This article is part of a series called “12 Days of Christmas: A daily study guide to bring the Savior into the season.” See the full list of days in the study guide and learn more about how it’s formatted here.
When the wisemen came from the east to Jerusalem, they knew just who they were looking for. In Matthew 2:2, it says that they had “seen his star … and are come to worship him.”
Later, when Herod called the wise men, he “inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared” (verse 7). Finally, they found where the star “stood over where the young child was” (verse 9). In verse 10, we then read the following:
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
What can we learn from this verse?
- To find Christ, we must earnestly seek him. The wise men knew that Christ had come. They had, after all, observed the star in the east. Upon seeing that star, they could have simply observed it and prayed in gratitude, knowing that the Savior was born. But they didn’t just rejoice from afar—they made the journey to see Him. Similarly, if we are to find Christ in our lives, we must be willing to undertake our spiritual journey and come unto Him.
To find Christ, we must learn of Him. When the wise men came to Jerusalem, it says in verse 2 that they asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” It’s interesting to think about who the wise men asked that question to. Was it people in Jerusalem who they had met along the way? Was it scholars or someone in a position of power? Whoever it was, the scriptures don’t record that the wise men received an answer—and perhaps that’s because no one knew. Some, of course, like Herod’s chief priests and scribes, knew of the prophesy that a “Governor … shall rule my people Israel” (verse 6). But as they don’t say anything about him being the Savior, it seems they were missing the more important point.
Imagine it—being right there in the very city where Christ was born and completely missing the fulfillment of prophecy. But in contrast, the wise men were well aware of what was happening. They knew the stars, and they knew the prophecy that had been made about the new star that had risen in the sky. And they trusted in what they knew, following the star and going to great lengths when they arrived in Jerusalem to find where Christ was born. In fact, they seemed to know so much about the star that Herod even asked them in Matthew 1:7 “what time the star appeared.” The wise men are an example to us today of how searching deeply for the truth with real intent can bring us to the Savior.
Quote: “Nonbelievers must have also seen the star. They wouldn't have been able to miss such a spectacular sight, but they certainly did not see it as a sign. They merely marveled at the oddity. It was only the wise men who recognized the star for what it was and let it guide them to the Savior” (Brad Wilcox, Because of the Messiah in a Manger).
Ponder: How can I better look for and learn of Christ?
Read: “How did the wise men know to look for a star?” on LDS Living by Brad Wilcox
Watch: “The Wise Men Seek Jesus”
