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three wise men

The Wise Ones

Dec 3, 2018

What constitutes wisdom? Have you learned a few things over the years, even learned from your mistakes? How do you know if you are wise?  There’s an old saying that goes “with age comes wisdom.”  But not necessarily.  Actually, wisdom includes the qualities of “discernment, insight, perception, and sageness”. (Merriam-Webster)

Are you becoming wiser? A website lists “7 Signs you are Becoming Wise.”  It includes gaining qualities like learning to see the bigger picture, gaining perspective, knowing what really matters, and developing a rich inner life and relationship with God. (Osborn, Carol. “7 Signs you are Becoming Wise.” Spring 2013, www.beliefnet.com, accessed November 14, 2018.)

The Christmas account includes some very wise men who were the first ones to worship baby Jesus. They are called magi, wise men or kings. Whether they numbered three we cannot prove. We know they actually arrived 1-2 years after Jesus was born and came to the house where Mary and Joseph were staying.

It has been suggested we imagine what would have happened if there had been three wise women instead of three wise men!?!

  • They would have asked for directions to the stable instead of going to King Herod
  • They would have arrived on time and helped deliver the baby
  • They would have cleaned the stable and brought practical gifts—like a casserole!

Good for a laugh! But why were the Magi called wise?

  1. They searched for greater wisdom. They kept learning even though they were very intelligent advisors to kings. However, in their day they couldn’t initiate an internet search to find out what the brilliant star was in the sky. But it grabbed their attention and it beckoned them to go and see. They continued their search by heading in the right direction bringing gifts. It was a costly search, possibly 1,000 miles. Yet, they persisted.
  2. They found Him, the source of wisdom, in lowly places. They were looking for a king in a king’s palace, but instead were directed towards a very small town, a child, and poor humble parents.
  3. They recognized one greater than themselves. And as a result they bowed in honor and worshipped the Christ child. They found “Him in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!             

Written by Chaplain Sherree Lane