JEFF TURNER

In ancient Persia, a group of scholars spotted an unusual star blazing in the night sky. This celestial sign set them on an extraordinary journey that would transform them from astronomers into worshippers. These learned men understood that the star heralded something big – the birth of a prophesied king. Despite the lengthy and dangerous thousand-mile trek ahead, they gathered precious gifts and set out toward Jerusalem.

These seekers from the East carried gold fit for royalty, sweet-smelling frankincense used in temple worship, and myrrh – an aromatic resin used in burial customs. While these physical gifts were valuable, their greatest offering was their wholehearted devotion. As Luke 2:11 records, they sought “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Unlike the religious scholars in Jerusalem who knew the prophecies but remained unmoved, these travelers acted on what they discovered.

The visitors’ encounter with King Herod revealed two starkly different responses to Jesus. While Herod reacted with fear and hostility toward a potential rival, the Eastern scholars approached with humility and worship. When warned in a dream to avoid returning to Herod, they immediately obeyed, protecting the young Jesus from harm. Their responsiveness to divine guidance demonstrated that wisdom isn’t just about having knowledge – it’s about acting on it.

Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated this same attitude of humble obedience. From his birth in a humble manger to washing his disciples’ feet with a servant’s towel, he consistently showed that true greatness comes through service. Even in death, he was wrapped in burial linens, fulfilling ancient prophecies. But the story didn’t end there – he now reigns wrapped in majesty and glory.

The journey of these ancient seekers shows us the most precious gift we can offer isn’t gold or incense, but our very selves. Like humble gift wrap that draws attention to what’s inside rather than itself, our lives can point others to Christ through attitudes of obedience, worship, and service.