Christmas Lesson 2026

The Visit by the Magi

This Christmas, I plan on doing something a little different. I could stand up here and recount the story again, but we all know it. It never gets old, but I want to focus today on a particular part of the story. In our reading, Matthew tells the story of the “wise men”, or Magi. So today, I want to focus specifically on them. Who were they, where were they from, and what was the meaning of the gifts they brought? What does it mean for us today? I think it is fascinating to dive into the history of this, and hopefully we can learn something from it.

If you read the commentaries on this, there are some common themes. Some think Babylonians, some Persians, some just say “who knows”. Digging for truth had a fascinating episode called “Who were the Magi”. A lot of the following information I obtained from that source, and would encourage anyone interested to watch that episode.

The word has evolved over time, but Matthew uses “magi”, so what does he mean, at that time in history? Who were the Magi?

Modern translations often use “wise men”, and indeed they were. But older translations use “magi”. It is a a Greek word “Magos”, and “Magi” is the pleural. It is the root word for “magician”.

First of all, they are NOT named. There is an Armenian text that names them, but it comes from the 5th century.

The tradition says “Melkon, king of Persia,; Gaspar, king of India, and Baldassar, king of Arabia” were the “three kings”. This is nothing but tradition, unlikely to have any historical accuracy. So, where do Matthew get his information. Obviously, he was a disciple, so likely either Jesus Himself, or even from Mary.

Matthew says they were

1: From the East

2. Came to pay homage after seeing the star

3. They gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh

Note, 3 gifts are given, ? number of “wise men” or magi.

Suggestions for who they were, as discussed, Babylonian astrologers, some thing Persian priests, some even say “Chinese mystics”.

However, clearly the Babylonian and the Persian empires were both a thing of the past when Christ was born.

History tells us the Babylonians were defeated by the Persians, who were then defeated by the Seleucids, and at the time of Jesus that area had been taken over by the Parthians. It is possible that they were men who could trace there ancestry back to Persia or Babylon, but the empires themselves were gone at this time in history. Interestingly, a lot of the area east of Judea was not under Roman control (such as Arabia) at the birth of Christ, although some was later inducted into Roman territory

So, what are Magi in history? Who is Matthew referring to when he uses the term?

First, it was used as an ethnic term. According to the historian Herodotus, the “magi” was simply one of the ancient tribes. The Medians had at least six tribes, and the Magi was one of them. They would have been an important of the Medo-Persian Empire. Some ancient texts talk about people from the tribe of Magi. As history continues, the term begins to change meaning. It becomes associated with a group of Priests. The Persians Kings highly regarded the Priests/Magi. It is even recorded that Cyrus the Great would use the Magi to perform sacrifices prior to battles.

There is a relief that has been found in Persepolis, showing King Darius, and behind him king Xerxes, and behind him a “magi”. (The picture sort of looks like what we think of today). By the time of the NT, the word changes meaning again, and basically means “magician”. For example, Paul and Barnabas meet a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. The word used to describe him is “magi”.

The area east of Judea was ruled, as stated, by the Parthians. The king of the area was Phraates IV at the time of Jesus’ birth. Wise men from his courts, and astrologers, are one possibility.

However, there is another good candidate. The Nabateans were ruled by the king Aretas IV at the time of Christ’s birth. The capitol city was Petra, in modern day Jordan. Wise men from his court are also a strong possibility. At this time in hx, this kingdom was independent. Territories include Syria, Jordan, Sini, and even modern Saudi Arabia. Most of this area IS east of Judea/ Bethlehem. It eventually became part of the Roman Empire, but not until 106 AD. One of the cities, as a rock cut city, is Hegra in Saudi Arabia. This is 500 miles from Jerusalem.

Also, there are ties between Herod the Great and the Nabateans. His mother Cypros, who was Nabatean. Herod maintained ties to this area during his reign.

Also, their traders would travel this desert region. Because of the hot climate, they likely traveled at night. Because of this, they would be familiar with the stars, and would have seen any unusual phenomenon. They likely had a grasp on astronomy and would use the stars for direction.

They were know for their trading as well. They became very wealthy by trading along the incense road. This is from Hegra, through Petra, and all the way to Gaza. They were well know to transport and trade Frankincense and Myrrh. They basically had a monopoly on the Frankincense trade. If they were NOT the Magi, then almost certainly the Frankincense would have been purchased by them.

Early church fathers, such as Clement of Rome associated Arabia with the land of Myrrh and Frankincense. Justin Martyr wrote that the Magi came from Arabia (east and south of Jerusalem).

They also had access to gold. Early writing state that the Nabateans did not need to import gold or silver because it was found in their land. Some ancient texts state that “Gold and silver and most of the aromatics are produced in their own country”.

So, this culture certainly seems to show promise, although there is really no way to know for sure. It certainly fits the time of Jesus’ birth.

At any rate, there is another subtle point that Matthew drives home here. Without even stating it, he clearly paints Christ as not only the king of the Jews, but He is clearly the King of the world as well, as the Gentiles come to worship. This is in lign with earlier prophets as well.

Isaiah 60:3 “The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.”

As we follow the Magi (wise men), they are said to follow a star. I won’t spend much time on this. It has been debated what this star was. There have been several theories on this.

Halley’s comet was visible in 11 BC.

Saturn and Jupiter were lined up in a conjunction in 7 BC, and this would have been bright. One commentary even went so far as to say in ancient days that Jupiter was associated with “kings”, and Saturn with the Jews.

around 5 BC, Sirius (dog star) rose with the sun (helically), and therefore appeared bright.

Perhaps a comet?

Although we cannot pinpoint this for sure, obviously there was something different in the sky. Some say that they only saw it “in the east”, and knew to go to Jerusalem, and it did not actually guide them. Even if this is true, then it reappeared and guided them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and to “where the young child was”. However, it occured, God obviously miraculously ordained and timed it just right to be a sign and a guide to the Magi.

Several commentator pointed out also that it is interesting that gentiles, perhaps even magicians/astrologers, came to seek the king that was born. Conversely, the leaders of his own people did not seek him. (obviously some did seek him such as Anna and Simeon, but the religious leaders did not).

We all know of Herod’s attempted deception. Matthew even records that Herod was troubled and “all Jerusalem with him”. Herod had murder in his heart. The citizens knew what he was capable of, and therefore feared possible widespread blood shed if Herod so determined it was necessary. Indeed, it did happen with the murder of the innocent children when Herod realized that the wise men had deceived him.

Matthew 2:9–10 “When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

Just a couple of points. Some say the wording indicates that the star “reappeared”, that they had seen while they were “in the east”. Whether or not it was visible the whole time, or if it reappeared, it clearly led them to Jesus at that time. Also, it says they “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy”. This wording indicated jubilation, and almost a state of ecstacy. In the same way, when a man finds Christ today, the reaction is the same.

I want to spend some time, to close this lesson, with a discussion of the gifts that the wise men/magi gave him. I have already discussed how it would be easy for the magi to have these gifts, especially if they were traders on the “incense road”.

I will spend the bulk of the time on gold, but I will start with mentioning Frankincense and Myrrh.

The word Myrr likely comes from the word murr, arabic for bitter. Frankincense is likely derived from two words, franc (meaning pure) and incensium (meaning smoke). Both substances are gum resins that are obtained from tapping trees. There were several uses for these substances.

First of all, we immediately associate Frankincense with the sacrifices.

Leviticus 2:2 “He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. And the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.”

Frankincense was not used in sin offerings, but in thanksgiving and praise. Matthews reference to his Jewish audience would be clear, Jesus is our priest. It is beyond the scope of this lesson to go into all the uses of incense in the sacrifices, temple worship, etc.

Myrrh we associate with bitterness and death. It was used as an embalming substance. John records how Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus used “myrrh and aloes” to prepare the body of Jesus. One source I read stated that both Frankincense and Myrrh were used as long ago as the ancient Egyptians in the embalming and mummification processes.

It is not hard then to understand the significance of these gifts. On this level, it is clear that they symbolize that Christ is or priest, and that he will die.

However, there were other uses as well. They was used as a skin preparations and even cosmetics. Esther (which we have been studying) records that 6 months of the beautifying process was with “oil of myrrh.

History also records that myrrh was used in many medicinal remedies. Here are some of the many things it was used for: mouthwashes, relief for toothache, treating wounds and infections, (it also had pain relieving properties). It was even thought to improve circulation. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and even digestive complaints were thought to be relieved somewhat by both substances. Eve deafness and strokes were thought to be at least somewhat treated with these “medications”.

Both are used as perfumes as well. It is not hard to also imaging other images that may have been in Matthew’s mind as he wrote. The sacrifices in the OT are often described as a “sweet smelling aroma”. He is also the “great physician”. Even today He is often described as the “Rose of Sharon”.

I think that all of these descriptions can be implied as we study the gifts of the Magi.

I want to spend the last part of this lesson discussing gold. I hope I don’t bore to many here, but I want to go a little into the history of gold, it’s properties, value, etc, and in the end I will try to explain with this is probably the most perfect and descriptive gift the Magi could have brought. It still has profound meaning for us today.

I have several hobbies. I have shared some of these. I love to fish, I enjoy hunting, I love playing around with my guitar (when no one else is there to hear my mistakes), and I have always enjoyed coin collecting. I am going to try to use some of the knowledge to illustrate this. In fact, one of my more embarrassing moments revolve around this hobby. I once went into a coin shop with what I though was my list of coins I wanted to buy to complete a collection I was working on. I got the “wrong list”, and actually pulled out a “prayer list” (I had heard a sermon about keeping a prayer list). Needless to say, my wife and kids enjoyed that moment.

There are properties of gold that most people know. It is the “metal of kings”. It is associated with royalty even today. Unlike silver, it will not tarnish, at least pure gold will not (an alloy can). It is relatively a small amount available (silver is 15 X more common in the earth’s crust). It has also been used as money for over 5000 years. It has a track record.

Why did they not give Jesus any silver? I think they had a good reason, but I think I can illustrate with an example. I brought some coins with me to illustrate this. I need to also explain the difference in a bullion coin, and a numismatic coin.

I have first of all, a 2013 American Silver Eagle coin. These are Pure silver, 0.999 percent fine. It is one ounce. In 2013, there were over 42 million of these minted, so it is NOT rare. Therefore, the value of this coin is primarily in the one ounce of silver it contains. Silver closed this Friday with an asking price of a little over 67 dollars an ounce. That makes this coin worth about 67 dollars. In a coin shop, you will probably pay well over 70 dollars, as they will add a premium.

Next, I have here a Morgan silver dollar. Now this is a special coin. The Morgan dollars were minted from 1878 until 1904. The then stopped minting, and picked up again to mint one last Morgan dollar in 1921. Each coin contains roughly 3/4 ounce of silver in it. (Until 1964, the coins had real silver in them, as I will explain). If you just go off of spot price/silver value, this coin would only be worth around 52$. However, there are some properties that make it worth much more. First, this has the date 1878 on it, the first year the Morgan’s were minted. It also a “cc” on it, meaning it was minted in Carson City Nevada. In 1788, there were a little over 22 million Morgan dollars minted, and only about 2 million of these were from the Carson City Mint. The estimate is that only about 15 % of the Morgan dollars minted still exist today, as many have been lost or melted down for industry.

The Carson City Mint itself has an interesting history. They were initially going to build a mint in the middle of the country, somewhere between the two main mints in San Francisco and Philadelphia. However, in 1859, the Comstock Lode was discovered in Nevada. This was the first large silver ore deposit ever found in the US. Therefore, the Carson City was built in Nevada instead of the middle of the country.

However, it had a relatively short history. It was operational starting in 1870, and finally closed permanently in 1893. Because of it’s short duration and fame, collectors will pay a premium for a more rare CC minted coin. So, instead of being worth 52 dollars, this coin is worth more like 150-200$. The value is in the collectability, in addition to the silver in it.

However, how does that stack up against gold?

I have also brought today a tiny, 1/10 ounce gold eagle. It was also minted in 2013, and is NOT considered a collector coin. However, the price of gold closed on Friday at about 4,340$ per ounce. That make this coin worth about 440 $, even without a premium. In a coin shop, it would probably go for at least 480$ today.

I think this illustrated the worth of the metals. I can take the best silver has to offer so to speak, and I only get to about half of what this tiny gold coin is worth (about the size of a dime). I think this is one reason the Magi did NOT bring silver. It is only second best of the precious metals, it would NOT have been fitting for THE KING.

But I think there is more to this even than that fact. On the surface, this will seem boring, but it is actually profound. Gold is inflation proof. To explain why this is so important, I need to give a 2 minute history of money/metals in the US.

In April of 1792, our forefathers tied the currency of our nation to the value of both gold and silver. At that time, the made 1 ounce of gold worth 15 ounces of silver. There were many detractors from this in the 1800s, but our currency stayed relatively stable. In 1900, then, President William McKinley signed the Currency Act, and it established “permanently” the gold standard as the basis for dollars. Interestingly, gold was set at $20.67.

This held true until 1934. Many politicians did NOT like this. It locked prices but also hindered government spending (imagine that). Anyway, FDR became president in 1932 and he signed the “gold reserve act”. Basically, he confiscated the gold from the US population, and only allowed each citizen to have one gold coin. (wealthy families sent their gold to relative across seas when they could). Incidentally, that makes all pre 1933 gold US coins numismatic coins. So, he confiscated the gold, made it illegal, and then set a new price of 35 dollars an ounce. The currency then remained stable (roughly) until 1971. It that year, president Nixon, for various political and geopolitical reasons, took us completely off the gold standard. The value of our currency now rests not in gold, but in the “good faith” in our government. No wonder inflation set in.

Here are some brief numbers that illustrate this. It fluctuates, but overall you will see the value of gold “increase”

Through the 1960, 35$ / ounce

Nixon

December 1974, gold at $193/ounce

February 1980, gold at $661/ounce

It bounces around some:

April 2001, $256/ounce

March 2008, $983/ounce

December 2015, $1077/ounce

May 2023, $2050/ounce

Friday (as stated), $4340/ounce.

So, did gold get more expensive? NO! The dollar became more and more worthless. It may fluctuate, but never loses its true value.

With this small gold coin I showed you, I could buy about 450 dollars worth of groceries, etc. A few years ago, I could have only bought about 200 dollars of groceries. However, the 200 dollars would have gone a lot farther a few years ago than it does today! The value of the gold remains.

Here is one more illustration.

In 1935, the average price of a house was $3,450. Since gold was at 35 dollars an ounce, it took 98 ounces of gold to buy a house.

In 2024, the median price of a home in this country was $407,600. Now that gold is at $4340/ounce, it comes out to 94 ounces of gold to buy a home! That is what I mean by “inflation proof”.

How does this relate to the Magi’s gift of gold? The simple answer is purchasing power. As inflation hits a country/society, as the price of living increases as our politicians spend everything the can, gold will continue to “rise in price”, and it’s purchasing power remains. I don’t think with Magi could have come up with a better picture of Christ!

Gold, although a good example, is flawed because it is just physical, material goods. The blood of Christ, however, was physical AND spiritual. It is completely unflawed!

The same thing that the blood of Christ could do for a man in the 1930s is the same thing it can do today. As we often sing, “It will never lose it’s power”. If the world continues for another 500 years, His blood will be able to purchase a soul at that time just as easily as it can today.

As a nation may rack up debt, the price of gold will always increase to match it. In the same way, a man/woman may rack up a huge sin debt. They may spend a lifetime of sin, and have an enormous, “unpayable” debt. But as with gold, no matter what the debt, the blood of Christ will always match it. The purchasing power of His blood is infinite. No one can sin so much that the blood of Christ can’t cover it. As Paul cried out, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!”.

So, this Christmas, when we think of the Magi, let’s not forget that He is our priest, He did taste death for all (frankincense and myrrh), but let us also forever be thankful that the purchasing power of the Blood of Christ, as illustrated by the Magi’s gift of gold, will never diminish.

Merry Christmas!