Decorating our home for Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend has become a mother-daughter tradition since our oldest was about 2. I remember the first time I gathered the Christmas ornaments and gave her the assignment of placing the smallest ones on the lower branches of the tree. With Christmas carols playing on the surround sound system, she squealed with delight, mumbling the words of the songs while carefully placing about 20 ornaments on one single lower branch — a memory I captured on camera. It was one of many moments I will forever treasure in my heart.
While carefully unwrapping the manger scene figurines for my foyer table this year, I paused to look closely at the three magi in the set. Draped in ostentatious robes, the artist was careful to portray the paradox of the moment: rich, illustrious men, prostrated before a newborn in a feeding trough. It’s a part of the manger scene which, although historically wrong, is true to its core message. Even though the three kings did not come to the manger, but rather to Christ’s humble home in Jerusalem about two years after his birth, Matthew records in his Gospel that they indeed “fell to the ground and worshiped him.”
There are certain characteristics of the three wise men that heighten the significance of their worship of Israel’s promised Messiah. First, they were gentile, making them the first gentiles who worshipped Jesus. Secondly, we know that they were intellectuals. They were called Magoi or “magicians” — a known term used for Persian philosophers and priests. Thirdly, according to scholars, they were most probably from Arabia, since it is said they came from the East, and Arabia is called the Land of the East in Scriptures.
The gifts they bore were also products of that country: gold — a treasure that was brought as tribute for Jesus as king; frankincense — a treasure used to honor him as God with the smoke of incense; and finally, myrrh, to symbolize Jesus’ sacrificial death, since myrrh was used in embalming the dead. Each of these gifts were significant. Each of them, priceless. Just as priceless as the long journey these mighty men took, following the light that was guiding them to Christ.
They knew power, possessions and prestige, and yet, bowed before a toddler, in awe and adoration, setting aside their prominence and pride, thus acknowledging that their earthy position and wealth were subdued by his presence.
I thought about the magi when I came across the third beatitude while studying the Sermon of the Mount:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
While teaching new concepts of righteousness, Jesus conveyed to his followers that one of the characteristics that God seeks from us is meekness. The meek (or humble) are blessed, or “happy” as a better translation of the Greek word used in the original text.
Meekness is not a popular word these days, and many equal it to weakness. But meekness as taught by Jesus, is not adopting a low view of oneself; nor is it discrediting our accomplishments or refuting material blessings. Meekness in this sense is characterized by humble submission to God. The meek lay aside their pride, and bear provocation without having to send back a harsh answer. The meek are cool when others are hot, and choose to forgive, yet again, instead of calling for revenge. The meek lay aside their agenda and make great sacrifices to help others and honor God. The meek recognize, just as the three kings did, that even the mightiest are poor before the one who spoke the stars into existence.
As I think about this Christmas, when families will gather to celebrate and share gifts, I cannot help but think that so many people dread getting together because of ongoing conflicts. Regardless of the battles among family members, most will come bearing gifts — a tradition started by the three kings themselves. May their humble submission to God inspire us to remember what Jesus taught us on the Mount that day: Blessed are those who humbly submit to God, offering others peace, forgiveness and grace.
May this Christmas be a time of reconciliation and peace for our families, as we heed the words of the baby whose birthday we celebrate.
