The Gifts of the Magi
Prayer for Understanding
O God, In the fullness of time, Your Word became flesh in Christ Jesus and lived among us. As we hear Your written Word, help us see Your Truth and testify to it so that all might believe in Your Living Word, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gift of the Magi is a short story by O. Henry, a famous American author. It tells the tale of a young couple, Jim and Della, who face the challenge of buying Christmas gifts for each other with very little money.
On Christmas Eve, Della feels heartbroken because she has only $1.87 to buy a gift for her husband, Jim. Determined to find a solution, she decides to sell her beautiful, long hair for $20.
With the money, she buys a platinum chain for Jim’s cherished pocket watch, excited to give him the perfect gift.
That evening, when Della presents her gift to Jim, she discovers that he has sold his pocket watch to buy her a set of ornamental combs for her hair.
Although both gifts are now impractical, their actions reveal how deeply they love and value each other. The story concludes with the narrator comparing their sacrificial love to the gifts of the Magi in the Bible.
This brings us to today’s Gospel lesson: the visit of the Magi as recorded in Matthew 2.
What made their gifts special?
And what can we learn from them about giving and receiving?
Today is Epiphany Sunday. The word “Epiphany” comes from a Greek term meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.”
For Christians, it celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the divine Son of God, particularly to the Magi, who were Gentiles. This event reminds us that Jesus came for all people, not just for the Jews.
Interestingly, the word “epiphany” also has a common meaning: a sudden realization or a new perspective. It’s that lightbulb moment when you see something more deeply or clearly.
This dual meaning — the revelation of Christ and our personal moments of insight — sets the stage for us to engage with this familiar story in a fresh way.
Many people, even non-Christians, associate the story of the Magi with the Christmas season. However, over the centuries, some details have been embellished or misunderstood.
Let’s revisit what the Bible actually says.
First of all, who were the Magi?
We often think of the Magi as kings, thanks to the Christmas hymn we just sang, “We Three Kings of Orient Are.”
Tradition even assigns them names: Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar, representing Arabia, Persia, and India, respectively.
In some cultures, like in China, it’s believed one of the Magi was Chinese.
But the Magi were not kings. They were likely scholars or astrologers from the East, skilled in studying the stars and interpreting signs. The Bible also does not specify how many Magi there were.
The idea of “three” likely arose because of the three gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
While tradition paints a picturesque scene of three royal figures at the manger, the Bible doesn’t confirm these details.
The word "Magi" comes from the ancient Greek term magos and the Old Persian word magu.
Both terms referred to a class of scholar-priests renowned for their knowledge in areas like astronomy, astrology, dream interpretation, philosophy, and religious rituals.
Because of this, the term “wise men” is often used to describe them.
There has been much speculation about the Magi and their journey. Why would Gentile astrologers undertake such a long and dangerous trip to see the King of the Jews?
Many scholars believe that these Magi, likely from Persia or Babylon, had been influenced by the teachings of Daniel.
In the time of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Daniel — a captive from Jerusalem — interpreted the king’s mysterious dream when none of the magicians, sorcerers, or astrologers could do so.
Because of this, Daniel was appointed ruler over the province of Babylon and placed in charge of all its wise men.
Even when Persia conquered Babylon, Daniel remained a respected leader under Persian kings.
It’s possible that Daniel shared prophecies and visions about the coming Messiah with the wise men of Babylon and Persia.
Over generations, these teachings may have been preserved, leading the Magi to watch for a sign.
When they saw the star, they recognized it as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and set out to find the Promised One.
Their journey was not easy. Traveling through the wilderness and facing numerous dangers, they likely spent months—or even years—on the road. By the time they arrived in Judea, Jesus was no longer a baby in a manger but a young child living in a house.
In Matthew 2:1-2, we read: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’”
Their question was directed to the wrong person.
King Herod, known as Herod the Great, was not a true Jew. Appointed by Rome, he was seen by many as a puppet king.
Though he was an ambitious builder and visionary, he was also paranoid and tyrannical. To secure his power, he even murdered one of his wives and two of his sons.
When the Magi arrived asking about the “King of the Jews,” Herod’s insecurities were triggered. He gathered the chief priests and teachers of the law to find out where the Messiah was to be born.
Remarkably, these religious leaders knew the answer, citing prophecies from Micah:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)
Herod did not respond with gladness but with fear and hostility. Herod considered the baby as a threat and began plotting to eliminate this supposed rival.
On top of that, while Herod’s scribes and chief priests were able to correctly interpret the ancient prophecies, they themselves were not eagerly awaiting the Messiah.
Despite their vast knowledge of Scripture, they showed no enthusiasm for seeking out the Christ-Child. They weren’t even willing to travel the short six-mile journey to Bethlehem to investigate the news the Magi brought.
In contrast, the Magi had traveled more than a thousand miles, enduring scoffing, sleepless nights, and dangers, to worship the King of Kings.
When King Herod learned that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, he secretly asked the Magi to report back to him once they found the child, claiming he wanted to worship Him as well. But this was a lie.
Later, when he realized the Magi had returned to their country without revealing the child’s location, his paranoia drove him to commit a horrific act. He ordered the killing of all boys aged two and under in the Bethlehem area.
Meanwhile, the Magi, continuing their journey, followed the same star they had seen in the East. The star stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw it, they were overwhelmed with joy.
Upon entering the house, they saw the child with His mother, Mary.
They traversed harsh deserts, navigated treacherous terrain, and endured the uncertainties of travel in ancient times—all for the sake of following a star.
Their journey was not just a physical undertaking but also a profound act of faith, driven by the hope of witnessing a divine moment foretold in prophecy.
Now, standing in the presence of the Savior of the world, they experienced a moment of awe and wonder that words could scarcely capture.
With deep humility, they bowed down and worshiped the Christ child. Then, they opened their treasures and presented them to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
These were not merely valuable offerings; they carried profound significance.
Each gift pointed to Jesus’ identity and mission—gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh for His suffering and sacrifice.
Together, they foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to the world.
Epiphany unveils the truth of who Christ is.
It’s a moment to reflect: Have we experienced our own epiphany?
Have we recognized the King of Kings and allowed Him to transform our lives?
The Magi’s pilgrimage reminds us that faith is not passive but active—it calls us to seek, journey, and respond.
Like Jim and Della in O. Henry’s story, the Magi’s gifts required sacrifice. True love often involves giving up something valuable for the sake of someone else.
This is the essence of God’s love for us, demonstrated through the gift of His Son.
As we begin this new year, let us commit ourselves anew to Christ.
Like the Magi, let us worship Him with joy, offering what is most precious in our lives: our time, talents, treasures, and hearts.
Let this year be a journey of faith, marked by trust in God’s leading and a willingness to step out into the unknown.
So, what will you bring to the King of Kings this year?
Will you give Him your dreams, your plans, your devotion?
Like the Magi, step forward.
Follow the star, and you will find the Savior who transforms lives.
Let us begin this journey of faith together, rejoicing exceedingly with great joy.
Let us pray.
Precious Jesus, like the Magi who journeyed far to find You, we too walk a path of faith that is often filled with challenges. We face uncertainties, fears, and doubts, yet we trust in Your guiding light.
Today, we recommit our lives to You, laying down our comforts, ambitions, and personal desires at Your feet. We do this because we know that true joy is found in worshiping You, our Savior and King.
Receive us, O King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and lead us into a new year filled with faith, hope, and purpose in You.
In Your holy and precious name, we pray. Amen.