Kings Bring Gold and Incense

Isaiah 60:1-7 (NKJV)

On the night of Christ’s birth, a mysterious and luminous star appeared and persisted in the western heavens.  Matthew 2:1, 2 (NKJV) 

The Magi, Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior, followed the guiding star over a long journey in search of the infant Jesus.

Often I have wondered if the luminous star of the east was the (third Heaven) vibrating and radiating with the magnificent news of Jesus birth.

Arise, shine; for your light has come!  And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.  The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:1-3 NKJV)

The Magi were educated men of influence in their communities, studied and attentive to Hebrew scripture and prophecies.  

 “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel”. (Numbers 24:17, NKJV) 

 They knew the timeline prophecy of Daniel regarding the appearance of the Messiah and believed His coming was near. (Daniel 9:25, 26 NKJV)

Armenian tradition considers Gaspar to be from India, Balthasar from Arabia and Melchior from Persia.  We are not told if they traveled together or alone, in confluence at some point.

We do know that the Magi did not arrive until after Jesus was presented by Jewish law and custom at the Temple in Jerusalem, (Luke 2:22-39) Jesus was possibly two years old at that time. 

Finally the Magi arrived to meet the One for which their long journey of anticipation had come to an end.  Costly gold, frankincense and myrrh were the gifts of adoration offered to the young child Jesus.   

For we who come in faith and desire, Jesus is as close as each breath we take.  Our gifts of praise and adoration are richer and sweeter than silver and gold. 

“In my hand no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”

Rock of Ages:  (Reverend Augustus Montague Toplady, 1763)