If you look at a typical crèche or nativity set, you’ll see everyone gathered around the manger at the same time. If you read the relevant passages in the Bible, you know it didn’t happen that way. The Wise Men didn’t appear until about two months after Jesus was born.
That doesn’t mean having this candle on the wreath is misinformation. The Wise Men were most likely Chaldeans, and there learned men studied the heavens for religious reasons. They knew every star and every constellation in the night sky.
When the new star appeared, they knew about it instantly. When it appeared to move, they could sense a religious reason for it. Naturally, they had to follow the star.
Such a journey for such a purpose took a little time to plan and prepare for. They assumed it was the birth of some Great Person, probably a god or a king. In fact, after reading what we call the Old Testament, they knew that the Child they were looking for would probably be found in Israel.
As they traveled towards that country, they brought gifts. Gold, frankincense and myrrh were to be offered. These were typical for such an auspicious birth.
The star led them to Jerusalem, as they more or less expected it would. When they arrived, they were ushered in for an audience with Herod himself. They asked Herod where the new King of the Jews was.
As you can imagine, Herod had a bunch of emotions run through his mind at this innocent question. He was probably dumbfounded and then infuriated. *He* was the king of the Jews, thank you very much. He had been appointed such by Rome itself.
However, Herod decided to use cunning and not strike off the heads of the Wise Men. He called in the scribes. After reading the prophecies, they found that the Baby was to be born in Bethlehem. Herod requested that, after they found the Child, they return and tell where He was. Herod wanted to “worship” Him too.
Bethlehem is very close to Jerusalem; a mere six miles or so. It didn’t take long for the Magi to reach the hamlet and find the house where Joseph, Mary and Jesus were staying. To the astonishment of the young couple, the men worshiped their child and left their offerings with them.
God knew the plans in Herod’s heart. He warned the Magi in a dream that Herod meant to do the Baby harm. They left by a different route and did not report back to Herod. That would later have some very devastating consequences.
This story is very important and not just to the meaning of Christmas. It prepares the way toward Epiphany, the season in which we celebrate the coming of the Wise Men. This is why the Wise Men in our Nativity scene slowly travel up the table. They won’t arrive at the “stage” until January sixth, the accepted date for the visitation.
This is the last candle before the Christ Candle. It can let the kids know that Christmas is almost here. Knowing what it stands for may also help them look beyond Christmas towards the rest of Jesus’ life.