The Magi represent the fourth character in the Christmas story, and we can learn so much from them.

They are in addition to Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds.

You only come across the Magi in the New Testament, and specifically in the gospel according to Matthew (2: 1-12).

Just like you, a lot of people may have questions such as:

• Who were they?
• Where did they come from?
• Why did they look for Jesus?

Matthew is the only place where we can get a glimpse of the ways we should answer the above questions.

In addition to those possible answers, we also can learn a lot from the Magi.

The Magi came from the East

According to Matthew 2, the Magi had come from the East.

But, that is such a broad answer to help us find out where they had come from to see Jesus. Let’s point out first that the terminology “Magi” is a plural word for “Magus.”

A Magus was referred to as:

• a person with skills to predict the future based on observation of stars, etc.
• a person who advises kings, and therefore someone with royal powers.
• a political figure with lots of political influence.

An example of a Magus, in the Bible, is that of Balaam (see Numbers 22-24).  A look at Balaam introduces the idea of some spiritual gifting, most Magi were believed to have.

In the case of Balaam, according to Numbers, he was able to curse and bless others.

Another example in the Bible of Magi is that of Daniel and his companions in Babylon. If you read the book of Daniel, you’ll discover that Daniel and his three friends, after being deported from Jerusalem, they were trained to serve as advisors to Nebuchadnezzar.

So, not only the word “Magi” has been as old as our human existence, but we also begin to see that the East, as mentioned in Matthew, covers most of the Persian empire.

In other words, the Magi might have come from a place that covers actual Iran, Irak, some of India, Northern part of Africa.

What we can learn from the Magi

As I said earlier there’s so much we can learn from the Magi. 

First, just as the Magi were able to read the signs, we should learn how to read the signs. We can’t predict the future or interpret dreams like Joseph or Daniel.

However, we can start with signs from our everyday living:

• Christmas is a sign that reminds us of the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Your life’s events: what you see, what you hear and how you act. 

Second, pay attention to the signs. That’s what the Magi did. Otherwise, they would have never been able to distinguish the start that led them to Bethlehem from all the other stars. 

In other words, ask God to help you see what God wants you to see, and hear what God wants you to hear. 

Third, follow the star just as the Magi did. They followed the star to the place where Jesus was. 

Lastly, choose to worship Jesus, not only bring Him gifts. 

Your turn now

What would you say we could learn from the Magi I didn’t mention in this reflection? Please, share it in the box comment below.