The Magi or as Matthew calls them wise men were describe as a class of priests among the ancient Medes and Persians, associated with Zoroastrianism.  The Magi whose work involved studying ancient and sacred texts, as well as watching for movements of planets and stars that might be interpreted as divine messages.

The Greek word μάγοι (magoi) has its origin of the English word “magic,” or what one may call a magician, astrology, fortune telling, horoscopes and astronomy, witchcraft, alchemy, sorcery are mild forms of occult practice’s.  Pagan worshipers worship the creation more that the creator. The watching for movements of planets and stars =astrology this would make them astrologers. The magi’s knowledge of astrology and dream interpretation to determine affairs of state. in different heads of state. The Greco-Roman would often use these pagan worshipers of foreknowledge or fortune telling. In antiquity, the study of the stars was seen as a viable way to predict future events. The book of Isaiah condemns Babylonian astrologers who attempted to use the stars to predict future events. Once again we See clearly God will accomplish his will on earth as it will be done in heaven, by means all means. He will use Pagan worshipers to do if he has too. What does that say for us Christians that believe but don’t follow in obedience to Gods will  in our lives?

God provided these men with what they would need to find and lead them to the young child (not the babe) and to cause them to come and worship him and to give their treasures to him.

Have you given yours ?

Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Most of all the scripture tells us before this that Jesus was a babe not a young child.

This star led them to the precise location where Jesus was.  In nautical shipping the navigation was conducted by the stars in early history.

 Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

What joy these wise men must have felt upon the sight of this star, we can experience this same joy upon receiving Holy Spirit, at salvation first time encounter. We should rejoice in the same manner daily for his appearing in our lives.

 Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Again, scripture tells us before this that Jesus was a babe not a young child. It says and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Have you fell down to worship your Lord and your God?

Have you presented to him your treasures and talents and gifts?

Gold, and Frankincense, and Myrrh= all gifts befitting of a King.

Gold= A yellow precious metal prized for its ability to be shaped into something else without breaking.

Frankincense= An odorous resin imported from Arabia, considered the perfume of the sanctuary, when burnt it emitted a fragrant odor, incense it became a symbol of the Divine name and an emblem of prayer.

Myrrh= A costly spice brought as a gift to Jesus. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history in medicine, perfumery, and incenses.

Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Here is where these men get there name the wise men because the heed the warnings from God. Common sense prevailed and they departed another way to their own country. Not this only but they followed the sign of the star knowing it would lead to the King of the Jews. For pagan worshipper they were more obedient than most Christian’s today, for that matter even more obedient than the Jewish people of Jesus day. We need to be wise men and women in in God’s house today.

They came as Magi and left as wise men, given a new name just like us when we obtain salvation, we have a new name written down in heaven! Amen!

Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and, gave a message in dream, saying Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt.

 Be thou there until I bring thee word: remain until I tell you to return thus fulfilling a prophesy.

Warning: Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

Straight away Joseph acted immediately and moved out after the angel told him. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Remained in Egypt until the death of Herod.

 Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Herod slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. This would explain the nervousness and seriousness of “All Jerusalem with him” back in verse 3 -The city’s residents knew of Herod’s violence and were frightened at the prospect of further trouble.

This also shows his anger and hatred towards his own Jewish people.

Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the humble entry of the savior of all mankind. It is a time of good tidings of great joy for all man and women in the world because God has provided them with salvation.

It is a time of humbleness shared by all Jesus entered humbly in a manger, similar to his humble entry to Jerusalem through the sheep gate where all sacrifices would enter. This manger was made for the animals to feed out of physically, we must come to Jesus to be feed spiritually.    Bethlehem -house of bread  Jesus said I am the bread of life. Ephratah= Fruitfulness when we come to Jesus, and spend time in his house and learn of him we become filled, and as we become obedient then we can become fruitful. So much so we have an over following amount. (Fruitfulness).

Christmas should be celebrated daily! Amen!

Because

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.