When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 KJV

The story of the wisemen did not begin with who they were – it started with a star. The Bible explains that, while they were still far away, they saw a star. Now, we don’t know if God spoke directly to them, or if they learned about it by reading the Hebrew scriptures, but they believed that this star signaled the birth of a miraculous king. Then they made the biggest decision of their lives and left everything behind to follow the star. Where the wise men came from remains a mystery, but who they were going to see is known around the world. In a similar way, some of us come from broken homes with difficult or even dangerous circumstances. Others have been born into families with every need provided and are eager about our future. But whatever circumstances of where we are from doesn’t matter to God. He sends a star so that anyone can follow, if we choose.

Those wise men of long ago, also came with a purpose of which they were not ashamed. “We have come to worship Him.” they told everyone, when they arrived in Bethlehem. They weren’t bothered by the fact that there was no palace for this king. Instead, they humbly offered their gifts, bowed before the King of Kings and worshipped at His feet. Today, though the wise men have returned home, the Christmas star still shines and can lead anyone who will follow it to Bethlehem. There at the manger, Jesus still welcomes both wise men and wise women, who have come to worship Him!