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The Wise Men Welcome Him, January 16
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he
that is born King of the Jews?
Matthew 2:1, 2
.
The King of glory stooped low to take humanity; and angels, who had witnessed
His splendor in the heavenly courts, as He was worshiped by all the heavenly
hosts, were disappointed to find their divine Commander in a position of so great
humiliation.
The Jews had separated themselves so far from God ... that angels could not
communicate to them the tidings of the advent of the infant Redeemer. God chooses
the Wise Men of the East to do His will....
“There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that
is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to
worship him.” These men were not Jews; but they had been waiting for the predicted
Messiah. They had studied prophecy, and knew the time was at hand when Christ
would come; and they were anxiously watching for some sign of this great event,
that they might be among the first to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship
Him.
These Wise Men were philosophers, and had studied the works of God in nature.
In the wonders of the heavens, in the glories of the sun, moon, and stars, they traced
the finger of God. They were not idolaters. They lived up to the dim light which
shone upon them.... These Wise Men had seen the heavens illuminated with light,
which enshrouded the heavenly host who heralded the advent of Christ to the humble
shepherds. And after the angels returned to heaven, a luminous star appeared, and
lingered in the heavens.
This light was a distant cluster of flaming angels, which appeared like a luminous
star. The unusual appearance of the large, bright star which they had never seen
before, hanging as a sign in the heavens, attracted their attention. They were not
privileged to hear the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds. But the Spirit of
God moved them out to seek this heavenly Visitor to a fallen world. The Wise Men
directed their course where the star seemed to lead them. And as they drew nigh to
the city of Jerusalem, the star was enshrouded in darkness, and no longer guided
them....
The Wise Men are surprised to see no unusual interest upon the subject of the
coming of the Messiah.... The Wise Men plainly stated their errand. They were in
search of Jesus, the King of the Jews, for they had seen His star in the east and had
come to worship Him....
The advent of Christ was the greatest event which had taken place since the
creation of the world.... The eye of God was upon His Son every moment.... The
gifts brought to them [Joseph and Mary] by the Wise Men sustained them while in
the land of [Egypt] (
The Review and Herald, December 24, 1872
).
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