Fourth Sunday in Advent: Wise Men Bow Down

For all the wise men and women I know across the nations.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When they saw the star they shouted joyfully. As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1, 10-11

Wisdom asks questions, wisdom shouts joyfully, and wisdom bows down.

The wise men of Matthew 2 were seeking the One called the King of the Jews. Perhaps their hope began in the days when Daniel and his companions served in the Persian court, when prophecies such as Numbers 24:17 foretold the rise of a star from Jacob. In any case, the wise men were waiting expectantly, watching with hope, and demonstrating faith as they came from the nations and bowed before the King of kings. The wise men represent hope for the nations through the promised Messiah born at Christmas.

Wise people today still bow down. #advent #Christmas Share on X

They are not afraid to ask powerful people questions in their search for the Savior. They are not ashamed to shout for joy when they find Who they seek. They do not hesitate to bow down and worship Jesus.

This is true wisdom, and it shines through the ages, just like the star that brought the first wise men to the side of a humble manger.

I’ve encountered the wise in remote African villages, dense European cities, long immigration lines, thick Asian jungles, and on glacier-topped mountains. Around the world, people are bowing before the King!

Come, let us worship and bow down. Then, with a joyful shout, we will rise and go to the nations, declaring that the King of kings has come!

Lord, I will bravely ask questions, shout with joy, and bow down in worship before You this Christmas. Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Amen.

@audreycfrank