When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come do to him homage.”
Matthew 2:1-2
The Magi or Wise men were from Persia, what is now modern-day Iraq. They were astronomers who closely tracked the movement of heavenly bodies and claimed to read them as omens of earthly events. They served as advisors to the king in his court. At one point, they were so revered in Persia that they were considered the power behind the throne.
The Jewish people would have had a negative view of the Magi. While the Magi looked to the stars for guidance and direction, the Jewish people looked to God and the law to direct their steps. The Magi would have never sought out the Jewish Messiah on their own. But one day they see in the sky something quite unexpected – constellations they never would have seen before. This signals to them that someone important has been born – the newborn king of the Jewish people. This unexpected event puts them on a journey to find the Messiah.
When the wise men encounter an unexpected event, it moves them to seek the Lord. Pray today for the grace to seek the Lord whenever you meet unexpected problems or challenges.