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Everybody knows the story. Jesus is born, the angels sing, the shepherds gather 'round, and the three wise men drop off some loot, right?

We've all heard the story of baby Jesus and the manger. There was no room at the inn, so Joseph had to take his pregnant wife, Mary, to the stable out back. There she gave birth to our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and placed him in a manger.

Countless church Christmas pageants have reenacted that incredible scene. Young children dressed as shepherds (and sheep) come stumbling in to see the miracle. Shortly after, three taller children wearing crowns on their heads and dressed in ornate robes come sauntering onto the stage. They each place a small treasure chest by the manger: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

But who were those "wise guys" anyway?

"When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem..." (Matthew 2:1-2 NAB)

Originally, Persian priests were called "magi." However, by the time this Gospel was written, the term had a wider meaning. The term "magus" referred to anyone believed to have knowledge beyond that of an average human being. The magi were astrologers.

Upon seeing the new star in the sky, they assumed (correctly) that a king had been born. At the time, it was a common belief that a new star was formed whenever a ruler was born. So they mounted their camels and set out to find the new king. However, you may know, their first stop wasn't to see the new king. Their first stop was to see the crooked current king, Herod.

King Herod was a sly old rascal and tried to play up really nice to the magi. "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." (Matthew 2:8 NAB) Herod figured that these three wise men could find this new king for him, and then he could take appropriate measures to protect his throne.

And why didn't they turn Jesus over to Herod? Were they wise enough to figure it out, or was there something else?

The story of the magi is read on the Epiphany. An epiphany is "a revelatory manifestation of a divine being, or a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something."

In everyday English, what that means is that the magi finally "got it." They realized the true identity of Jesus. The fact that Jesus is the Son of God became clear to the magi, and they fell to their knees and worshipped him. They truly understood, and their actions showed it.

These Persian priests from a far away land realized that what the tiny child, Jesus, brought to the world was far more valuable than monetary riches. What the child brought was far more valuable than gold, frankincense or myrrh. What the child brought would save the world.

Redemption and salvation: what could be more valuable than that?

Life Applications:
God became man through Jesus. What does that really mean to you?
Have you ever experienced your own epiphany?
What is it that you truly value?

From the Catechism:

Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest. The Church never tires of singing the glory of this night:
The Virgin today brings into the world the Eternal
And the earth offers a cave to the Inaccessible.
The angels and shepherds praise him
And the magi advance with the star,
For you are born for us,
Little Child, God eternal!
(CCC 525)

The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning toward the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that "the full number of the nations" now takes its "place in the family of the patriarchs," and acquires Israelitica dignitas (are made "worthy of the heritage of Israel"). (CCC 528)

By Brandon Jubar

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