-versed in the prophecy failed to look skyward. Only an old priest and a widow recognized the Christ child within easy reach. (see Luke 2:22-38)

 

We often take the obvious for granted. Christians across the Western Hemisphere have multiple Bibles, likely all gathering dust, while people groups in Asia have no translation in their native tongue. Church goers in America stay home when it rains, while their Chinese and African brothers and sisters gather in secret, many hiding from a tyrannical government. Those of us familiar with the Christmas narrative seem inoculated to its power.

 

What are you doing this Christmas to look up from the busyness and distractions of the season? When is the last time you did a little star gazing? Or praying? Is it possible that those far removed from holiday excess can see Jesus in ways we cannot? If the star had shone directly above our heads, would we have missed it, too? Or maybe, like Daniel, you’ve been patiently waiting, anticipating, gazing toward the heavens, and waiting on God. So, here’s a question for you, faithful watcher: are you inviting the next generation to lift up their heads? Though you may not live to see it, those young star gazers may one day kneel with you at His feet.

 

 

Light of the World,

 

Jesus, You are the Light of the World, shining in the middle of our darkness. 

As the wise men watched the sky and followed the star, may we, 

Your people, turn our eyes toward heaven. 

May we follow Your light to walk the road of faith. 

As Daniel faithfully waited and told younger generations about Your salvation, 

may we be found faithful to point others to the light of Your love. 

Shine on us, Lord Jesus, so that Your Light may shine through us.
Amen.

The Music of Christmas is available in print or digital formats.